How many of you have teaching doctors for psychiatrists? Do you ever experience having others like students present during your sessions? Are you ever placed in 'role playing' situations for purposes of learning or testing? How do you feel about this; does is bother you?

Well, I am placed in this situation many times during the year. I don't mind. In fact, I tell you it has given me a huge insight into my illness. For example, say there is a student sitting in on the session. The psychiatrist will do his bit talking to me then stop for a time out and turn to the student and explain what he has done, the insight he may have gleaned, and how to respond to and/or treat me. Since I am myself present, i too have the benefit of listening to the doctor descrribe the intricases of my illness. At times my eyes are really opened.

So I don't mind this at all. But of course, I get paid everytime I find myself in such a situation.

NOT ME!

I hate attention, let alone as an object of intense scrutiny. It's bad enough that this gross body doesn't belong to me, but to have other eyeballs gawking at me! I'd just want to faint, dry up and blow away.

Social anxiety would begin and I'd feel so self-conscience and probably go into a dissociative trance and mutter useless nonsense.

I couldn't. Even the thought of such a scenario is making my stomach fall.

[*Laurie*]

In the past I have seen p-docs that are in residency. Sometimes other students were present during a session. Once I agreed to be videotaped so my session could be used as a teaching aid. The students/residents never bothered me; in fact, I was quite pleased with them because they were interested, enthusiastic and 'up' on the latest treatments.

Yes LauraBeth. While I am nervous, I don't get the anxiety I usually do with people. I think it's because I'm in a situation where they already know I have an illness and I thus don't have to hide or prove myself as normal. It's almost a relief to talk to someone without the pretense.

[*Laurie*]

Yes. It is a relief for me, too.