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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Dinah on November 2, 2003, at 19:39:57
One of the things that got me my schizotypal diagnosis from the pdoc from h*ll (since refuted by two other pdocs) was my saying that when I got upset, it felt like my skin was one big electrical field. They thought that was one of those odd schizotypal beliefs.
But! I just read this on:
http://www.holistic-online.com/Biofeedback.htm
"Galvanic skin response (GSH) training also known as Electrodermal Response (EDR): This device measures electrical conductance in the skin, which is associated with the activity of the sweat glands. A very slight electrical current (unnoticeable to you) is run through your skin. The machine measures changes in the salt and water in your sweat gland ducts. The more emotionally aroused you are, the more active your sweat glands are and the greater the electrical conductivity of your skin. GSR is effective in treating phobias, anxiety, excessive sweating, and, at times, stuttering since these emotions will affect your skin's conductivity. It is used as a lie detection test. Athletes use this technique to prepare for games - to make sure that they are not too anxious or have pre-game jitters."
So I was right all along. I'm not schizotypal, I just notice something that's not noticed by many people.
I'm going to print this out and make my therapist put it in his file. Then I'm going to "I told you so" him.
Posted by stjames on November 2, 2003, at 20:10:52
In reply to I'm ri-ight! I'm ri-ight! They're wro-ong!, posted by Dinah on November 2, 2003, at 19:39:57
If they are basing this Dx on this one thing then they really are not good docs, are they ?
Posted by deirdrehbrt on November 2, 2003, at 20:11:36
In reply to I'm ri-ight! I'm ri-ight! They're wro-ong!, posted by Dinah on November 2, 2003, at 19:39:57
Hi Dinah,
I think that you are right in not being schizotypal, but I think that you might have misread the material. The electrical current they are speaking about is created by the device used to measure conductance, it isn't present without the device. Rather, what is being done is this:
Human skin, when an individual is under stress, tends to sweat. Without sweat, skin does not conduct electricity as easily as it does when moistened on the outside by sweat. Sweat contains a good amount of salt, and some other minerals, which is why it is a better conductor than distilled water.
So, to measure conductance, and by so doing, measuring how much a person is sweating, and indirectly, how much stress a person is under, a number of electrodes are placed on the skin. We'll say there are just two. A small current is generated between the two electrodes, and the voltage across the electrodes is measured. If the voltage is low, this means that the skin is conducting electricity well, and is therefore sweating. If the voltage is high, the skin is acting more like a high value resistor, and doesn't conduct well.
As far as feeling like skin is electrified, I get that often. I've always thought it sas hypersensitivity, and it happens when I'm getting a bit manic. It too, is real, and probably a better explanation than actual electricity.
In any event, you're still right.
Dee.
Posted by Dinah on November 2, 2003, at 20:23:56
In reply to Re: I'm ri-ight! I'm ri-ight! They're wro-ong! » Dinah, posted by deirdrehbrt on November 2, 2003, at 20:11:36
But I still think there is something real involved.... Hmmm.... So increased anxiety increases skin conductivity. There is electrical activity in the body.... Ok, I'll need to do some more research. But one day I will prevail!
Thanks for letting me know before I told him so'd prematurely. :)
Posted by Dinah on November 2, 2003, at 20:26:40
In reply to Re: I'm ri-ight! I'm ri-ight! They're wro-ong!, posted by stjames on November 2, 2003, at 20:10:52
It wasn't just that one thing, but it was little things like that. Ways I have of explaining things. I suppose I already should have vindication from the other two pdocs, but it was a sore spot with me. :)
Posted by Dinah on November 2, 2003, at 20:48:12
In reply to I'm ri-ight! I'm ri-ight! They're wro-ong!, posted by Dinah on November 2, 2003, at 19:39:57
[n] a change in the electrical properties of the skin in response to stress or anxiety; can be measured either by recording the electrical resistance of the skin or by *recording weak currents generated by the body*
emphasis mine. I know what I'll be doing the next few days. :)
A QUEST!!!! To find a physiological reason for my experience. I'll ask the biofeedback guy tomorrow too. (Maybe. I don't want to get another schizotypal diagnosis.)
This is the end of the thread.
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