These days it seems as though almost everybody has been diagnosed with a condition, along with a prescription medication for their symptoms. There is some controversy over whether or not medical doctors are utilizing their prescription pads too much, and some of the controversy may be apt when it comes to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Take your time when you seek a diagnosis for this condition, as taking a medication without having the disorder can result in considerable harm.
Why Should I Take My Time with an ADHD Diagnosis?
ADHD is currently one of the most diagnosed mental health conditions in the country, especially among school-aged children. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual makes it incredibly easy to diagnose ADHD, as it clearly defines a number of symptoms that are most frequently linked to the disorder.
For instance, problems like consistent fidgeting, interrupting behavior, excessive talking and impulsive behaviors all indicate this condition, and some professional make diagnoses on these problems alone.
While it is incredibly easy to diagnose ADHD, it is important to work with your doctor to take it slow for any of the following problems:
- Medication – Many medications that treat ADHD are stimulants, such as Adderall and Ritalin. While these drugs do not yield unmanageable side effects when used as directed, they are nevertheless addictive. Having these drugs available to you or a loved one can open the door for addiction or abuse habits to form.
- Inaccurate diagnosis – While ADHD is incredibly easy to diagnose, many practitioners still misdiagnose this disorder. Some critics argue that, because doctors attempt to provide diagnoses rather quickly, they may miss important details or overlook information that excludes ADHD from someone’s possible problems.
- Going on medication and/or participating in therapy for a disorder that is not really affecting someone can not only be a waste of time, but it can also be incredibly frustrating
ADHD is a legitimate condition that requires the right balance of care, but it can easily be misdiagnosed and/or lead to additional issues, such as addiction to stimulant medications. It is important to take your time when looking for a diagnosis to prevent other issues from occurring.
Could an ADHD Diagnosis Be Something Else?
In many cases, symptoms related to ADHD signal other issues. For example, many people misdiagnose bipolar disorder as ADHD, as typical problems of ADHD could be emotional responses to trauma or something a problem within the home.
Therefore, taking time to address symptoms related to your condition can be highly beneficial, as someone’s mental health problem might be something other than this problem with concentration.