How do I know if I have ADHD?
One of the more challenging aspects of my my work as a psychiatrist is when patients with good intentions come in to the office with a self-diagnosis of ADHD. They are completely convinced after answering an online questionnaire!
Although these lists are helpful for self awareness and taking an inventory of one’s behavioral patterns and thoughts, they must in no way be confused with the process of diagnosis. Diagnosis criteria in medicine and psychiatry utilizes guidelines for medical history taking as well as a physical and mental status examination by a trained clinician with years of experience.
The danger of checklist medical diagnosis are considerable.Inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity as core symptoms of ADHD could be caused or related to many other conditions including hormonal, structural, stress and mood related conditions. So do a thorough job finding a skilled physician, and allow her to assess your symptoms within the context of her training and experience.
1 year ago
Recently a patient whom I had not seen for almost a year showed up in my office demanding that her antidepressant prescriptions be filled for another year. She made it clear that she had no interes...
1 year ago
ADHD-affected individuals often have trouble reading for long periods. Many report trouble concentrating, experience headaches, sleepiness, and restlessness while attempting to read. The problem is...
1 year ago
Many people who start medication therapies to treat the core ADD/ADHD symptom notice subtle changes that are not always easy to accept or manage. The character style that was considered to be a pro...
1 year ago
When I was a resident physician in training, I remember my excitement in mastering the principles of psychopharmacology. I was so eager to diagnose patients" problems and apply the right treat...
1 year ago
I saw the young man for the first time last month. He could not sit still for more than a few seconds and was constantly fidgeting. His life was a classic example of setbacks and unfulfilled dreams...
1 year ago
Low frustration tolerance is a hallmark of the ADHD sufferers. The scenario goes something like this: You are trying to focus on completing your expense report, and the guy from the next cubicle in...