It’s really great to walk into a brand new doctor’s office with a formal #ADHD diagnosis in hand, only to be told “it could just be anxiety” by someone who’s known you for all of 45 seconds.

Then to be condescendingly told that “you’re not in medicine, so you wouldn’t understand. But doctors prescribed a lot of oxycodone in the 80’s. And look where that led us. I can’t just hand out stimulants.”

Meanwhile, they’re holding a four page report written by a neuropsychologist who did a full, multi-hour #ADHD evaluation on me.

A report that explicitly recommends I try psychosimulants.

The best moment, however, was when she told me “you went to college, right? And you’re a director? You’ve obviously managed fine.”

That’s the moment when I took a deep breath and said, “I need to say something blunt and direct to you right now.”

We shouldn’t have to stand up to doctors to get needed #healthcare. Normally I might have gone home & just dreamed of the things I should have said to her.

But today I took a deep breath & told her she was dismissive and that I was very angry. And it was empowering.

I have #ADHD. I will not be dismissed based on one doctor’s ignorance.

Yes, I’ve “managed” for many years. But that doesn’t mean it’s been easy. I can usually “manage” to breathe. But sometimes I need an inhaler.

Would you hold that from me, too?

Tell me to try harder?

I also have a daughter who was diagnosed alongside me. A beautiful, brilliant #2e kid with #ADHD who’s struggles were missed and dismissed by everyone but us, her parents.

PSA: Just because we “manage” doesn’t mean we are ok.

But thanks, doc, for thinly veiling your suggestion that I may just be shopping for stimulants?

A pudgy, exhausted 40 year old mom with a literal #ADHD diagnosis in hand. Totally fit the profile.

Great medicine! Super job! Awe inspiring work!

Also: when someone tells you you’re being dismissive, the appropriate response is NOT to repeatedly reply “I am NOT being dismissive!”

Just because your say something doesn’t make it true.

Can someone teach her about patient-centered care, please? I think she missed that CME.

(Her repeated condescension about me not being in medicine was fun. I’m not a clinician, but I hold a masters degree in healthcare policy and have worked in healthcare for more than 15 years-including at the hospital system that currently employs her. But she didn’t ask, so )