Therapy and research...

[Alove1008]

Hi, newbie here. I recently obtained my medical records from therapy I had for my ptsd. In my records it referenced research. Such as “affects of domestic violence on women”. There are actual notes in my records requesting the information be used. I feel very violated. I actually went to this therapist at the lowest point in my life. I feel like I was just a statistic. Is this standard in therapy? I signed paperwork, but would never imagined that I would be consenting to research. I just wanted to see if anyone else had ran into this. Thanks for listening!

 

[EveHarrington]

Do you remember if you signed a separate document that specifically mentioned research?

I don’t think it’s ethical to lump “research” consent into the main consent forms for treatment.

 

[Alove1008]

Right. I agree. No, I did not ever agree to research.

 

[whiteraven]

My therapist does extensive research and separate consent forms (and oftentime contracts, depending on the type of research) are required.

 

[Alove1008]

Great. Thank you. I’m all about research. If I am informed and give consent. Like your therapist does. However, if I knew that was taken place at the time I would have chosen to discontinue the session.

 

[UnicornSightings]

So your t researched your symptoms/conditions to help you or used your example for research? I mean, don’t they all do that in some way? That’s how they learn to help someone else, right? So your therapy is done but you’re holding onto something in the records so you continue to suffer? I assume confidentiality was kept even though domestic abuse is something that’s often reported.

 

[Alove1008]

Not the case at all. I received my records at my social security hearing and looked to see what they received. As everyone should if you're own advocate.