Chapter 14. Treatment of DID with a Use of Email (1)

Nowadays, the use of internet and email is widespread in our modern society. With the popularization of cellular phone and “smart phone”, the amount of text messaging rather than direct talking on the phone among people is rapidly increasing. Instead of calling a person directly, sending text messages can occur without disturbing the person right at the moment. Reportedly the number of messages that people, especially in younger generations exchange is enormous and network congestion of line is becoming a real threat to its system.
So long as the electronic communication is practically a life line for us, it is no longer relevant to ask ourselves whether it is a right way of communication or not. It is more important to consider what is promoted by these measures and what can be the problem. On the one hand, email would certainly facilitate the establishment and continuation of the communication itself, but on the other hand, it might limit the liveliness of human communication, etc.
For Mr. Yuta Iyama, a young and hopeful igo professional, first learned how to play igo through its TV game version. After he went seriously into the training, the main part of his practice was through communications and practice matches with his master Kunio Ishii through internet. He rapidly became a professional igo player at the age of 12.
In our clinical practice of psychiatry, communication with my patients through email is having an increasing significance. There could be numerous problems about having email communication between clinicians and patients. However, when the patients cannot come to the office of psychiatrists or psychotherapists due to the transportation problems or patient’s and/or therapist’s physical problems restricting their meeting in the office, email system might play a significant supplemental role.
Recently in my clinical practice, I am reminded of the importance the email communication in treating dissociative patients. Some identities can communicate with the therapist via email more easily through email.