I have a doctor who’s a friend. He specializes in, and has written papers about diagnosing adult ADHD. He pokes fun at me for my undiagnosed ADHD. Little comments like “gee, I wonder why…” while I’m telling stories.

He sees it. But I cannot get my fucking doctors to even talk to me about it. Whenever I ask about how to get a diagnosis, they just put me on another antidepressant.

[–] One_Honest_Dude@lemmy.world 8 points 2 days ago (2 children)

Why can't you get a diagnosis from your friend? Genuine question, idk how that works.

[–] Patches@ttrpg.network 11 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago) (1 children)

It's unethical to diagnose, and treat, a friend/family member if you are that close.

Also given that one of the Frontline treatments for ADHD is a controlled substance - it would be a very bad look.

That said, if this is the doctor's specialty - it is very odd that they do not know of a colleague they could refer to.

[–] 4grams@awful.systems 5 points 2 days ago

Different systems and we both have personal and professional lines we respect. I absolutely know I could but he also freely admits that among people our age it’s hilariously common and those who’ve gone untreated have their own inbuilt strategies.

He’s never short on advice, he’s a good dude.

[–] T156@lemmy.world 6 points 2 days ago

Conflict of Interest, maybe?

And it would probably be a bit weird for your friend to also be your medical practitioner.

[–] BilboBargains@lemmy.world 10 points 2 days ago

This was my situation exactly. I knew that antidepressants only treated the symptoms but the underlying condition isn't addressed. I was buying ADHD medication on the dark web and that stuff actually worked. Ended up going to a psychiatrist and paying for a diagnosis. Honestly amongst the best decisions I have ever made. Many of my life outcomes made sense when viewed through the lens of ADHD. The project for the remainder of my life is undoing the damage that was done in the first 47 years.