It ’s time to stop prejudging your patients

Recently I had an interaction online with a physician regarding his thoughts on ADHD treatment. (Let’s call him Dr. Stigma). This post is not about doctor-bashing but more to point out the prevalence of stigma against those with a psychiatric diagnosis even from within the medical community. Stigma, unfortunately, is so indoctrinated into our culture that sometimes people don’t recognize the pure ugliness of their words. Dr. Stigma’s comments: Many patients use Ritalin and other stimulants to: lose weight “study” for college exams (“cramming”) to go out and party (dance raves) So, before you use Ritalin, get all medical records in place (“Gather all your facts before you make a decision,” as my mother used to say) including teacher, psychological and parent assessments, etc.; otherwise, you are doing a grave disservice to your patients. Do not listen to the suburban “rich parents” who want stimulants for their pre-adolescent children to make them better ballet dancers. Once you gather your facts, note all consults, and the evidence points toward ADHD, then you give the stimulant. You don’t give it just to pay your bills. You still have to sleep at night, and the priest won’t like it if he hears about it. Continue reading ... Your patients are rating you online: How to respond. Manage your online reputation: A social media guide. Find out how.
Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog - Category: General Medicine Authors: Tags: Physician Primary Care Psychiatry Source Type: blogs