Addiction can have significant effects on the brain’s structure and function. Substance abuse can alter the brain’s reward system, leading to a cycle of compulsive drug-seeking behaviors, and impair decision-making, impulse control, and judgment. When an individual uses a substance, it triggers the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in reward […]
An addiction is defined as compulsive behavior or substance use due to a chronic brain disorder that involves the processes of reward, motivation, and memory. As such, addictions occur when, after repeated use or activity, your body experiences intense cravings that a particular substance or activity alone can satisfy, causing a compulsive or obsessive pursuit […]
Your doctor, psychologist, or psychiatrist can diagnose anxiety through discussions and questionnaires. Symptoms of anxiety can include:
Depression is a common but serious mood disorder that causes a person to feel sad, depressed, and hopeless, often with no identifiable reason. It can also cause a person to lose interest in activities that were previously enjoyable and can affect eating habits, causing an individual to overindulge or avoid eating altogether, leading to a […]
Psychiatrists are well-equipped to diagnose and treat anxiety. Your psychiatrist will likely provide you with medications and regular psychotherapy sessions. Your anxiety medication has a higher chance of working when paired with coping strategies learned in therapy. Everyone is different and will require a highly individualized treatment plan. Lifestyle changes can also affect your anxiety […]
ADHD is a mental health condition that can’t be cured or prevented. In most cases, ADHD has been present since the adult was a child, although it may go undiagnosed if the symptoms are mild or are written off as being part of the child pushing boundaries or just being a kid. The symptoms of […]
While there is no single medical, physical, or genetic test for ADHD, a diagnostic evaluation can be performed by a licensed mental health professional or physician. This may be your primary health physician, an ADHD specialist, or another certified healthcare professional. Your chosen practitioner will assess for ADHD using multiple testing methods. These may include […]
The symptoms of ADHD seem to be at their peak during childhood and become more manageable over time. That said, symptoms of attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder will persist throughout adulthood and can become more problematic. During childhood, there are not many responsibilities to be disrupted by symptoms. In adulthood, numerous responsibilities have the opportunity to be […]
While many autistic people receive their diagnosis during childhood, it’s not uncommon for someone to go undiagnosed until later in their lives. Autism can go undiagnosed as a child, especially if the person is “high functioning” – meaning their symptoms are not as visible or as disruptive, compared to some others struggling with the same […]
Getting an accurate ADHD diagnosis comes down to the thoroughness of your performing clinician. An accurate diagnosis cannot be obtained from a brief office observation or by simply talking to your specialist, as you may not always exhibit ADHD symptoms during your scheduled visits. ADHD requires multiple forms of testing, over multiple visits, which take […]
There is no singular diagnostic or psychological test that is used to diagnose ADHD. Instead, experts use a variety of tests that take both your past and present symptoms into consideration for a comprehensive and reliable diagnosis. ADHD is typically diagnosed when symptoms effect a person’s day-to-day life for longer than 6 months. These symptoms […]
