Neurosurgery three times over: a psychiatrist's insider perspective.
The author, a practicing psychiatrist, describes his own experience in becoming a neurosurgical patient, three times in quick succession, for a recurring subdural hematoma. In addition to a brief review of the literature, he observes his own experience, including reaction to the diagnosis and to the surgical, postsurgical, and intensive-care experience. Suggestions are made to neurosurgeons and their staff to help patients during this experience and in recovery, from the vantage point of a psychiatrist who specializes in dealing with psychological issues arising from illness.
Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, Illinois, USA. lss17@aol.com
Lee
L
Schwartz
D003399:Craniotomy / Q000523:psychology*; D046648:Hematoma, Subdural, Intracranial / Q000523:psychology* / Q000601:surgery*; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D007297:Inpatients / Q000523:psychology*