Psychiatric Illness or Psychological Issue: How FasPsych Provides Services to Treat Both

How can the glittering allure of multi-level marketing empires reveal hidden truths about mental health, from the highs of manic ambition to the shadows of manipulative disorders? Glenn W. Turner (1934–2020), founder of Koscot Interplanetary, Inc., rose from a challenging South Carolina childhood – marked by a cleft palate that caused speech impediments and bullying, leading him to drop out of school in the eighth grade – to become a renowned motivational speaker and entrepreneur in the 1960s. He launched Koscot in 1967, a multi-level marketing (MLM) company selling mink oil-based cosmetics, and followed it with the self-improvement program Dare to Be Great, attracting hundreds of thousands with promises of wealth and success. However, his empire, valued at over $300 million at its peak, collapsed amid allegations of pyramid schemes, culminating in a 1987 conviction for fraud and conspiracy, resulting in seven years in prison. Turner’s charismatic yet manipulative style has led to speculation about underlying mental health issues, such as narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) traits like grandiosity and a need for admiration, or antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) elements like deceit and disregard for norms. Similarly, bipolar disorder – a psychiatric illness characterized by extreme mood swings – could contribute to such outcomes; specifically, during manic episodes, individuals experience heightened energy, euphoria, reduced need for sleep, and impulsive decision-making, which might fuel rapid entrepreneurial success like Turner’s MLM empire but lead to reckless behaviors, poor judgment, and eventual downfall through unchecked risks or grandiose schemes. These conditions may present similarly – both potentially marked by erratic behavior or emotional volatility – but require distinct treatments for effective management. This article explores these differences, spotlighting the telepsychiatry services provided by FasPsych, a national telepsychiatry company specializing in mental health staffing and connecting healthcare facilities with behavioral health professionals for virtual psychiatric care. Contact FasPsych at https://faspsych.com/partner-with-us/ to learn more!

When addressing psychiatric illnesses and personality disorders, the choice between psychological and psychiatric treatment – or a combination of both – plays a pivotal role in outcomes. Psychological treatment, typically provided by psychologists or licensed therapists, centers on talk therapy and behavioral interventions. For instance, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps individuals identify and reframe distorted thinking patterns, while dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is particularly effective for emotional regulation in Cluster B personality disorders like borderline or narcissistic types. These approaches focus on building insight, improving interpersonal skills, and fostering long-term behavioral changes without relying on medication. In speculative cases like Glenn W. Turner’s, where traits of NPD (e.g., an exaggerated sense of self-importance) or ASPD (e.g., manipulative tendencies) might be present, psychological treatment could address underlying insecurities from his childhood bullying and speech issues, promoting empathy and ethical decision-making.

FasPsych is an Arizona-based nationwide psychiatric and counseling staffing service that connects healthcare facilities—hospitals, clinics, and telehealth platforms—with qualified psychiatrists, psychologists, and mental health professionals to deliver expert care for psychiatric illness vs. personality disorder.

• Comprehensive Psychiatric Evaluations: FasPsych connects facilities with psychiatrists or counselors for thorough psychiatric evaluations across the country. For example, in Glenn W. Turner’s case, where NPD traits like grandiosity might overlap with anxiety, these evaluations ensure accurate diagnoses for tailored plans. Learn about evaluations.
• Medication Management: FasPsych facilitates medication management for mental health, connecting facilities with psychiatrists prescribing antidepressants or antipsychotics. For personality disorders, like potential ASPD in Turner’s case, co-occurring symptoms (e.g., mood instability) are addressed to support psychotherapy. Explore medication management.
• Telepsychiatry Staffing Services: FasPsych’s nationwide telepsychiatry staffing connects facilities with professionals offering remote care, ideal for rural areas. This could have provided Turner access to support for behaviors driving his schemes. Contact FasPsych at https://faspsych.com/partner-with-us/ to explore telepsychiatry staffing!
• Collaborative Care Model: FasPsych integrates psychiatry and other medical staff for a continuity of care with the patient, connecting facilities with professionals combining medication management with therapies like CBT or DBT. For Cluster B disorders, as speculated in Turner’s manipulative tendencies, this model addresses emotional volatility.