patient hoarding

Keeping patients coming back for as long as you can, for the rest of their lives if at all possible. The goal is to keep a steady stream of patients coming in, by keeping as many patients on your list as possible, so as to maximize your weekly income. You don't want to completely cure them, or they might decide they don't need you anymore. You just need to make them feel like they're making progress, slowly but surely.

Psychiatrists and therapists are especially notorious for this. They will often make you feel that your condition is incurable, although treatable. Of course, some people, including those with chemical imbalances, may need a lifelong course of treatment. But some others, who may just be going through a difficult time in their lives, may not.

Some doctors do want to see their patients get cured and move on, if possible. But some (the patient hoarders) want to keep as many patients coming back as possible, for as long as possible.

As long as this doctor continues her practice of patient hoarding, you will have to make appointments well in advance because she will be booked solid for weeks, or even months, at a time.