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"I'm Done with Dismissive Doctors": ADHD Patient's Story Sparks Conversation About Medical Gaslighting

ADHD medical gaslighting
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Written by Andrew Le, MD.
Medically reviewed by
Last updated February 19, 2025

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A recent Reddit post about a cardiologist dismissing a patient's ADHD diagnosis has struck a chord with the neurodivergent community, highlighting an all-too-familiar struggle many face in healthcare settings.

The story begins with a patient seeking help for tachycardia while managing both ADHD and POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome). What should have been a routine cardiology consultation quickly turned into a frustrating experience when the specialist questioned the validity of their ADHD diagnosis.

"This doctor immediately launched into a rant about ADHD being an 'American thing,'" the patient shared, describing how the cardiologist dismissed years of professional psychological evaluation. But that wasn't all – the doctor went on to minimize anxiety as just "really normal for everyone dealing with life."

The community's response was swift and emphatic. "Your doc is a douche, regardless of gender," one commenter stated bluntly, receiving hundreds of supportive upvotes. Others shared their own experiences, revealing a broader pattern in healthcare.

One of the most insightful responses came from a medical professional who lives with ADHD, depression, and anxiety themselves. They suggested that such dismissive attitudes often stem from "old-world mentality" and emphasized the importance of finding healthcare providers who understand the complexity of multiple conditions.

What makes this story particularly powerful is how it evolved from one person's frustrating experience into a larger conversation about medical bias. Some community members pointed out that the issue transcends gender, with both male and female doctors sometimes displaying dismissive attitudes toward ADHD and mental health concerns.

The overwhelming response to this post shows that while we've made progress in understanding ADHD, there's still work to be done in ensuring medical professionals across all specialties recognize and respect neurodivergent experiences.

For those in our community who have faced similar situations, remember: your experiences are valid, and you deserve healthcare providers who take your concerns seriously. Don't settle for less – there are understanding and supportive medical professionals out there.

Have you experienced something similar with your healthcare providers? Share your story in the comments below.

#ADHD #Healthcare #NeurodivergentLife #MedicalAdvocacy #ADHDCommunity

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The stories shared below are not written by Buoy employees. Buoy does not endorse any of the information in these stories. Whenever you have questions or concerns about a medical condition, you should always contact your doctor or a healthcare provider.
Jeff brings to Buoy over 20 years of clinical experience as a physician assistant in urgent care and internal medicine. He also has extensive experience in healthcare administration, most recently as developer and director of an urgent care center. While completing his doctorate in Health Sciences at A.T. Still University, Jeff studied population health, healthcare systems, and evidence-based medi...
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