Dr. Henry Paul, MD

Psychiatrist, Author and Educator

Tag Archives: Henry Paul MD. NYC psychiatrist

THE BRUCE JENNER INTERVIEW

April 24th, 2015

There is a lot of speculation and curiosity about the highly promoted interview between Diane Sawyer and Bruce Jenner that is running tonight on ABC.  I am sure that after the interview there will be a lot of questions.  Many Americans do not understand what a life-changing decision it is for a person to struggle with gender identity.  The lack of understanding leads to confusion, paranoia, and discrimination.  What I hope will come from the Jenner interview is a national dialog that will change the stigma surrounding transgender people in the United States.

Elliot Fukui, TransJustice Coordinator at the Audre Lorde Project,  a community organization in New York City, spoke with CBS News recently about some of the common issues and misperceptions facing transgender people today.  He says that it is important to support a person’s right to choose their identity, and he suggests a number of ways to do just that.  Click here to read the CBS story and Fukui’s recommendations.

I just wrote last week in my blog about the great job that the media is doing bringing transgender characters and actors to television. It is evident that the diversification of today’s TV characters has certainly opened up plenty of discussions.  Tonight Jenner will only add to the discussion, and that’s a good thing.  I hope tomorrow to wake up and find the national dialog has exploded on this issue.  It will only help people to understand gender identity and the need to embrace those who choose to make a change.

Disclaimer

This blog is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical or psychiatric advice for individual conditions or treatment and does not substitute for a medical or psychiatric examination. A psychiatrist must make a determination about any treatment or prescription. Dr. Paul does not assume any responsibility or risk for the use of any information contained within this blog.

WHAT TO TELL YOUR CHILDREN ABOUT EBOLA

October 19th, 2014

It is scary to watch the news and hear about Ebola. With a 24-hour news cycle making Ebola the top news it’s no wonder that adults and young people are confused, scared and anxious about this disease. Hearing that two schools closed in Ohio last week because of Ebola, and then that a nurse traveled on a commercial flight and that health officials are now contacting all the passengers, is frightening.

It’s important to speak with your children about Ebola. Having said that, it is important for parents first to understand the disease and to calm their fears and anxieties, as children often take their cues from parents on how to react in difficult situations. The younger the children, the more likely they are to watch your reaction to the news rather than the news itself.

There is some good information out there about Ebola. The disease is rare, but it does cause severe illness. Here is a link to a very good overview of the disease that includes symptoms and treatment. Once you are comfortable with your understanding of the disease then, you should set aside some time to sit down with your child or children together. Listen to their concerns and fears. There are no “right” or “wrong” answers when discussing their concerns. Just try to be comforting and informative. Answer their questions honestly and assure them that you understand their anxiety about the Ebola. Explain the facts and offer them assurances in a language that is appropriate for their age. Make sure that the details you share are also age appropriate. With older children you may want to go online with them to look at fact sheets or visit sites like the CDC, WHO or a news site that you feel appropriately addresses the issues without an over-abundance of fear added in. Realize that that your child or children may come back to you many, many times with new questions and looking for additional assurances over the next few weeks or months or however long Ebola dominates the news.

The American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry has a good checklist for talking with your children. Click here to read it.

In an article that appeared on WBUR’s Common Health on October 2nd, we are reminded that the United States is capable of dealing with this disease and that there are other diseases that can cause more harm based on the chance a child will get it. “……Experts agree that our medical infrastructure is well-equipped to handle even a virus as scary as Ebola, and some doctors are quick to point out viruses like respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza are much more likely to cause harm than these new ones.”

For parents, who after speaking to their child, are concerned that their child is still obsessed and anxious about Ebola, they should speak with a mental health professional (i.e. school social worker, pediatrician, child psychiatrist).

DISCLAIMER

Information contained in this blog is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical or psychiatric advice for individual conditions or treatment and does not substitute for a medical or psychiatric examination. A psychiatrist must make a determination about any treatment or prescription. Dr. Paul does not assume any responsibility or risk for the use of any information contained within this blog.

A SURGE IN BIRTHS OF DRUG-DEPENDENT BABIES

June 19th, 2014

“No one who hears it ever forgets the sound.

When newborn babies begin to withdraw from powerful drugs, they shriek at a high, telltale pitch. Cut off from the substances they ingested through their mothers, they convulse, projectile vomit or writhe from skin-scorching diarrhea.

Their tiny bodies shudder violently. They cannot be consoled.”  

Quote from USA TODAY, June 2015, “Drug dependent babies challenge doctors, politicians”    Shelley DuBois and Tony Gonzalez, The Tennessean

The state of Tennessee has been monitoring a growing epidemic since the beginning of 2013 – a surge in births of drug-dependent babies. The state is dealing with a pain medication epidemic that is claiming the tiniest victims – newborn babies! Last year, 921 babies were born addicted in the state and now, Tennessee is fighting back by cracking down on what is known as “doctor shopping” — a trend that is all about finding a doctor that will prescribe pain medications. For an addict this means they can get multiple prescriptions to fuel their habit.

With Tennessee’s 2012 Prescription Safety Act things have changed for the better. The new database system flags people who try to get drugs from four or more sources. This amped up state prescription database requires doctors and pharmacists to use it when doling out pain meds. What a great idea! Why didn’t we think of this sooner?

As we have seen over-and-over for the past six months abuse of, and addiction to, Opioids (prescription painkillers) has skyrocketed leading to a heroin epidemic, and now, an epidemic of drug-dependent babies. Babies born addicted have to go through an excruciating drug withdrawal, known as neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). These babies can have seizures, brain damage and in later years school difficulties and behavior problems.

The complicated issue here is that the mothers are victims, too. Many are prescribed these addictive medications by a doctor to treat their pain. These women not only become addicted to the pain medications, but they also become pregnant. Once pregnant they become fearful of discussing their addiction with their doctor, family or friends. What needs to be understood is that there are two victims who need treatment – mother and child. This is a very heart-wrenching time for both and so compassion and understanding are necessary. Also, necessary are laws that make women feel safe so they can seek help for their addiction, and not fear losing their babies.

If you suspect that a friend or loved one is addicted to pain medications and pregnant you should talk about it with them, suggest they speak with their doctor, not be judgmental and help them to find the correct treatment.

DISCLAIMER
Information contained in this blog is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical or psychiatric advice for individual conditions or treatment and does not substitute for a medical or psychiatric examination. A psychiatrist must make a determination about any treatment or prescription. Dr. Paul does not assume any responsibility or risk for the use of any information contained within this blog.