Dear Doctor Elisabeth Cress Saadawi,
I'm sending you this email to discuss the strangest case I have ever come across in my 22 years as a psychiatrist.
A few days ago Client A, which he will be referred to throughout our correspondence because of the doctor/patient confidentiality laws, came to my office without an appointment. Immediately, my receptionist felt threatened by his behavior and called security and myself.
After questioning him with security standing by, I had this feeling that his mind kept going in and out of focus. Not like he couldn't hold a conversation, his mind was sharp. It was like his mind was registering so many different stimuli at the same time. I know that is not a very clear diagnosis of the individual, it is very early in his care, but this was the first impression I had of him.
As I get a clearer picture on his condition I'll relay that information to you.
I didn't ask him to leave right away, or have him sent to the county Mental Health facility because another patient in the waiting room started asking Client A if he would sign his autograph on a piece a paper for her because her daughter was a big fan.
Knowing my receptionist, I looked over to her to see if she had searched the person on the internet and if it was really the celebrity in question.
She shook her head yes.
With the help of the security guard, I escorted the gentleman into one of the smaller waiting rooms in case he did become unruly while I finished with a patient I still had sitting in my office before the interruption.
My other client, who's appointment was next, was completely happy to reschedule after Client A scribble his name on a piece of paper for her. She told me that his signature could be the thing that helps builds a better relationship with her estranged daughter.
Of course I told her not to have too high of expectation. That if it didn't go as well as she expected, she doesn't sink into deep depression again about their fractured relationship. If it does help though, appreciate the moment for what it is and we'll talk about it at our next session.
At least now I had an hour to see what Client A wanted and if I could help him.
After our first session we agreed to start off with weekly visits. Although he stated he would pay extra if he could see me more often, but we settled on weekly appointments after I explained how I have other patients I need to see.
I offered to see if you had room in your schedule but he declined saying that you're not in his time line.
I know it might sound like a typical paranoid schizophrenic but after one meeting I feel it might be more than that.
I'll update you next week after our session together.
Your Friend
Viktor Adler
P.S. I forgot to mention that I immediately sent him to a clinic to be drug tested or I wouldn't see him. He said he knew I would. So if it comes back positive, the strange case of Client A will be easily explained away and I apologize ahead of time for wasting your time.
This is,
Not My Brain
But This Is My Newest Fiction Story
Jim Hauenstein
And,
More to come if Client A makes his weekly visits on time
“In Hollywood if you don't have a shrink, people think you're crazy.”
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That is my story and I am sticking to it!
