Chapter 1372: Could It Be PTSD?

Chapter 1372: Chapter 1372: Could It Be PTSD?

(Thanks to Sterling, An Lin Xiao Xiao for their encouragement with the monthly ticket)

"Teacher Liu, what’s the situation?"

Liu Yiqing, who had chased after him, asked.

"The situation isn’t very good; we need to call the child’s father." Liu Banxia said.

"Huh? Is it really Munchausen syndrome by proxy?" Liu Yiqing asked in shock.

"It’s not that, but for this child’s mother, the problem is indeed serious." Liu Banxia shook his head.

"Dr. Chen, I’ve discovered some issues. Let’s discuss. If you agree, we need to contact the child’s father."

"What problems have you discovered?" Chen Hongyang also became serious.

"Have you learned about her past life?" Liu Banxia asked in return.

Chen Hongyang shook his head.

"She had a miscarriage before, and this child was also premature, which is a psychological trigger for her." Liu Banxia said.

"If you put it that way, it does fit the causative factors of Munchausen syndrome by proxy." Chen Hongyang said.

"Don’t rush; I haven’t finished yet." Liu Banxia continued.

"I’ve talked with her, and found that she is extremely concerned about the child’s health. She’s very attentive in dietary care and provides comprehensive care in life."

"Then she mentioned something unintentionally that caught my attention. She’s worried about the child kicking the blanket at night and gets up to check, even though the child is four years old."

"Teacher Liu, isn’t that normal?" Liu Yiqing asked curiously.

"What if more conditions are added? The child is under her care alone; she’s uneasy letting others take care. Given that the child is now four years old, what do you think?" Liu Banxia asked.

Liu Yiqing frowned, knowing she should have an idea, but feeling unclear about it.

"Are you saying she’s always been this concerned?" Chen Hongyang pursued.

Liu Banxia nodded, "That’s how I understand the situation, so I personally think the problem is already quite serious."

"This problem could indeed be possible." Chen Hongyang also furrowed his brow.

"Teacher Liu, Teacher Chen, is it Munchausen syndrome by proxy?" Liu Yiqing asked.

"The problem seems even more serious than that." Chen Hongyang said.

"Think about it, if she’s this devoted to the child, getting up every night to check if the child kicked the blanket, how often do you think she does it?"

"Well..., she probably checks whenever she wakes up? Uh, wait, how does she sleep every night?" Liu Yiqing finally realized.

If the mother is overly concerned about the child, her excessive worry leads to very frequent checking, even waking up from a nap to check.

However, people need adequate sleep time to remain healthy.

The last young man Liu Banxia attended had a sleep disorder and was nearly diagnosed with acromegaly, thinking he had depression due to poor mental state.

Though this mother’s situation is somewhat better, her sleep duration may not be long. Moreover, it has persisted for four years, what does that indicate?

"That’s my main concern; she might not have Munchausen syndrome by proxy, but more likely a PTSD-like condition." Liu Banxia said.

"There are many criteria for assessing PTSD; I’m not particularly knowledgeable. But I think she is excessively focused on the child’s health, showing sleep disorders with certain psychological distress."

"Since she lost a child through miscarriage, she’s especially focused on this child. Any slight discomfort or abnormal behavior of the child is amplified in her mind."

"This is likely why she frequently visits the hospital with the child; perhaps she misinterpreted the child’s absorption in something outside as an epilepsy episode."

"She might mistake choking while drinking water and subsequent coughing as upper respiratory infection or breathing difficulties and promptly bring the child to the hospital."

"Luckily, the four years of hospital visits haven’t involved excessive medication for the child, which distinguishes her from Munchausen syndrome by proxy and indicates PTSD due to instinctive care and avoidance of random medication."

"In any case, that’s my current assessment. Dr. Chen, whether to invite the child’s father relies on your decision. But I think it’s less related to Munchausen syndrome by proxy and more likely PTSD."

Chen Hongyang nodded, agreeing, "I’ll contact the child’s father now. Liu Yiqing, I need your help."

"Huh? Teacher Chen, what is it?" Liu Yiqing hurriedly asked.

She didn’t expect there would be a task related to her.

"My assessment aligns with Director Liu’s; you are very empathetic with patients, so please converse with the child’s mother." Chen Hongyang said.

"Discuss fun and joyful topics, avoiding subjects like illness and caregiving as much as possible."

"Just chat freely, about anything you like, avoiding terms that might upset her, then we’ll see if there’s an improvement in her mental state."

"If possible, let her rest a bit too. Her facial fatigue isn’t from child care but from chronic sleep deprivation."

"Teacher Chen, well, I’ll give it a try." Liu Yiqing said, somewhat nervously.

"I haven’t done something like this before; Teacher Liu would be much better suited. He knows everything and can do everything; I’m not nearly as capable."

"I’m a man, which inherently prompts a degree of psychological guard." Liu Banxia said helplessly.

"Go ahead, today’s already been a remarkable achievement; maybe you can outdo yourself. Cheer up, you can do this, you’re Liu Yiqing."

Liu Yiqing grinned, dashed over.

She does feel heartache for the child’s mother, fortunate not to treat it as Munchausen syndrome by proxy, which differs from PTSD.

If it had been treated as Munchausen syndrome by proxy, it could have been overly stimulating, possibly triggering other psychological disorders.

"I knew consulting you was right; it’s truly dangerous." Chen Hongyang said after finishing the phone call.

"Don’t compliment me, although her situation differs from wartime survivors, I feel it’s quite serious now, too." Liu Banxia said.

"Her recovery may be prolonged; would you recommend our hospital’s psychiatry department or an external source?"

"Externally, the one you know seems quite suitable." Chen Hongyang said.

"Clarification, it wasn’t illness treatment; it was psychological counseling." Liu Banxia said seriously.

"Regardless of the term, as long as it’s effective." Chen Hongyang smiled.

"Even if external services are pricier, they offer flexible timing, which is crucial now. Directly visiting a hospital psychiatry department could be a trigger."

"Could you arrange something, maybe a chance encounter or something? First, let the doctor assess her, as neither of us are specialized here."

"Makes sense, we both are novices; I’ll make a call, and we’ll understand her condition first." Liu Banxia nodded.

Liu Banxia went to make the call, and Chen Hongyang looked toward Liu Yiqing conversing with the child’s mother from a distance.

He felt validated in his choice, regarding both Liu Banxia and Liu Yiqing.

Liu Banxia helped with thorough observation, uncovering overlooked issues. He hadn’t considered learning about the child’s mother’s past, focusing only on hospital visits and the child’s condition.

Liu Yiqing? No one knows what she’s discussing with the child’s mother, but there’s laughter involved, showcasing her unique trait.

She may seem soft-natured, but patients effortlessly connect with her. Though others might show patience, they aren’t as quick.

It’s both a talent and skill, not simply achieved through effort.

And thanks to Liu Banxia’s recognition and nurturing of her trait, resulting in current effects.

He’s genuinely admired, since tailored teaching isn’t easy but truly involves individual attention during training.

They constantly adjust training directions, initially broadening scope, slowing discovering their specialties.

Liu Banxia will have ease in the future, with powerful support from the six talents. If they mentor others in pediatric surgery later, it’ll be remarkable.

"What’s on your mind? I’ve consulted my friend, and it seems PTSD; diverse symptoms mean she should personally converse and assess." Liu Banxia returned.

"Nothing much; we’ll explain to her husband when he arrives. PTSD appears frightening to many, but it’s not entirely." Chen Hongyang said.

"Alright, I have nothing much these days. During the buffer time before the Jinshui District Hospital partnership’s official start, it’ll truly become busy." Liu Banxia nodded.

He was unaware of Chen Hongyang’s sentiments, but it wouldn’t matter even if known. Once involved, he commits fully.