The recent posts about difficult mothers have a familiar ring about them.

Physicians too, have to deal with difficult people.  Patients can be
hostile, angry, non-compliant and demanding.  Fortunately, family physicians
usually have some training in these matters - it helps get you through the
day!

For most of these patients, there are underlying issues that are not being
dealt with and needs that are not being met: familial violence and
breakdown, depression, fear of illness and so on.   Sometimes you can get
through to the real problem at the first visit just by asking the right
questions, other times it takes a while.  In the meantime, you set limits
and review acceptable behaviour, without rejecting the patient.

Good luck.

Shirley Gross - family doc and LC

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M. Shirley Gross M.D.,C.M., C.C.F.P.
Director, Edmonton Breastfeeding Clinic
Assistant Clinical Professor
Depts. of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and of Family Medicine
University of Alberta, Canada
email [log in to unmask]
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