The debacle of Charlie Sheen could affect patient care

Actor Charlie Sheen talks about his actions of owner notorious decisions during an interview with ABC television "20/20" special. Some doctors are concerned that the antics of Sheen news could affect patients needing mental health or drug addiction treatment. [Photo by ABC News / Getty Images]Recent news and interviews about the trials and tribulations of Charlie Sheen have been countless stories of print media, special of the network television and hours of Forages for bloggers and speak both radio hosts.

But as the media feed a seemingly insatiable appetite for the antics of the troubled actor of 45 years, doctors working in the treatment of addictions and mental health watch with an affected eye.

Hollywood has a long history of sad, but often colorful transgressions, the Howard Hughes, Michael Jackson, Mel Gibson and Lindsay Lohan, included that have grabbed headlines for weeks. Those who work daily with people struggling with addiction or mental illness asked how voyeurism of the troubled world rich and famous affects their patients living outside attention.

Doctors have a range of views on the subject. Some see little impact, while others say meltdowns of celebrity news can be devastating for the patients and their families.

"When you see someone break down before their eyes, there is a recognition that this happens even for the rich and famous," said Philip r. Muskin, MD, Professor of clinical Psychiatry at Columbia University Medical Center in New York.

These reports can be extremely harmful for patients and doctors who are working to overcome the stigma of addiction, said Petros Levounis, MD, director of the Institute of addiction in New York and Chief of Psychiatry of addiction in St Luke's - Roosevelt Hospital in New York City.

"Rather than the majority of people the message that addiction is a disease like other medical diseases see that this is something to mock who has a diagnosis and treatment, of - more like a social disease rather than a medical disease" said.

The way that the media portray stories as this is an important part of the problem, said Dr. Levounis. When a celebrity has a stroke or traumatic injury, the media often turn to doctors to help understand what is experiencing the star to the best public.

But specialists rarely consulted is one celebrity is faced with the abuse of substances or of other addictions, said. Instead, stories highlight the outrageous or ridiculous.

"Reinforces the stigma of addiction, and I think that [people needing treatment] feel even more isolated and desperate somehow," said Dr. Levounis. "Rather than a message of hope, it is a message of despair."

People often compare to troubled celebrities, and in that sense news reports can help draw attention to a disease, said Melvin McInnis, MD, Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Michigan Health System.

"That very often Spurs people to make sure that your illness is taken care of, or that it does not happen to his family," said.

At the same time, people undergoing a manic phase of bipolar disorder, for example, have a diluted capacity to recognize that you have a problem. Often, that requires a step beloved one pushing them into the help, said Dr. McInnis. "Is the family members who contact us regularly when we come to things such", he said.

Dr. Muskin said news of bad conduct of celebrities as Sheen does not cause a significant increase in people seeking treatment of mental, largely because most people have difficulties with them. In any case, they see celebrities excuses for his behavior, and that encourages people to make excuses for themselves.

"Celebrities get away with things none of us could never get away with," said Dr. Muskin, head of the Psychiatry of link of the consultation in Columbia and New York - Presbyterian Hospital. "I think that the way it portrays allows people to use more than denial rather than move forward".

Occasionally, news, celebrities out of control reports stimulate an increase in the interest and the admission as more people seek treatment, said Robert r. Johnson, do, medical director of Sierra Tucson, an addiction and mental health in Tucson treatment centerArizona

But the celebrities that have gone public about their treatment have a more positive impact encouraging others to seek help. Examples include the Betty Ford battle with alcoholism and drug dependence and the honesty of Patty Duke about his bipolar disorder, he said.

"When the people in the public eye [to] their struggles with depression, cycling or mood substance abuse, has led to greater awareness and a greater openness for the treatment of the public in general," said Dr. Johnson.

"I feel happy when celebrities decide to go into treatment." "They often have an incredible gift and an incredible story of life, what effective treatment will make it possible to use the service of their own and other recovery."

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