Positive Interactions in Patient-Provider Relationships for ADHD

The primary obstacle to high-quality ADHD care is locating a healthcare provider who is knowledgeable on ADHD and is also a good match, as highlighted in a recent ADDitude reader survey. Despite the difficulty due to increasing mental health problems and shortage of well-trained clinicians, a suitable professional can have a significant positive impact. Issues such as protracted waiting lists, lack of stimulants, biased research data and antiquated guidelines have further compounded the problem, underscoring the need amongst ADHD patients, including adults and caregivers, for more guidance.

The experiences shared below reveal how a skilled healthcare provider can change your ADHD journey. These Additude readers recount experiences of interaction with clinicians, which made them feel acknowledged and understood, providing hope for those adults and caregivers who are grappling to meet their needs.

“As soon as I met my present psychiatrist, we hit it off. She understood my symptoms and struggles right from the start, and hence it has been easier to trust her with all the details of how my medication is having an effect or not, secure in the knowledge she would believe me.” — Jenna

“Years ago, we had a very good mental health/psych evaluation. The provider crafted a beautiful story featuring my son's favourite animal, to help him comprehend his diagnosis. Sadly, my son chose a Sasquatch, which made me extremely sad. He explained he chose it because he liked being left alone. The provider then wrote a touching story about how the Sasquatch elders would assist him to feel less lonely.” — Katie, Oregon

“During a conversation with my new gynecologist about hormone replacement therapy, I informed her that due to ADHD, I may require a higher dosage of Estradiol. Although unfamiliar with the connection between ADHD and estrogen, she was open to learning more. I referred her to a few relevant studies, which enabled us to devise a few treatment alternatives compatible with my ADHD medication.” — Paulette

“…My son’s psychiatrist explained that ‘Your son has a neurodivergent brain. It’s like his brain processes information in a different language.’ We could easily relate since we had been in a foreign country recently. That empathetic psychiatrist marked the beginning of our journey towards understanding and providing the right support for our overstressed teenager.” — Karen, New Zealand

“The newly found connection with our new psychiatrist was the first time we felt acknowledged and understood. With our highly intelligent son diagnosed with both ADHD and autism, it was challenging having someone to notice his struggles. Once we realized she got us, it was an enormous relief. She assured us, ‘We have a lot to do…but we’ll get there. Don’t worry.’” — Leslie, Pennsylvania

“While having a session for stress management with a psychologist, he casually mentioned that I had ADHD. I had suspected it for a long time, but it felt like someone finally realized the reason for my stress.” — Ann, California

“I felt validated when a psychiatrist finally confirmed at the age of 35, my own suspicion that I had ADHD. Previously, my family doctor had only prescribed antidepressants, which weren't effective for me. It was a relief to know I wasn't actually off my rocker.” — Claire, Canada

“We enlisted an occupational therapist to provide our son with self-regulation support. She was able to see our son's positives that we overlooked due to his impulsive behaviour at school and summer camps. Her intervention helped us to appreciate our son’s unique value and revealed the intrigue behind behaviour that got him reprimanded.” — Tiffany, Canada

“The school counselor had built a strong bond with my son during his elementary school days. During a school meeting, she made me aware: “Everyone focuses on his behavioural issues, but I want to emphasize his personality and what a bright and caring kid he is. True, he has several challenges, but he is also a great kid. Don’t overlook that.” This was following a serious episode involving my son. I felt she was genuinely on our side and had deep concern for him. Unlike others in the meeting who were criticizing him, she took a stand for him.” — An ADDitude reader

“For me, it was a counselor at a crisis center. This was before my ADHD diagnosis, and I was in a depression/anxiety crisis in which my significant other had called 911. The police response took me to this center, and the counselor on duty (it was after midnight and she was the only one there) happened to be the most amazing fit for me. I usually would resist speaking to counselors in these settings, but something about her had me feeling comfortable enough to be honest. She said things that ‘clicked’ and got my wheels turning, which propelled me to seek out a diagnosis. Two months later, I was finally getting the correct diagnosis of ADHD, and my life changed forever.” — Laura, Oregon

SUPPORT ADDITUDE Thank you for reading ADDitude. To support our mission of providing ADHD education and support, please consider subscribing. Your readership and support help make our content and outreach possible. Thank you.