Appeal to Dr. Ashford's medical knowledge by discussing specific cases or techniques

Feeling the panic rising in your chest, you take a deep breath. If you can simply demonstrate that your knowledge is both genuine and extensive, you're sure that Dr. Ashford will see reason. You angle yourself towards Dr. Ashford, as the orderlies continue to grab ahold. Speaking with careful precision, you attempt to appeal to her medical knowledge.

"Dr. Ashford, I recognize you're concerned about my mental state," you begin, your voice level. "But could a delusional person discuss the recent findings on restraint protocols ?" You ask posing an interesting question. Surely, if you were delusional, your knowledge wouldn't be up to date.

"And what do you know about the recent findings on restraint protocols?" Dr. Ashford asks, looking for any holes she could possibly poke.

"I know that studies show that excessive physical constraint actually impedes recovery by increasing agitation." You note recent studies, including the moral treatment approach being used here. "Surely you've observed improved outcomes when patients are spoken to as rational beings rather than—"

"Rather than what?" Dr. Ashford interrupts smoothly, her head tilting with feigned interest. "Go on."

"Rather than as objects to be managed," you finish, gathering your confidence. "I've read your quarterly reports submitted to the Board. The reduction in violent incidents since you implemented more humane protocols is remarkable. That's the work of someone with genuine insight into psychiatric care."

Dr. Ashford's expression shifts for just a moment. As something flickers across her face. Satisfaction, perhaps. She exchanges a glance with Matron Blackwood, and for a moment, you have hope.

"Remarkable indeed," Dr. Ashford says softly. "Do you know what is truly remarkable, however? The sophistication of certain delusions, " she says, answering the question that she asked. "You must have overheard this information somewhere and are using it to establish rapport. This is a known phenomenon as the disturbed mind is extraordinarily clever at mimicry.

"That isn't," you say, trying to explain that Dr. Ashford has gotten you wrong. But before you can, the doctor's already cutten you off.

"You're attempting to appeal to my professional vanity," she continues, stepping closer. "You must have studied my work sufficiently to speak in order to speak its language back to me. A lesser clinician might be swayed. But I assure you, the more evidence of this kind of sophisticated reasoning you produce, the more convinced I become of the severity of your condition. Paranoid delusions paired with intellectual cunning are among the most difficult to treat."

Turning towards Matron Oakwood, Dr. Ashford gives her orders. "Proceed to the restraint room. I want her to be examined thoroughly." The doctor instructs telling her staff to look for any sings of self-harm or or signs of narcotic use that might explain the delusions.

Your options

Attempt to overpower the orderlies, making a run towards the main entrance to escape immediately

Go passive and comply letting yourself be taken to the restraint room

Demand to contact the board of Governors directly to verify your appointment