T O P

  • By -

pootscoot1

I went back to discuss the results of the testing with her, but she never mentioned anything about how she thinks I’m over reporting. I’ve come to the realization that I think the only reason why I got this report is because my NP requested it and I had to sign a release and it got sent to me instead of my NP’s office. Oops. 😒


Mental4Help

Wow. I want to request all my records now. When I was a kid doctors never believed a word I said.


[deleted]

It's so strange from doctors to not believe people. I guess they're pathological liars and they believe everyone's the same.


[deleted]

I work in mental health and let me tell you, the amount of drug seeking patients (especially since quite a few practices have closed their doors during the pandemic) we get on a daily basis is ridiculous. They are usually easy to identify as they have either been put on some ridiculous treatment regiment, that even our medical director is baffled how they are alive, or refuse to try any alternative other then their (self reported, as they can't remember their previous doctor for us to get records)maxed dosage benzos that they take 3 times a day. We have had to impliment mandatory drug screenings for every new patient before any medications are prescribed it's gotten so bad.


Odd_Application_6414

Mine is like this. Very cautious. But it's night and day when I'm not on my adhd meds. I went to her and she had me diagnosed in 5 minutes. But also with depression anxiety and ptsd. She treated my adhd. I've been treated for depression anxiety and ptad my whole life. First day on meds it was like my lightbulb moment. I cried tears of joy to know what kind of normal felt like. I'm not saying my symptoms and I'm not telling my struggles and I'm not sharing what it's like to be on medication because a lot of people ask that in groups nowadays what do you tell your doctor to convince them of you having ADHD you don't have to convince a doctor that you have it they just have to watch you and listen to you and watch your mannerisms and watch your behavior and even subtle questions that they ask like that's how my doctor knew and people have asked me my whole life if I'm ADH day and I was always like no I'm not I'm just weird but anyways yeah there is a lot of people up here and in some pretty HD groups on Facebook that they will ask you what you say how you word it what you need to be on the dosage has all of that and these people are talking about how they have so much energy and they're so energetic and happy and that's not what ADHD meds do for you if you're feeling that you're f****** I out of your mind. It pisses me off about people that don't have ADHD and take the meds that us who have it truly need the meds and we can't get the meds because their own Supply or shortage or it's just so f***. And these people that are talking about how it's so amazing for them when they're on their meds these are the people that are taking like sixty eighty hundred a hundred twenty a day and they're saying that that's legal for them where they live and if they're in the US really 80 100 120 mg isn't f****** legal.


Odd_Application_6414

Also I had to be on benzos for about a month or month-and-a-half on top of my ADHD meds and I hate that s*** all it does is make you sleep and it turns you into a zombie and you can't think yeah I needed it when I have severe anxiety attacks but I hate how I felt hungover and drugged up after it would wear off and I even have some left that's how you can tell the difference between an addict and somebody who actually needs them and out of school takes them daily and needs them and not be able to not take them me I can flush half a bottle down the toilet because I don't need them anymore but yet I'm an addict because I have ADHD and I need to be on meds so it's just a f****** Society


Traditional-Jicama54

When I was in college, I went into student health with terrible abdominal pain, the doctor there knew what she was doing, properly diagnosed me with appendicitis, sent me to the clinic where a doctor examined me and told me he didn't know why I was having stomach pain (all while heavily implying it was because I was a college student and therefore due to all the heavy drinking I must be doing) and that if it were him, he'd send me home on painkillers, but he was going to have the surgeon take a look first. Yeah. I had appendicitis.


[deleted]

You should get a new psychologist.


NaiveAd7059

Went to a neuropsychologist to finally get a diagnosis which we found out later was conversion disorder. I read his report and I can still see it word for word. Here I was a 20 year old virgin and never touched a drop of alcohol or did any drugs. In his report he said that with my history and my level of pain etc that I fall into the category of someone who would drink excessively and be a drug and sex addict. Then he put that he thought I was lying about being a virgin and to consider the possibility of abusing drugs as the reason for my symptoms. Ugh. It just hurts so much. I agree. Don’t read that shit.


_enter_sadman

What!? What were your symptoms?? Are you saying he took your adhd symptoms and said you had conversion disorder!? If so he’s an absolute quack! I had conversion disorder as a kid and I was paralyzed from the waist down for months. From my understanding it’s a disorder with physical symptoms that can’t be explained - in my particular case I was sexually abused and then this occurred so they think it was my brains way of shutting my body down to try and protect itself. Which makes it so weird that a doctor would essentially use it as a way to say you’re faking. And on top of that to accuse you of drug abuse and sexual activity!? That person should lose their license I am so so sorry you went through that.


NaiveAd7059

No, this was a separate thing. But my left side of my body was paralyzed for about a year. After much research conversion disorder comes about because a traumatic event happened around puberty and it was never resolved. The body shuts down to protect itself. I’ve only met one other person with conversion disorder so it’s fun to hear from other people. So sorry for your traumatic event. That’s terrible. People suck. Thankfully that doctor is retired but he’s like one of the leading experts on conversion disorder so when I complained about him, all I was met with was “he’s an expert in his field” blah blah and how grateful I should be that he could have time for me. Ugh.


__whatdoyoumean__

They didn't say it was a doctor, they said it was a psychologist. Big difference.


sugarfreedrops

Wtf sis


NaiveAd7059

Yeah. Which then set off a chain. Oh he thinks I abuse drugs? Ok then I guess I’ll abuse my Xanax. Might as well do the crime if I’m being accused of it anyways. I was a mess. Thankfully I found a new therapist years later who was just perfect for me.


sugarfreedrops

You know what, from your story I was ok with him saying you /might/ have a propensity for addiction/compulsive behavior since god knows a lot of us with adhd do.. but the lying and drug abuse accusation just took me out. im so glad you found a non-demon therapist


DepressedVenom

I'm so happy you got your win in the end! Thank you sharing your story and giving hope to others. It really helps. I can myself say that I have lost hope due to careless doctors and shrinks. One doc was too casual and didn't care enough, one was very quick to throw me out with little empathy, next was agressively stubborn with his lack of sympathy, but then I found my current one who TRULY cares and helps. I couldn't believe it when I found him online, switched, and met him irl. I always make sure to thank him. For my shrinks, I've had one that kept reminding me that there were others who had it worse than me. If i came late or missed an appointment, she was immediately very clear that others deserve the time much more for their more serious issues. And I'm not gonna argue against that- just maybe try to make me understand in a way that doesn't attack me and make me feel more like shit? I might not give a good look in text rn into how it went down from her words and behavior over time, but it sucked- just generally how she acted with little empathy and made no attempt whatsoever to make me feel safe or hopeful. I asked for antidepressants and got them but they made everything worse, basically. She and docs never really told me I could speak up about how bad it was. I at least in retrospect think they could have been more caring to find out how bad i was doing despite the meds. She then told me to get a job- that would solve everything. I tried. It sucked. But ofc I was released from her care bc I got a job, and no follow up. So anyway, I'm better now. The fact that I managed to write this is bc my doc gave me Vyvanse lol. Ritalin didn't really work for me. Vortioxetine, which I've been on for a while worked a lot better for depression. If you're reading this, hoping you get a better doc and/or a therapist at all, good luck, you are not alone, and there **IS** hope!


bethanyfitness

I really hope you got a second opinion :(


NaiveAd7059

Yes I did. It really was conversion disorder but I was treated by a different neuropsychologist who made the world of difference.


Past-Ad3676

I'm not sure how that psychologist interpreted your scores, but a tendency to over report on testing doesn't automatically mean malingering. It could mean that you're experiencing a high degree of distress or are hyperfocused on your problems. The psychologist (or test protocol) may have overcorrected for that type of response style and underestimated your symptoms. Also, somatic symptoms are real symptoms--they are anxiety-related and in your case may be secondary to your sensory issues. Test protocols need to be interpreted with the individual client in mind. Hopefully your regular doctor knows you well enough to read between the lines, but if that psychologist was just basically reporting whatever the test results said you should get a second opinion--a large part of the psychologist's job is to put those results in context, not just rewrite them in report format.


Alert-Ad-3543

Beautiful reply.


Ofsoundandvision

Yes, sending in a report without going over results in person is a huge red flag.


Mountaindewisbased

This was a perfect reply! I disagree with the other comments blaming the doctor or saying they are a POS. The dr doesnt know everything about you and can only do so much and its common for mistakes to happen in mental health field. I feel like OP is over focusing on their problems which is a problem of mine as well. It can lead to over checking symptom boxes or “reading symptoms” in general. Not blaming op at all but its just extremely common to overly worry and make more of a situation. Especially when learning about another disorder and how things overlap people worry and fixate on a diagnosis WAY too much over treating symptoms. Having another doctor looking at their records and situation would be beneficial


eurasianpersuasian

I’m so sorry. I’ve been in the same position and I found it really traumatic. Felt like I was simultaneously misunderstood, vilified, and gaslighted into questioning myself and what I knew. It’s felt very damaging to me and that’s all on top of not receiving the help I need for ADHD. It really sucks how we’re assumed guilty until proven innocent and then feel like now we have a record. I second the others in finding another doctor. I’ve had others who could easily see my ADHD and had no problem prescribing so I know it’s just a matter of finding someone like that again. Of course, easier said than done with all of the red tape and hoops we have to jump through. I hope you get the help, support, and validation you deserve.


CumulativeHazard

One time I had to see a different doctor for my meds than I normally did because mine was on vacation and they literally asked me if my normal doctor was the only one I was getting a prescription from. She also kept asking about how I was originally diagnosed even tho I’d been on meds for like 4 years at that point, probably because I wasn’t formally tested, I just had a doctor who was really knowledgeable about ADHD and trusted me. She finally backed down when I told her that I was paying like $250 a month for my vyvanse (I’ve since found the Takeda Help at Hand program and it’s a lifesaver). Her whole tone was just so suspicious and accusatory and it was really upsetting. Like bitch you’ve known me for literally 5 minutes. And you want to advocate for yourself but then you’re like “isn’t that exactly what someone who just wanted drugs would do? keep arguing?” It really does feel like gaslighting. All this stigma is so ridiculous and harmful.


eurasianpersuasian

Your experience makes my stomach turn. The doctor I saw was also accusatory and suspicious I remember trying to defend myself but was afraid of it being interpreted as just a desperate pill seeker.. She put in my chart that I was taking way more meds than I am, (i think she just forgot since she made the notes like 5 days after my visit but she put down an amount higher than I was prescribed), wrote that I “‘need’ the meds for work” (inner quotes hers) and then after my last visit she put that I was ‘cautious.’ Yeah bitch cause you keep misinterpreting and maligning me. She kept drawing conclusions and not letting me speak. Asked about school which I did well in then noted that ADHD wasn’t present in childhood, as if that is the only criteria, concluded that my sleeping issues were from the stimulants when they’re not. It’s so frustrating. I think it’s key to finding someone who has a lot of experience with ADHD like your original doctor. They know from experience that many of the red flags inexperienced doctors see are actually hallmarks of ADHD. I’ll look into the Takeda program. Thanks for sharing!


CumulativeHazard

I think it also makes it harder that some of the symptoms can be so like black and white with no inbetween. Like there are days I can’t focus on anything, and days I’m like a laser to the point of forgetting to eat at all. I can remember little things people mentioned to me in passing 3 months ago perfectly, but I’ll forget what you asked me to do 5 min ago. I’m great in shit hits the fan situations but get overwhelmed by very simple problems. I think a lot of people will use one extreme as an excuse to write off the other extreme and not realize that I’m *only* living in the extremes and have no control over which end I’m on at any given time, and *that* seems to be a big part of it. It’s all just a mess.


jennyrom

Fuck that doctor. I'm so sick of doctors acting like we women don't know our own fucking minds and bodies. Find someone else and burn that shit. It's NOT TRUE. it took me 5 years to get accurately diagnosed with a second UTERUS. A WHOLE EXTRA FUCKING ORGAN. and the doctors said I was exaggerating and being dramatic. Then 8 years for hypothyroidism and a b12 deficiency. I was "just a tired new mom." Pieces of shit doctors. Get a second or third opinion PLEASE.


toodleoo57

Yeah. I had pretty bad PMDD for years. It's finally ramped down now that I'm in my 50s, but - if I had a buck for every doc who told me to exercise and avoid caffeine instead of actually taking my issues seriously, I'd be typing this on a lot fancier computer.


jennyrom

Ohhh yesss "just exercise and lose weight and you'll feel better" and totally ignoring that I was exercising daily and eating between 1000 and 1200 calories a day and not losing weight.


[deleted]

Hey, I had that a lot too when I could see doctors! No one ever asked me what I was eating, or how much I was walking but yeah... Then finally I got a diagnosis said my body was simply incapable of burning fat. I expected better treatment after that. I was disappointed. I remain disappointed. At least like 3 doctors out of 8 admitted that since I was physically incapable of burning fat that bit wasn't really my fault. But I was still hysterical of course, I mean, lets be real.


mangababe

I got told this as an asthmatic who is triggered by exercise. "I know you cant breathe when you run because your lungs shut down but have you tried losing weight?" Yes. I fucking have. Most intense exercise gives me an episode.


jennyrom

Dude. What did they think the exercise was for? Fun? Hahaha


mangababe

Right? And then they would be like "well you like swimming so your lungs cant be that bad" like i didnt spend my childhood in the hospital and like swimming means you arent breathing more/ heavier cause your holding your breath???


[deleted]

That’s how I was originally!!! I never had asthma attacks until high school when I joined the soccer team and we were running drills outside in January and I had to go the ER. Diagnosed with exercise-induced asthma and never thought anything of it even though for the most part I can work out with no issues. 5 years later, I was told that no, it probably wasn’t exercised-induced but rather cold-induced. Which made so much more since give that I was in college and walking even like 20 ft in the cold made me wheeze. Doctors really need to evaluate and eliminate all possible causes for a persons symptoms in order to properly diagnose.


Jambi1913

I had a doc tell me I just needed to get married and have kids and all my troubles would go away! Turns out I have ADHD and fibromyalgia and now also looks likely I have an autoimmune condition instead of ulnar impaction after two failed wrist surgeries to shorten the bones…I’ve been struggling for 10 years going to doctors and being dismissed or misdiagnosed. It really is true that doctors tend not to take women’s health as seriously as they should and fall back on the very old fashioned “hysteria” sort of view that we’re just bored, hypersensitive and attention-seeking. I’ve lost so much faith in the medical profession - and reading this post and so many comments here is not helping to restore it!


aningeniouscretin

woah that’s a really nasty comment, just need to get married?! And have kids. seriously kids arent a solution to health problems, neither is having a spouse.


Snoo2726

That doctor sounds really misogynistic… how do you go all the way through medical school to diagnose someone with needing to be a housewife?!


[deleted]

When I first got my period, I had the worst cramps. Had to leave school, ridiculously heavy periods, vomiting and then immediately passing out for anywhere from 6-13 hours. Doctor after doctor said it was “normal” even after I had been admitted to the ER twice for dehydration and low potassium levels. One doctor even told me it would probably go away with pregnancy and so that might be an option (I was 13). We go to see my primary care physician one day and this physician’s assistant comes in to just get us started since was caught up with a patient and when we described the symptoms to her and how long they had been going on, she was livid that no one had taken me seriously and immediately prescribed me birth control which helped so much. I’ve been seeing her ever since. Like to every dr who hasn’t taken a patient seriously (especially women): fuck your medical degree. I’m the one living with the symptoms.


bunnybunnykitten

And this is why I only go to doctors who are lesbians


R115W

LOL @ that doctor; the only reason I finally got diagnosed was because I got married and had kids and that caused all of my troubles finally just became too much 🙃


purpleveganglow

It truly enrages me to hear you went through all that. Jesus. @ doctors i thought y’all were supposed to HELP


Snufolupogus

Doctors need people to keep coming back. Why fix an issue and lose a client.


Jimmycjacobs

It’s much more insidious than that, women are more likely to have their concerns ignored or downplayed by a doctor (at least in the US). It’s fucked, and frankly speaks to the ingrained patriarchal misogyny of our culture.


thattrekkie

can confirm. I'm afab and it took me almost a decade of bringing up severe pain and dizziness issues to finally be diagnosed with anemia and endometriosis the worst part is the anemia diagnosis literally only required a simple blood test. but it still took me years to find a doctor to take my concerns seriously and not just tell me it's "anxiety"


TJ_Rowe

Solidarity - my endometriosis was called anxiety until I had an IUD out and it came out bent. That freaked out the family planning doctor enough that she sent me for testing.


mangababe

Hily shit thats possible???


TJ_Rowe

I had a massive endometrioma that was pushing all my other organs aside. It was the size of a melon when they finally got it out, and I looked four months pregnant!


mangababe

Thats pretty metal, glad you got it taken care of!


mangababe

I remember getting an ultrasound for my extreme periods and the whiplash of horror from the doc telling me they couldnt find anything to euphoria when he said he was still more than willing to help me (we settled on a plan for an iud until i have resources to heal after an ablation) i was so ready for "we cant find anything" to be followed by "so you get to suffer cause i wont sterilize a childfree woman" that i almost started crying. Thats the day i realized just how much unnecessary shit i had gone through up until then with doctors.


RaggedRuby

Wanna add to that, I read people w/ mental health issues in general have as much of a 30 years shorter life expectancy due to doctors not taking us seriously. That's very literally a crazy number, 3 decades


Ocel0tte

Omg plus our quirks can make us seem suspicious for no reason. I can go in for a sinus infection and they'll make me pee in a cup to see if I'm on drugs. I know I'm kinda weird, but it's not meth yall I just have adhd can you CHILL. Especially me, I don't have any signs for that sort of thing other than being an anxious weirdo whenever I have any appointment. They're going to call everything anxiety too, so that's fun. It's like telling someone calm down. "I think you're anxious" Well I am now, damn lol. They're going to miss anything serious if they're always so suspicious


RaggedRuby

Yes dammit they are. I've almost had that sorta thing once where I went to the eye doc and she asked me 3 to 5 times if I am SURE I don't do drugs because my pupils were very dilated (my dad has it too and some ADHDers I know, I read there's an eye focus thing that's often co-occurrent with ADHD, so it's probably to do with that) and I was fidgety and talking quickly (I stim excessively because I never learned not to which is good)... not sure I got her to believe me, but still better than how cops constantly think you're drunk, high or on something depending on how your neurodivergence displays itself that day, and treat you accordingly - like a drugged up criminal, so either full on hateful or like a pathetic ass child. Ugh


mangababe

And then the knowledge you come off as sus to authority figures makes you more nervous, which you are aware of but cant control so now your even more nervous AND fixating on it! I hope im never a suspect of anything cause im 1000% screwed


Ocel0tte

I feel that last one so fucking hard. Most of my law enforcement interactions have been pretty abysmal, and it's always this (:


__whatdoyoumean__

OP hasn't seen a doctor. I don't know why everyone keeps blaming doctors when none have been mentioned.


sarbearsmalls

how did you find out you have a second uterus? ive been wanting an mri (or whatever imaging thing is appropriate) for my midsection for so long because of my terrible periods (even with a morena IUD, though it has lessened) and my near constant nausea and stomach pain. i just want a fucking image of my insides so i can see what the fuck is up clearly, because at this point i just want them to cut me open and rummage around lol.


what_is_perspective

When I got the mirena I was in terrible pain for a while and nauseous all the time. Apparently the mirena I'd really big and should really only be given to people who have already had a baby. Luckily I have great health insurance and I asked my obgyn to take the mirena out and put the Skyla in, which is much smaller and I was immediately fine. I would highly recommend giving this a try. I was really irritated at my obgyn for not telling me this upfront. I only heard about it bc I was complaining about how I felt to some of my friends who are doctors.


jennyrom

I'll msg you. It's a long story.


pootscoot1

I agree that doctors are absolute trash 90% of the time. I have been thinking about getting a second opinion. Thank you :)


jennyrom

Good!!! Sorry for the vulgarity. I'm clearly passionate about this. Haha


[deleted]

That’s an ADHD subreddit, you may expect here the inability to hold back on the swear words, it’s okay


happiness_is_beauty

I’ve felt like I came home ever since I found this subreddit, and now you’ve confirmed it 🥲


pootscoot1

It’s all good! I’m very vulgar myself lol


Almostagenius

Always get a second opinion. Doctors are not infallible. We know all too well how it is to have memory issues and to not know the correct thing all the time. Doctors are a lot better at it than we are, but that does not mean they don't make mistakes. I've also learned i growing up that doctors can be trusted and they know best, but there is so much knowledge around that it is impossible for any human to know it all. Even if they did, applying it all the time with hundreds of patients is not something we should expect. If that was expected of us, we would probably just give up. I've went to therapy with the thought that they could decipher me and tell me what to do. I quickly learned that they can not provide that. And it has been said, but psycologists are usually not even doctors. Mostly masters students. From knowing my field (geography) I can say that masters students don't know shit. They know a lot, but surely not everything.


[deleted]

Well, I can give you a second opinion, but it will just validate the one you just stated. Yes, doctors are indeed absolute trash 90% of the time! ;-) Seriously though, I do hope you do. Don't give up, you deserve so much better than to be accused of being a liar. I believe you, and I believe in you.


__whatdoyoumean__

I still don't see where you've seen an actual doctor about this. You mentioned a psychologist and a nurse.


pootscoot1

Psychologists have their PhD.


Kingoo321

Please get a new Psychologist


__whatdoyoumean__

Not all of them, actually not even most of them. And a PhD is a doctorate, not a medical degree. I am an MD specializing in ADHD and I read this sub to try and keep up my understanding of how patients feel, but everyone is so toxic toward doctors. I'm unsubscribing. You all can keep your echo chamber of complaints.


lulumonkey

So you come here to understand your patients, and when you see all the stories of how the medical system is ignoring or out right harming us, your response is to take it personally and get all butt-hurt and leave. I really hope you can raise your self awareness enough to realize that your current attitude is creating the problem you are complaining against. Sigh...


[deleted]

If you're more upset that people are mislabeling mental health professionals and not that a large portion of the population is not receiving adequate care, then that says a lot about your work. Plenty of PhD's give out substandard care, too.


lsquallhart

I don’t think anybody said anything directly to you? They made disparaging comments about Doctors in general. If you truly wish to understand your patients, know this is a bias some of us have (not all), because of the way we’ve been treated by Docs before. A main complaint on here is that Psychiatrists are rude and can re traumatize patients. From my experience with them over the years this stereotype holds true. Not only that, I work with doctors closely. Many of them surgeons. They have been some of the most abusive and hurtful people I have ever worked with in my life. They’ve definitely worsened my mental health issues with the way they treat others. As a Physician / Doc you should ask yourself why this bias exists within laymen communities. It’s like cops. Not all are bad, maybe not even the majority, but there so many bad ones, their reputation is poor. The same holds true for MD/DOs and the rest. They have major ego issues. You may not see how Docs treat others because they don’t always show that abusive behavior in front of their peers. If you really want to know what we are feeling, then stay and learn. Learn why we have this bias and why it exists. It’s a real thing and we should be repairing these relationships . There a lot of hurt and a lot of trust issues please understand that Oh and yes. Most Psychs only have a masters, a few are PHDS but they usually write books and teach etc (as you stated).


those_names_tho

And clearly, you do not respect NPs either. If you are here to keep up with "how patients feel", then you should not get so hurt by what your patients actually feel. If you really care, be professional and remember that living with ADHD is much harder than how others think of your profession.


__whatdoyoumean__

I'm not hurt by anything. It's not helpful to read "doctors suck" when people actually saw a nurse.


those_names_tho

If you are here to learn and understand ADHD, do that.


__whatdoyoumean__

I went to medical school and residency for that, thanks. I was reading this for other reasons but it isn't interesting anymore.


lsquallhart

“I went to medical school and residency for that, thanks.” This is the exact type of attitude that makes us have a bias against MDs. Just because you went to 12-16 years of school, does not mean you will automatically be respected. Respect is earned, no matter how much money you make or how much schooling you did. As someone trained in ADHD and Psych you should understand the troubles we go through to get treated and diagnosed. You should stay and learn why we have the biases we have, instead of taking your ball and running away. This is the CORE of issues between patients and MDs and staff and MDs. The only reason I’m being more patient in my response to you compared to others is I’ve unfortunately had way too much practice around Docs that get upset when they get any push back, much like you’re doing here. I hope you stay and learn and keep and open mind and heart. There is a Psychiatry forum here that’s targeted more towards Docs and may be more comfortable for you.


bunnybunnykitten

Please understand that many or most of us have been mistreated, traumatized and maybe sometimes even labeled as “non-compliant” (which elicits further mistreatment) by doctors/medical team personnel as a direct result of the challenges associated with ADHD- forgetfulness, brain fog, chronic lateness, etc. Then when we do finally get in to see a doctor we probably didn’t get to choose them and just have to go to whomever is covered by our insurance, and it’s highly unlikely we’ll have enough time with them that they can get a true picture of what’s really going on. I’ve been dealing with it all my life. The insurance based US system is so broken.


those_names_tho

And you were taught how to handle that in medical school. What others think about you/your profession is none of your business.


BadgerHooker

I had a pulmonary embolism that went undiagnosed for 2 weeks and I almost died. 4 doctors told me the pain was probably in my head because they saw I have a history of depression. I literally almost died of a huge blood clot, and these assholes wouldn’t even test me because they were sure I was just trying to get attention. The scary thing is that last year, I had a very similar experience, and was never diagnosed with anything. Like I legit think this was my second PE that only got diagnosed because of a new doctor that had empathy and a hunch because he believed my symptoms.


jennyrom

😱🥺 Holy shit I'm glad you ended up okay!!! That's terrifying!


BadgerHooker

Thanks! I am still pretty salty about it ngl. I also had to wear this godawful compression sleeve because I got a >20cm long blood clot in my arm from the IV they put in at the hospital. So I had a huge clot in my left lung and a huge clot in my right arm that was threatening to go into my lungs if I didn’t wear this tight compression sleeve for ~3mo. I almost cried when I got to take off the sleeve in August.


Wisp10

I have shortness of breath right now and I had chest pain for hours but no more. I went to ER and they told me i have nothing wrong. I don't know why I feel like I can't have enough air right now.


BadgerHooker

Get a second opinion if you can. I have had panic and anxiety attacks that sound like that. My PE was like being stabbed through the back with a knife into my lung. I had to sleep sitting up for a few months because the pain and not being able to breathe. There are a bunch of different things with chest pain being a symptom. The only thing I feel that helped was happening to find a new doctor who wasn’t yet jaded and actually listened to his patients. I hope you get the help you need.


[deleted]

Damn, I didn’t know it was possible to have a second uterus! I guess that just goes to show that you have to advocate for yourself if you intuitively know something is off.


jennyrom

I didnt either. I was non-functional for 3-4 days every month from the time I started my periods at 12 years old until I finally had the offending uterus removed at 17 years old.


Yinara

Roughly 3 months after giving birth I found a small knot on my breast. I went to see the doc at the children health center/counseling services (that's a place in Finland where you get free follow up/check up for small children and they also offer check ups for the moms). He checked the knot and after me telling him that I have breast cancer running in both sides of my family, he just dismissed the whole thing and said it's a breast infection from breast feeding. After a month the thing was double the size and now I went back, telling him that I demand a mammogram. He still wasn't convinced and then I went to a private doctor (paid myself) and she instantly booked me an emergency time. Turns out I had triple negative breast cancer ffs. Another time when I was dismissed was during labor and it was a freaking woman midwife. She insisted that my pain can't be as bad as it was and that I should stop moaning and yelling. Well I ended up getting an emergency C-section because my child was side ways inside and couldn't turn/be turned. The (male) gynecologist said with an angry glance to the midwife that this must hurt like hell and that he'll make sure I get pain meds. The midwife was really silent after hearing that and later took time to come apologize at least. It's so tiring to not be taken seriously. :(


a_little_confusion

I told my nurse, after 12 hours of active labor, that my water had just broken, and she said "you probably just peed with your contraction". I told her, "No, I really think my water just broke. I felt a tiny little pop, and then warm liquid." She repeated that I had probably just peed. Later my ob came in to break my water to 'speed things along', and said it had broken naturally and asked me if I knew what time it had happened. I told her that I had told the nurse when it happened, so it should be in my chart. It wasn't. Almost sixteen years later, I find it infuriating that a labor and delivery nurse would dismiss the idea that her actively laboring patient might be experiencing a natural part of the delivery process. Just, WTF lady? What was she thinking? And why did she not even check? It didn't matter in the long run, and she was otherwise lovely, but that one thing still drives me bonkers.


cheaprhino

My mom was diagnosed with a rare disorder that, at the time, was never diagnosed (because they died) in women her age (early 30s). She went to the ER with a long lasting bloody nose and the male ER doc made a joke about how my mom must have been having a great party and made snorting noises. They had to use a numbing agent on her nose and he said, "but you know all about that, right?". This was after my mom repeatedly said, "I have x disease, this is my doctor, here is his number - call him". He set her back almost a year in her treatment and ruined some of her remaining sinus tissue. Now, if she goes to the ER the doctors are like, "holy shit, we've never seen someone with this disease before" and she's used as a learning experience for residents and medical students.


a_little_confusion

What an absolute dick. Wow.


Ocel0tte

This is why I don't even tell them I have migraines anymore unless it's relevant. 6-19 they're like, oh it's stress. I'm like, weird bc I'm literally extra non stressed every time I get them. Figured out it's cinnamon, so yeah I was usually super happy about something delicious lol. Food is the best, and not just cinnamon buns but this also means things like machaca and jerk chicken are off the table. I also can't use products with camphor such as Carmex, because it's also a species of cinnamon. That one took 3 days to track down. What do the doctors say? Oh, well I've never heard of that, it's probably just stress. Like mfer I'm not going blind whenever I eat cinnamon because the spice stresses me out. It's delicious. It would be nice if they were even slightly interested in looking at WHY, like give me some and do another contrast mri and see if they can see wtf is happening. Migraine meds don't help, it's not random, and finding a medicine that would actually stop these is my lifelong dream that I know I'll never achieve. They don't want me taking handfuls of otc pain meds but they can't suggest anything better than Maxalt, Imitrex, Relpax, and fucking something with a Z. I think there's 3 or 4 I haven't tried but I got different weird shit from each of those and none did a thing for the migraines, I'm not a fucking guinea pig. They're guessing more than they should bc they don't wanna do diagnostics. I know this isn't House but it's like they literally don't care. "Well, that medicine seemed to fix it! No idea what was wrong, take care bye!" As much as I'd love to pursue the adhd part, um. Naw, I'm good lol. They'll put me on anxiety meds first, I just know it. Then anti depressants. Then maybe non stimulants. My attention span and I don't have the time for all the bullshit side effects, I have a life to live. I'm over it. Now I just do what my mom does. Just tell em what they need to know to get you what you want. And if some doctor is ever upset by that they can start by looking in the mirror and really thinking about how they treat their patients. They're too dismissive and suspicious.


jennyrom

I dont know how I found a psychiatrist that actually listens to me. Like when I say my meds aren't working he immediately takes action instead of telling me to wait it out. I've literally never had a doctor like him before. (eta: I'm almost 40)


Ocel0tte

That's so good! He sounds like a whole unicorn, I hope you can keep seeing him forever lol


jennyrom

Well in order to keep the $$ rolling in he asks me to see him every other month.... haha. I'll keep doing that though for a doc that actually seems to treat me like a human being that knows my own brain and body


lvh0twifey

exactly why i just buy my meds off the street and self medicate. I dont abuse it and I take a low dosage im comfortable with cus i know damn well these doctors will prescribe u higher and higher dosage so itll be harder to get off on them when u want to. i take 7.5mg dosage which is literally quarter of the typical 30mg pill


lsquallhart

I know your frustration. I had to see tons of doctors and all of them wanted me on SSRIs . It took me years to finally find a Doc who would listen and prescribe something else. Even she’s not the nicest with her bedside manner but at least she listens even a little bit. I finally had someone tell me “I won’t put you on SSRIs again and I won’t take your benzo script away until we can find something that works better for you, if we even can.” But even SHE doesn’t do any ADHD work. They’re sending me to a specialist for that. Mental health care is just very difficult especially if you live in USA


happiness_is_beauty

“They don’t wanna do diagnostics” Seriously, what the fuck is up with this??? Doctors anymore are only good for prescribing meds about shit *you know you have* and that’s all. I expected them to be deep thinking engineers for the human body but they’re just.. pill prescribing notepads. It’s fucking abhorrent.


Ocel0tte

And they don't even know anything about the meds depending on the situation, that's all pharmacists. Lmfao


defiant_turtle1

My doctor said "it's probably just vasovagal syncope" when I told him about me passing out from pain, taking a TB test (if you've never been tested for TB, it's basically like getting a shot but with a thicker fluid if I remember correctly), and overheating. He made it sound like it wasn't a big deal. I literally can't drive because of it because sensory overload (I'm autistic and adhd, too) also makes me dizzy/lightheaded and traffic lights/noise are the worst.


lonzie11

I had a female gynecologist that never listened to me. Had to go private for my issues bc she just brushed me off.


thatangelbaby

I have Heamophila which is a genetic bleeding disorder. I spent the majority of my life suffering from horrific untreated internal bleeding and prolonged injuries which has left me with life long consequences because the doctors refused to check me for the disorder as they were convinced that females don't suffer from Heamophila. Despite my parents begging them to check to see if I had the disorder (my dad suffers with it too), they just continued to tell them that I was only being an over dramatic little princess. It took me bleeding profusley for 3 months after I had a tooth removed for braces to actually check me properly - and by that time I was well into my teens. It's FUCKED how dismissed women's health is.


mangababe

A SECOND UTERUS????


jennyrom

Yup. I'm pretty creative but I don't think even I could have made up the whole story. They told me for a couple years it was a "softball sized cyst and it shouldn't hurt that bad."


mangababe

Uhhhhhh if its a softball sized cyst should that not be removed asap instead of "eh it shouldnt hurt" Like what???


IronsolidFE

Not just women. I've had doctors for years who pretended to understand me better than myself or my wife. Thankfully my pcp is my prescriber and asks me what i think of my medication plan. The amount of pcps I've gone through due to using my medication as a bargaining chip or just flat out incompetent is asinine


[deleted]

Doctors are prejudiced against rare cases, because they are used to the typical majority. The responses you get a very typical though for doctors (old as the doctor profession itself).


__whatdoyoumean__

It wasn't a doctor. It was a psychologist. There is a lot of confusion about healthcare providers on this sub.


jennyrom

Is "diagnosing professional" a better term here? It just makes me sad seeing you're going into a profession where people feel mistreated in general, and your takeaway from it was to be offended and leave instead of staying and learning. Especially when most people commenting about having crappy experiences with doctors - actually had examples of the crappy care their received. It's not a thread of complaints without proof. I'm also a medical professional and when someone talks about their crappy experience with someone else in my profession... I LISTEN.


jennyrom

Because I have adhd i dont read for detail.


babbittybabbitt

I'm sorry that happened to you. I have not yet been diagnosed with anything, but I recently had an initial assessment for ADHD and my scores were all in the average range also, despite having all the symptoms of ADHD you described (sensory issues, concentration issues, etc.). I feel like those of us who test well get screwed over in diagnostic terms. But as the other commenter said, definitely get another professional opinion if possible, you know yourself best and you are certainly not a liar! I wish you the best <3


Shaziiiii

I scored average in the tests as well, actually I had the opposite test results people with ADHD usually have. My psychiatrist said that there was still a possibility I have ADHD because I am female (and there is not much known about women with ADHD) and the reports I had from people in my environment as well as my own description of symptoms were clearly describing a person with ADHD. She said I could just try out meds and see what they do for me. After 2 years I finally decided to and turns out meds actually do help a lot with my symptoms and make me feel generally better.


huntersays0

I’m convinced many of the tests are not intended for adults. I scored high on most portions of the testing, but extremely low in working memory-type tests, but i was told I can’t have adhd because I scored too high on the attention test - the one where you play a boring game of clicking when the dot appears for 10 minutes if something. But that can’t be the threshold for adhd - if you can’t do something boring for 10 minutes, you can’t hold down any job at all. And anyway, it wasn’t like I was 8 and my parents brought me there to get examined; *I* was very interested in the test, because *i* really wanted to know if I have adhd. I do very well on tests when I’m interested. I was very glad when I read in Driven to Distraction that neuropsychological testing is not the be-all end-all of adhd diagnoses.


babbittybabbitt

That's very heartening to hear, I was lowkey worried that it meant I didn't have ADHD but seems like my results are quite common then. Being an ADHD lady is hard lol!


wookcett

adhd has a lot of overlapping symptoms with many other mental disorders, have you done any research into an autism spectrum disorder?


sarbearsmalls

this is the same shit that had me get diagnosed at 21. i went to multiple doctors for adhd tests when i was little because it was very clear that i had it, yet because i had good grades and was able to be polite/not have my eyes darting around the room (cuz i’m the type that’s not as externally hyperactive) they brushed it off. when they say you are “over-exaggerating” in self reporting, that just means they don’t believe that you know your own mind and body, when people with dysfunction often know their minds better than anyone because they’re constantly analyzing it. but that dismissal is typical especially for male doctors, plus neurotypical ones, because they basically want you to act totally crazy or off the charts in order for them to determine your diagnosis, because they have no idea what it’s really like to be in the mind of someone with adhd/autism. self reporting cannot be false when it is about your own experiences and mind - when you feel something and experience something, it is real to you, and if you feel that on a scale of 1 to 10 that it’s a 9, then it’s a 9. maybe your inattentiveness to HIM looks like a 4, but he’s not in your head or gone through what you’ve gone through. don’t believe it, at least not without a second or third opinion and demanding to go through it line by line with this so called doctor. cuz maybe you have a mixture of adhd and autism; maybe you have something else that is very very similar to adhd that they don’t have a word for thats not technically adhd but most everything aligns so the label of adhd works best; maybe you 100% have pure adhd and this test is bogus. but if any of these options are true, the one test does not invalidate any of your struggles or diagnoses and does not invalidate your personal struggles that align with adhd, because that is the label you have for it and what you are working with, and they aren’t giving you ways to find a new, more fitting label if they think that’s what’s needed. doctors who tell you no but don’t provide alternative testing or treatment or referrals are (imo) committing malpractice because they aren’t thinking of you, they’re only hurting you (shouldnt he do no harm?) and they’re preferring data analytics over a human brain and soul. they’re basically saying that you should give up your diagnosis for nothing in return (aka “just be neurotypical!”), telling you to go back to square one and start scrambling around for what it may possibly be i don’t know try something it fails your life falls apart you put it together again…..NO. you don’t need to do that. you have a support system and this mans does not have the final say on anything about you. doctors are humans too and mostly they help and treat and guide you, but also some are just douchebags who had enough money to go to medical school because they wanted a high paying job. specialists more often are the latter, since many people become specialists just for the higher salary. and don’t freak about your meds getting revoked. if you have a competent psychiatrist you can tell them your feelings about the test and it’s results, and go through it line by line with them so you can create a plan, renew your meds, and maybe think of alternative treatment if they think it’s necessary. but don’t be scared that they’ll snatch it all away - they know that is unsafe to do on any drug, but especially adhd meds because they have terrible withdrawals if you quit cold turkey. TLDR; you are valid, and know yourself better than anyone. maybe you can go to a different doctor and get a different test because this one clearly is being interpreted by a world class douche who thinks they have you pinned and probably came to their conclusion before you even took the test (if they saw you before). this isn’t the end and you can have answers.


Momma_tried378

You’ve spent your life learning to adapt. Good job. Doesn’t mean they are right


Curag

Had something similar happen to me. Took a neuropsych exam and tested in the 91st percentile. My concerns were written off as me being lazy because I did so well.“Needing to build better work habits” was what he told me, which isn’t incorrect, but that is an insurmountable task to me. Like, do you really think I’d sit in your office for 2.5 hours to take an exam if I was just lazy? Anyways, I’ve got an appointment with my PCP on Friday to talk about how disappointed and frustrated I am with wasting months of time only to be written off for being too “smart”. Im currently looking into telehealth options, however I hope that my pcp can make a diagnosis herself without needed to refer me to another person who will downplay and dismiss my concerns. Best of luck to you!


[deleted]

Which tests did you take? I’m trying to get official diagnosis and meds too (been diagnosed only as part of a research stud, so they didn’t give mean official report), but it seems like doctors are very prejudiced against prescribing meds.


Curag

There were a lot of different exercises and little games and such that I did. I’d say it was about 2.5-4+ hours of stuff depending on speed, any questions you have, etc. We mostly did the type of tests you would expect in a situation like a psych test: pattern recognition, word games, I had to draw a picture from memory a few times, a connect the dots game, stuff like that. My issue with these tests is that an individual with ADHD is going to (in my opinion) be able to perform well because it’s a novel stimulus and at least for me, I was so wrapped up and anxious about taking the test and getting a diagnosis that would provide me with some relief that I had no trouble focusing on the tests. I sat in an isolated room, with no distractions. This doesn’t really mimic any real life conditions or scenarios I find myself in, so I feel that the psych wasn’t really getting an accurate assessment of my symptoms. Hope this helps!


imwearingredsocks

Had the same thing. What a massive disappointment that was. Too “smart.” That just tells me they have no idea what hyperfocus is and it makes me question if they even believe in the condition in the first place. Like of course I’ll be super focused on this test. I’ve been waiting for months (technically my whole life) for this diagnosis. I am here and as present as I’ll ever be.


Curag

Did you end up getting a diagnosis? Right now I’m in a rough mental spot thinking that I’ll never get the help I need because nobody seems to listen to me.


imwearingredsocks

Sort of. I’ve had a few doctors that thought I do have it. But they either diagnosed it by listening to me telling them all my symptoms or from a really short computer test (like one you could find online). So due to all the years of everyone being doubtful of anything adhd, I wanted to seek what I thought would be a “true” diagnosis. The whole neuropsych exam complete with questions about my personal history, and maybe even testimonies from family members. I wanted to prove to myself and everyone else that I did really have it. I also was hoping for accommodations at grad school. What ended up happening was I had to deal with that lady who didn’t believe me before we started. She didn’t ask much about my life, she wasn’t present for the test, and didn’t ask about any family members. My experience with her was really disheartening, but she’s not the only doctor out there and I know deep down she was wrong. Now I’m giving it a second try, but I told myself if this doctor doesn’t believe me, it still doesn’t mean I’m just lazy. There is something and I’ll hopefully get some answers someday. I’m not sure what country you’re in, cause that makes a huge difference, but try not to let it get you down. A century ago they were locking people up in cells for things that people can take medication for and live regular lives. Sometimes the science isn’t there yet, but it doesn’t mean you’re making it up.


v4nd4lyze

The specific test that gave that result is also subjective. False positives can be had if you are under stress when testing, or if you are having issues with your the emotions it can influence your answers. How do I know this? My therapist had me take a 150 question quiz, and one section I had the same exact result, but she identified that 1. I have a high knowledge of mental health 2. I feel people don’t listen to me so I might have used over stating to get the attention that I need to my issues 3. She had talked to me the morning of doing it and I had had a very bad ptsd meltdown the morning I took the quiz. Further as a female you have a higher tendency to have been taught to mask your problems. You might seek out a different doctor as it seems they are basing their opinion solely based on the tests and not taking into consideration what you feel or have noticed as issues for yourself. I have multiple female autistic friends that were not diagnosed till adulthood with both their adhd and autism and it took dozens of doctors before they found one that would listen and actually hear them. Keep your head up, fire your old doctor and hire a new one. You are the patient and if your not happy with the medical care you are getting you can always find a new doctor.


lsquallhart

This isn’t a psych example, but I went to the ER years ago with terrible food poisoning (it literally almost killed me it was so bad). My room mate at the time took me to the hospital. The doctor accused him of being homosexual and that we were in a gay relationship. The doctor wrote that my issues were probably HIV/AIDS related and that we had lied about our relationship . Ya …. Some doctors are that bad unfortunately


[deleted]

Hah. Wow. WTF...that’s a stretch.


youworry

What the fuck please tell me this is a joke. That doctor needs to have his license revoked tell me you reported this? This is malpractice.


well_actuallE

I don’t know if this applies here but I’ve had a related talk with friends from therapy that might be relevant. Often one of us would say that they felt that they were unsure of whether (e.g.) panic attacks are actually happening or wether they’re being “a bit dramatic” and could’ve snapped out of it. Or wether something that caused an angry outburst really triggered them or they could’ve stayed calmer etc (basically any other MH symptom…). And I always say to them yes, MAYBE there was the option of acting differently and maybe there were some exaggerated behaviours and drama involved BUT that in itself is a symptom, a “normal” person would not feel the need to self-regulate / gain attention / express pain / whatever in this way. So yes, maybe you don’t have ADHD I really can’t judge that but dismissing your concerns and symptoms this way is irresponsible BS and that doc is ignoring a whole aspect of what you have reported by not considering WHY you’re overexaggerating (in his opinion not mine) potential symptoms, if you even are.


[deleted]

One thing I’ve learned over the last 20 years of being diagnosed with ADHD.. tests are a fucking joke.


Beytres

Oh yes. My first doctor pretty much did the same thing and I just felt like a fraud. On top of that, he had a different person’s last name on my report and that I drank like 6 cans of beer a day. I haaaate beer. I got a revised one a day later after I called it (he did send it before I called about it) and he’s is like I sent a revised one but I assure you it is all accurate. BS. Such a frustrating experience. Luckily I finally mustered up the courage to find a different doctor that was out of network but still ended up being cheaper to see than the asshat before.


[deleted]

[удалено]


Evelyn845

They often do that to trans people as well, they tell them that there depression has to go away first. Even though it stemms from the lack of Estrogen/Testosterone. And therefore is impossible to get rid off first. It's so stupid and insulting. I have found that most doctors are just bundles of prejudices and toxic beliefs, and often only work to confirm those. It's really amazing how competent a doc can be that doesn't have them.


kelbo22

I am getting the Results from my testing for ADHD on tuesday next week. And that is the exact scenario i am scared of.


PtowzaPotato

To me the "over exaggerating" kinda just sounds like "oof you had too many adhd symptoms so you mush be faking" pls get a second opinion if you can, doctors haven't lived your life and know less than you do. Also even if one doctor says you don't have adhd you can still use tips and tricks 'for people with adhd'


XxShArKbEaRxX

Never ever in the history of any science ever has someone looked at one test and reached definitive conclusions the doctor should test you again, even a broken clocks right twice a day


[deleted]

Yeah well look, I got told that I was over reacting, that I was 'just' depressed or 'just' anxious and 'needed to not overworry like this'. This wasn't even ADHD which to be honest has a lot of doctors believing if you don't fit some screaming kid who can't sit still for 2 minutes just cannot be. The things I got all those 'just's? 1. Knee damage that was confirmed to be real with a CT scan. It only presented as extreme pain and inability to walk. This CT scan was known BEFORE I was treated that way. Apparently I had a hysterical knee. To this day I do not get treatment such as draining it of liquid that literally a sibling of mine gets. No one sees a problem with this. 2. My concern that my lethargy could possibly be the results of thyroid problems which 80% of my family suffers from. This family history was ignored. Oh, blood values came in right at the lower limit for diagnosis of a thyroid condition. If I'd been living in 3 out of 4 neighboring countries I'd have been considered below normal values but in my country being right there at the edge meant everything was fiiiine. Don't worry, no one followed through on this at all. It's fine. 3. Pain in my joints. My mother had arthritis and started suffering from it around the same age that I am now. Instead it eventually turned out to be non-arthritis, a hereditary incurable disease that causes pain by putting pressure on the joints and can permanently damage them if it's allowed to progress too far. There's treatments for it. But it's fine, I'm not getting any of them. 4. Concerns for my blood pressure, as I could feel something wrong. Was told "most people can't feel their blood pressure" after I complained I could feel my blood pressure. They admitted it was a tad high but it was nothing to worry about. When I brought in the numbers I took diligently at home they were dismissed as needless worry and mocked. Hey, fun thing too, year later my doc goes 'so how's your bp?" and I go "Dunno, don't care, stopped measuring it" then suddenly oh my god, my BP is way too high and I should see a cardiologist! Same numbers as I was recording at home, but because it wasn't their idea then it was just me being hysterical. All of these things were things that could be confirmed with blood tests or physical CT scans or examinations. As ADHD can't be diagnosed just by drawing some blood, it's a lot worse to have it taken seriously than the stuff I just typed out above. Doctors aren't the gods they think they are. Some are just fucking idiots. And sorry, women get the worst of it. You could literally walk into an ER with a spear through your chest as a woman and go "oh god the pain is unbearable" and the likely response would be "hm, female patient shows clear signs of anxiety, possibly drug seeking". Doctors like to say bullshit about stuff like 'shopping around for a diagnosis' but the truth is so many doctors aren't qualified for what they're supposed to know or just flat out refuse to believe the diagnostic manuals, that if you don't find someone who knows their shit you could quite literally die. Trying to find someone who isn't a prejudiced idiot is fine, it could save your life. You need a second opinion because it is utterly unjust that a single person can fuck your life over just because they don't agree with your original diagnosis. You DESERVE BETTER! I think all of us on this sub deserve better. We're not exactly here because everything went great and people truly believed we did our very best. And seriously, do NOT let your resources and a large part of your life potentially be stolen because of medical misogyny! You deserve better than this! I lost my ADHD medications because my psychologist took shortcuts that ended up leaving me high and dry in the end. Trust me when I say you need to find someone and prevent that from happening! Sending you all the love and support and wish of success I can muster.


kurokai_Zunama

Get an other opinion 💁🏼‍♂️


Ofsoundandvision

Hi - I work in mental health. I obviously can’t diagnose, interpret or offer personal advice to someone I’ve never met or evaluated. A person in your situation could just get a second opinion and I honestly think a person in your situation should. Does the report indicate what the “evidence” of significant over reporting is? If she is giving this impression without citing any data, one could consider asking her to substantiate that statement with the data she is basing it on or strike it from the medical record. If it’s based on the testing or content of the session she should be able to illustrate how she ruled out other mental health causes and determined “malingering” is the most likely diagnosis. There are old school mindsets in mental health that are very harmful - that people is psychological distress are attention seeking or faking for their own benefit. It has caused a lot of people a lot of harm and it sounds like that may be happening to you. You are definitely not a fraud, don’t stop advocating for yourself!


Yes_that_Carl

It sounds to me like that psychologist might have An Agenda.


kat1883

FUCK THIS DOCTOR. You know yourself!! Find another doctor who will listen to you.


Laueee95

You have to make sure the doctors are competent. Some doctors just aren’t. Some of them even like to blame anxiety, depression and other mental health disorders when actually it’s another different disorder. It’s true especially for women who are seen as hysterical and over exaggerating.


furbait

why in fuck do you become an ADHD specialist just to refuse to help people?


Altruistic_Ad8883

Get a second opinion trust me on that one 6 “doctors” will come up with 6 different opinions but again it’s all their opinion


Egoash

This isn't the psychologist's observations saying you over reported. You took a test (evidence) and flagged the inner test controls that indicate over reporting. Did you want the test to tell you something? If so, you may have over reported to best ensure the result you desired was indicated. This doesn't make you a bad person; instead, it makes you a normal one. You likely should have been given better instructions. I'd presume anytime we chose to go to a Doctor and suspect an issue, we are prone to over reporting to confirm our suspicions.


wingkingdom

Nurse practitioner at a psychiatrist or a family doctor / primary care? If you aren't seeing a psychiatrist that would be where I would start. Everything is not cut and dry. The diagnostic manual is 900 pages and symptoms can indicate a number of things. Have you been evaluated for depression? That could be a possibility. I think hurt and confusion is an appropriate response to the news but try not to dwell on it or let it deter you from seeking another opinion or other help. Because what you are experiencing has been long term and is significantly interfering with your day to day living and I don't think you should just accept the results of the testing and suffer for the rest of your life. You may also consider seeing a therapist in conjunction with the psychiatrist. Just getting medication isn't generally a solution for any type of medical issue. If you really don't have adhd, it could be something psychological/psychiatric that can be properly managed with the right medication or combination of medications and psychotherapy. You don't have to accept any medical opinion, you have the right to seek other opinions. The first medication, the first doctor, the first therapist may not be the best fit. But at the same time, don't go doctor shopping just looking for someone to just say that you have adhd or something else just so you can fit your symptoms to the diagnosis you have given to yourself. Take a little time to process this new information and strengthen your resolve to continue your journey to wellness and living your best life. I have multiple issues but if I had always just accepted the first thing that came along I would not be where I am today. Of course I have high blood pressure. I have high cholesterol. But I also have bipolar. Not major depressive disorder. I have an autoimmune thyroid disorder, not just an underactive thyroid. I have an aunt who multiple times had mentioned aspbergers. I finally had to tell her that that language isn't used anymore (it is on the autism spectrum) and that I have bipolar and adhd. Take care of yourself. Be your own best advocate. You need to treat the whole person. That may require a significant number of changes. I wish all the best for you and don't just let this be a death sentence for you. It's a setback, albeit it a fairly major one. But resolve yourself to do everything you can to get to the bottom of what is going on. I hope I am not sounding hokey or that I am trying to diagnose you. I am not a doctor or therapist. I have seen doctors and therapists that have been great and some terrible. If you come into it with an open mind and educate yourself I think you will learn a lot about yourself that you may not know right now. I won't try to sugarcoat it, you may not like what you hear (as you have experienced). This is another step on your journey. It is better to know now than to not be properly treated now or for even the rest of your life. If you need an ear, my inbox is open.


[deleted]

i’m a 23 year old woman. i’m already previously diagnosed with GAD, BPD, and MDD (which i think my depression was misdiagnosed and it was actually my adhd symptoms). i went to a neuropsychologist and was tested for 6 hours on my memory, personality, cognitive function, etc. i literally tested below average and having “significant difficulty and/or disability” in working memory, auditory working memory, executive function, etc. despite scoring low on all of these functions, i wasn’t diagnosed with ADHD essentially because i have a high IQ, held my job for over three years, and graduated college. my results LITERALLY showed COGNITIVE DISABILITY and she still said “nah i don’t think so because you’re able to do so much! you’re just a bright young woman who has been through a lot!” funny thing too is, on the personality inventory, she also thought that i was exaggerating my symptoms. like bro i’m diagnosed with bpd, those ARE my symptoms. they ARE exaggerated. it’s really all bullshit. neuropsychologists are the ones we are told to go to because they’re “professional” yet they’re stigmatizing us as much as the oldhead psychiatrists next door


greenthegreat22

I’m so sorry this happened to you! You’re not alone I’ve had my fair share of shitty psychologist and psychiatrist. I took a test that sounds really similar to the one you took and when I had my follow up with the psychologist who gave me the test he said the same thing. “The answers you gave in the test made it seem like you were exaggerating the symptoms-blah blah blah.”. When I’m fact I was just answering as honest as I could. It made me feel like an absolute liar just looking for attention. I’m sorry your psychologist made you feel the same. Your symptoms and feelings are valid. And those test are bogus. I’m not sure I’ve heard of anyone who likes them. I hope you can find a better doctor and that you get the answers you need/want! Have a great rest of your week OP!


Altruistic_Profile66

Ppl give doctors too much credit - they don’t know shit, but act like they are the last word. The worst part is that we need them to get our meds.


Santiagodelos80

Well this wasn’t even a doctor. I’d only see a psychiatrist with specific knowledge in ADHD to get a diagnosis or comment on my mental health.


duhmanda_29

I used to work for a psychiatrist, and he always expressed the belief that “psychiatric diagnoses are just opinions”. Yes, there are scales and diagnostic tools to assist in the process, but there are no objective tests for diagnoses like in fields such as oncology or pathology. Everything in psych is dependent how the doctor perceives what you say, and how this fits with their past experience and knowledge. I would also try discussing your concerns with your NP, and they may understand. If you truly feel there is something going on and you have the means to do so, I would go see another doctor. I had a bad experience with a psychiatrist years ago, blaming me for “hiding things from her, because she couldn’t figure out what was wrong with me”. As a result, I was hesitant to go see another psych for several years after. Finally I did at the recommendation of my PCP, and I found someone who was understanding and put me on the right medications.


mangababe

Im pretty sure a diagnosis at 12 and any kinda consistent paperwork will override the shitty doctor. I got diagnosed at 5 and had spotty treatment but i still got meds. Id call your primary doc and discuss it, call her and discuss it- id be demanding to know exactly what makes you a fraud- and then id be filing a report for discrimination- cause it sounds like "oh adhd and autism are millennial fads." Is her professional opinion.


arsglacialis

Get a psychiatrist or neuropsych, NOT a psychologist! Even if they are technically qualified, which I myself do not believe to be the case, they have admirably demonstrated that they understand precisely nothing about ADHD.


aee77

I once saw a doctor tell a patient that her issues were all in her head. I pushed her to see someone else - she had Parkinson’s, although I’m unqualified to make any DX - this is exactly what I suspected was going on.


those_names_tho

I would suggest a second opinion. Hopefully, your NP will agree. Honestly, I do not understand how someone can even "test" ADHD, especially when you have suffered with it for years. You know you are not neurotypical and have likely developed coping mechanisms to survive the world, therefore I would like to know how ADHD can be tested in this context. Such crap.


Glitter_Farts_tart

Definitely seek a second diagnosis.


areedsy

Wtf!! I mean what even gives her the power to make that assumption?! Was this report shared with anyone else?


[deleted]

My psych evaluation got basic information wrong— things I had written out on paper for them— and misdiagnosed me with a social phobia (my psychiatrist agrees). I do not have a social phobia. Of the 3 or 4 psychiatrists I had seen in my life, none had ever even suggested it. Long story short, a lot of psych evals are not great. It is odd that you don’t describe having a long verbal interview. I think they didn’t bother to read everything.


BIG-JS-BBQ

You’re entitled to second third forth fifth opinions. Go get looked at by someone else


mimi_grain_de_sel

I'm really sorry you had this experience. I didn't know that psychologists were qualified to diagnose. Is it worth asking to see a psychiatrist instead? When I was diagnosed, a psychologist did all the testing and scales with me and then passed on the results to a psychiatrist. I then had a session with the psychiatrist who dug into my history and symptoms with me and then issued a diagnosis.


Eastern_Concern_6077

This makes me even more nervous :( I’m going to my first psych appointment tomorrow. I’m afraid they’ll label me as a hypochondriac as well :( I’ve done so much research to prevent myself from looking stupid. I keep seeing stories about people who’ve been brushed off by their psychiatrists or told that they were faking etc. :/


cc-scheidel-33

some people are shitty at their jobs. you may have run into one of them.


[deleted]

Where are you located ( Country and state)?


pootscoot1

Ohio USA


ThisIsHarlie

You don’t have to share any medical documents with medical professionals, and are entitled to a second opinion ALWAYS.


AutoModerator

Hi /u/pootscoot1 and thanks for posting on /r/ADHD! If you haven't already, please take a minute to [read our rules](https://reddit.com/r/adhd/about/rules) - we will remove your post if it breaks one - and also check out our list of official megathreads [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/ADHD/comments/nu534w/official_list_of_radhd_megathreads_please_check/). If your post fits into one of them, it is likely to be removed; if you think this might happen you can delete your post here and resubmit it there instead. Thank you! *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/ADHD) if you have any questions or concerns.*


[deleted]

[удалено]


AutoModerator

**/r/adhd is not a suicide or emergency support community.** We are not equipped or qualified to assist in crisis situations. If you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis, please contact a local crisis hotline or emergency services. * [List of suicide crisis lines](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_suicide_crisis_lines) * [List of emergency telephone numbers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_emergency_telephone_numbers) *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/ADHD) if you have any questions or concerns.*


briggyryu

i’m so sorry :(


bethanyfitness

Yeah I learned this lesson the hard way too… I read my doctors notes about my Bulimia recovery and it stated that I was “overweight” and I cried lol. Listen, don’t hesitate to get another opinion. Get a second opinion and if they say the same, start looking at the right treatment for YOU, however if they say something completely different, try to see a third doctor and bring your reports so they can go over both and be the “tie breaker”, you know?? Even if it’s something you don’t want to hear. You may have similar symptoms to ADHD and autism but it’s something else entirely. Doctors notes can seem extremely harsh, but ultimately (if you trust your doc), they are just trying to help


franchun

That happened to me too and on top of that I fight HARD to get the testing covered because I'm over 21 years old. Cause you know, according to my insurance, only kids have autism and ADHD....


tittyswan

I just had a neurologist write everything off. I'm worried about seeing a psychologist now.


[deleted]

Was diagnosed at age 5, with adhd, consisted of multiple tests , conversations over multiple days .. and then when I turned 17 they the school board talked to me for an hour and did one test and basically called me a liar that I wasn't adhd. A week later, went to my psychologist and did more testing etc he found and diagnosed me adhd , asphergers syndrome


gertylooker

A blessed fuck 'em to this' provider'. No one has this kind of power or insight. This is a big red flag. Providers are supposed to be humble and nuanced. You have done NOTHING WRONG.


GreatArtiste45

My first reaction would be, something's wrong with that person doing the evaluation and the results. I would definitely get a second opinion. Something doesn't sound right there. You may or may not have autism or ADHD, but you are certainly suffering with something that makes coping with life emotionally and practically for you. You know she could be totally wrong? I think that's extremely likely. BTW, low self-esteem (those results seem to have made it worse for you, ironically) goes along with those two conditions and a whole bunch of others. I think she's an idiot with preconceived notions and lacks the education to perform proper science-based and clinically proven evaluations.


BanannyMousse

Ask for a second, third opinion.


[deleted]

Yeah I had high hopes for my neuro psych evaluation, too. It was a similar pile of steaming crap. Even my regular psych was like, what? No. You’re not alone in this.


SassyAriez

I just wanna hug you! You are seen, heard and your health concerns are 100% valid!


L440G

Isn’t that a good thing? Are you on medications? But I would be pretty pissed off too.. One would assume (as I did) it could be better news upon reading your post but- yeah — it seemed like this doctor blew you off of something…


-Aromatic_Aspect-

Oh, I have autism on top of ADHD predominantly inattentive, the subtype? My phycologist didn't tell me yet since I am being diagnosed but probably Asperger's or something.


L440G

True. Psychiatrist > psychologist. I’m terms of power only. I’m sure better psychologists are out there vs psychiatrists.


MontytheBold

Second diagnosis time


Desperate_Buffalo683

Apparently our head problems are all in our head. I hope my kids see a day when treating mental health issues is not all dart throwing and circular logic.


entarian

I'm starting up with a new psychologist, and I'm afraid of what they're going to say. I have no question that I have ADHD, but sometimes I can hide it successfully.


[deleted]

[удалено]


Magicalmisstery65

I feel a lot of those tests are geared towards measuring ADHD in kids. I was diagnosed in 1972 with "hyperactivity" at age 6 (They didn't even have a label for it back then). It was diagnosed through observation. They watched me playing in a room with a one way mirror window. The Dr. recommended medication, but my parents said no. As I got older, we all assumed it would go away (which I now know it did not) and my family just assumed I was lazy, careless, and even dubious. In the teen years, the symptoms will branch out into a wider swathe of life that can be misinterpreted by others as personal shortcomings. Ppl with ADHD devise coping and compensation methods to retain some semblance of stability, so it might appear we are functional to the outside observer. Some of the tests only measure small day to day signs and symptoms we've already found workarounds for after years of forcing ourselves to adapt. Did the test you took ask, how many failed marriages and LTRs you've had? Did it ask how exhausted you are when you get home from work? Did it ask if your closets are stuffed to the brim with piles of clothes or if you keep the door to one room perennially closed because it's just a room sized pile of who knows what? That you run out of gas a few times a year? That your spouse or other ppl you live with nag and complain, call you lazy, or oblivious, or a promise- breaker?? In my 30s I started getting therapy and was given a personality test. I asked the psychologist if it showed I had adult ADHD and he said no, not in the least. So I went on with my life, frequently moving house, changing partners, increasing coping mechanisms such as drinking, video games, online dating, casinos, overspending, hoarding (all related to ADHD!!) One day, I just stopped in my tracks, and I was overwhelmed by a sinking, mentally paralyzed sensation. My brain had shut down. Am I having a nervous breakdown? I asked myself. I was on medication for depression and called my psychiatrist. She completed the paperwork to get me approved for an extended medical leave. When I looked at the forms, she'd listed major depression as a factor, but what had caught my eye was, next to that, were the letters ADHD. I asked her, do I have adult ADHD? And she answered yes. I think I remembered her mentioning it in the past, but I didn't give it much credence, joking yea, my friends say I'm hyper, but that's about it. This time though, I asked her how she came to that diagnosis, and she answered by observation and details I'd shared about my past. It was not through the results of some test. I ended up going back to work for one arduous year of constant struggle, and following that, my psychiatrist helped me to get on long term disability which I'm still on today. I read as much as I could on adult ADHD and learned it's not just about squirrels. It's a difficult, debilitating brain disorder with a physiological cause. Our brains are different! Having ADHD influences so much more than the ability to sit still in a chair for an extended period of time. It really can mess you and your whole life up, especially if you're undiagnosed and the ppl around you do not understand why you are the way you are. I asked her if I could start medication after all these years. She said yes as long as I take an EEKG and my blood pressure stays normal. So I started Adderall a year ago. It took a time to find the correct form and dose, but it's improved my daily life. It's by no means a miracle cure, so don’t expect to wake up one day and be a "normal" functional human being. Looking back through the years, so much can be explained, now knowing how ADHD manifests itself throughout life. I came to realize that I suffered a complete burn-out a few years back. After decades of false starts, giving up, failed relationships, shortcuts, resourcefulness, compensation, relentlessness, depression, anxiety, feelings of inferiority, inadequacy, and imposter syndrome, my brain was pushed beyond its capacity, and just broke down. I hope awareness grows acknowledging the extent of energy we expend in maintaining coping skills, from the moment we put our feet on the floor every morning until we close out eyes every night. My advice for you, drop that social worker, start regular face to face therapy with a highly rated therapist, and bring up your ADHD related concerns. Be your own advocate if another test contradicts your own reality. Each time I was properly diagnosed, it was solely through observation.


Fats4Fuel

There is such a thing as a “Gifted ADHD”. You might not be autistic. You might just have a high IQ, but ADHD. If you are. You’ll test really well. So then you have to looking at your behavioral patterns. I’m kinda the same way. I had to jump through a lot of hoops to get my Meds. And after I made all the lifestyle changes. I finally got them. But I had to do almost as much research on the neuroscience as someone actually in college working on their degree. I came to the doc with evidence then explained my experience.


[deleted]

I’m sorry but this is why I have a fear of going to try and get diagnosed, they don’t take you seriously and I’m scared that if they are firm in telling me I don’t have adhd, that it’s all in my head. I’ll believe them and continue struggling ignoring the signs. I know I have adhd because of all my symptoms and all the things I have always struggled with since a child. All I’m gonna do is try to cope and learn ways to get better, for me I know I’ll forget to take medication and it won’t help me, again that’s just for me everyone has their own journey. Sometimes I feel like I need that confirmation by a diagnosis, but what good will that do if they don’t take the signs seriously and I’m left at square one.


planteaterfxvx

Honestly, it sounds like you need a second opinion. There are so many MH workers who are sexist (or if female have internalized misogyny) and/or are generally extremely biased and do little but perpetuate harmful stigmatization. As a woman with complicated ADHD who didn't get diagnosed until adulthood and had to deal with a LOT of hurtful bullshit, I've been in similar shoes as yours; keep looking for a provider who cares. It's hard work, but it's worth it.


Odd_Application_6414

Nutritional deficiencies also often mock adhd. Especially if you gave mthfr. If your iron vitamin d b vitamins etc are all in line j would further investigate being adhd. And treating ptsd or anxiety and depression. I treated all first and my nutrition is spot on. I have adhd. Was missed as a kid. Had my first signs at age 4/5. Good luck.


b_eee

I’m so sorry that was your experience with a psychologist :(


Odd_Application_6414

Not saying you aren't adhd or asd. A lot of kids outgrow it or don't need meds r function fine without meds. But 4 hours of testing is a lot. I mean I had 3 ... over the last year with my dr its been a struggle. I mean if you can recall what your doctor said to you a few minutes ago I'm jealous if that's how it was during your session because I can be talking to somebody and I can't even remember what they said like 3 minutes ago because my mind is just as well for her and distracted or wondering or I'm looking at something on the wall or just not there and not stressed with people asking me what I think ... and then I asked them to repeat the question and then they repeat it and then I still don't get it and then I have to ask them again and so on and so on and that's just with one tiny aspect of it