| |
|
Article Directory :: Health & Fitness Articles
Your absolute first step with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) before considering medication and ADHD treatment is to ensure a proper assessment and diagnosis.
Why is this so important?
There are a number of variances within ADHD and other medical conditions that share symptoms. It is extremely important to know exactly what you're dealing with before you seek treatment. It's like treating the common cold with antibiotics - they don't have any effect and the cold won't go away, likewise you'll be putting things in your body that you simply don't need. However, with ADHD an inaccurate diagnosis and mistreatment has much more significant risks because ADHD doesn't go away like the common cold. It affects every aspect of your life.
So your absolute first step is to ensure a proper assessment and diagnosis.
Where do you go for your assessment and diagnosis?
Ideally you want to get a proper assessment and diagnosis performed by an expert in ADD/ADHD. For children and teens with ADD this is often easier simply because there are more pediatricians and child psychiatrists comfortable with ADD than there are adult psychiatrists comfortable with adult ADD.
If you're an adult looking for a specialist who is an expert in ADD, then the best place to start is with your family doctor, or primary care physician. The next step (if your doctor doesn't know who to send you to) is to contact your local medical school, or the biggest medical school close to where you live. Speak to the secretary of the department of psychiatry and ask about who is working with adult ADD.
I also recommend asking around your community. You might be surprised to find out who you already know that has dealt with ADHD, they may know of some local experts.
What to expect from the assessment and diagnosis:
Whoever you go to, you want to make sure a thorough history and a physical examination is conducted. Generally speaking you will want to spend at least 45 minutes to an hour on the thorough history. Some doctors may break this up into several appointments, but just know that diagnosing ADHD in about five minutes is generally poor medical care. The doctor will likely give you some questionnaires, ask about background information, and schedule another visit.
The physical examination itself is very important. If you're seeing a psychiatrist for an ADHD diagnosis, it is also important to see a physician for the physical exam portion. Psychiatrists generally do not do the physical exams.
The physical exam is important because it helps to rule out other conditions. For example, if somebody has a hearing problem, and they are not paying attention - it's because they can't hear properly. So the proper treatment is a hearing aid, not an ADHD medicine. Right? There are many background conditions that can cause people to believe there is an ADHD condition when there really isn't.
To begin treating ADHD without a proper diagnosis simply results in treating the wrong thing. The problem doesn't get resolved, in fact things can become worse, and you're left with a medicine cabinet full of medications for improper diagnosis. Take the time to find a qualified ADHD specialist and obtain a proper diagnosis and assessment. It will mean all the difference with your treatment experience and success.
Dr. Kenny Handelman is a Board Certified Psychiatrist in Canada and the USA. He is an expert in ADD & ADHD and helps kids, teens and adults to improve their lives, and build up their strengths. For a free special report on medication for ADD/ADHD, please visit: Medication for ADD and ADHD.
 EasyPublish™ this article - publishers click here
More articles by Dr Kenny Handelman
|
Free Report!
Ten Essential Secrets Of Article Marketing ... Grab Your Free
Copy Now:
Need Content?
Regular Top Quality Content for your Blog, Ezine or Website ...
Delivered Direct,
For Free!
Click For Details
Arts & Entertainment
Automotive
Business - General
Computers & Technology
Finance & Investment
Food & Drink
Health & Fitness
Home & Family
Internet Marketing/Online Business
Legal
Pets & Animals
Politics & Government
Reference & Education
Religion & Faith
Self-Improvement/Motivation
Social
Sports & Recreation
Travel & Leisure
Writing & Speaking
|
More health articles: - Chemical Air Purifiers---Who Needs Them? (Debbie Davis)
There are lots of airborne chemicals in our indoor air these days. You may be asking yourself who on earth would need an air purifier for chemicals. But take a look below, and if you fall into one of the situations the answer is you! - CPAP Nasal Masks - Everything You Need To Know (Sam Weins)
CPAP nasal masks spell the big difference in treating sleep apnea caused by the closure of airways during sleep. To prevent this from happening, regular air pressure is fed through the air passages. It's time to educate yourself about the device if you have this type of sleep apnea. - My Best 3 Ideas For Cool ECig Modifications (Dirik Hameed)
ECigWizard is a top retailer of all things e cigarettes and modifications - Drugs and the Overweight (James Edholm)
According to scientific research, a higher percentage of overweight people use more medications than people who have normal weight. - How Can Diabetes Affect Your Vision? (Beth Collins)
If you suffer from diabetes, you may wonder how it could affect your vision. This can be a large concern, as uncontrolled blood sugar levels can cause damage to your eyesight over time. For this reason, becoming knowledgeable about this condition, and possible signs that you need further treatment, is critical. So, to help you learn more about how diabetes and your vision are related, let's look at this subject in greater detail below. - The Wonders of Chiropractic Medicine (Steve Selis)
The art of Chiropractic medicine has been around for centuries. Today the number of chiropractors has exceeded 50,000 practicing doctors in the United States. This ranks third among health care professionals behind only physicians and dentists. - Slimband: The Way To Permanent Weight Loss (Adrianna Noton)
Obesity has become a major problem in the U.S., and the problem has been steadily increasing over the last twenty years. Obesity has a variety of causes and can be difficult for some to overcome without knowledge and help. - Beta Glucan - Mega Immune System Supporter (Guido Housemouser)
Your body is a network of remarkable systems and when one tiny, little thing throws your system out of balance, (i.e. stress, not getting enough sleep, too much of a good thing, etc.), your day-to-day health may begin to suffer. Beta Glucan can offer support for your immune system to help your body keep in better balance.
We Automatically Distribute Articles
To Thousands Of Publishers And Web Sites:
Submit Article
All content is viewed and used by you at your own risk and we do not warrant the accuracy or reliability of any of the information. The views expressed are those of the individual contributing authors and not necessarily those of this web site, or its owner, Takanomi Limited.
|
|
