Ask the Herbalist

Hello Lior, I've been struggling with feeling restless and I have a hard time focusing. I suspect I have ADHD. Is it worth diagnosing? Hello, ADHD is a developmental syndrome that manifests in problems with self-regulation. Self-regulation is the capacity to optimize your behavior, thinking, attention and emotional experience and expression. People with ADHD struggle to fine-tune their responses. They either respond too fast or too slow, too weakly or more strongly than the circumstances require. Self-regulation involves multiple brain processes. When something is wrong with even one of these processes, it might look like ADHD. While ADHD is a neuro-developmental disorder that implies an early origin that might go back to gestation or birth, some adults are now diagnosed with ADHD for the first time. Late diagnosis of ADHD may be a result of improvement in screening tools or because of a lifestyle that leads to a reduction in attention span. ADHD manifests differently in children than in adults, mainly because of the differences in tasks and lifestyle that children are engaged with as opposed to adults, and the tendency of children to need more movement and take more risks than adults. Who can diagnose ADHD? A psychiatrist, psychologist, family doctor, nurse practitioner, neurologist, master-level counselor or a social worker can diagnose ADHD. When seeking an ADHD diagnosis, you want to ensure that your chosen practitioner is experienced. Generally, mental health practitioners will have more experience diagnosing ADHD than your nurse practitioner. In addition, the diagnosis needs to rule out the prevalence of other mental conditions that might have similar manifestations. ADHD on the spectrum Some people are naturally organized, while others thrive in chaos. Some like their routine and need time to make decisions, while others follow the flow. The ability to manage thoughts, behaviors and emotions is a spectrum. As a society, we define when a trait becomes a disorder. There is a fine line between an easygoing person who may be more spontaneous and someone with ADHD, which we use to decide who needs intervention. Labeling a child or an adult with ADHD is beneficial if it helps them get the support that they need. It can help prevent low self-esteem and depression. At the same time, it might help the parents, teachers, and other professionals when they attempt to provide the support the child needs. Although neuroplasticity is lifelong, brain development during childhood is dramatic. Areas of the brain and networks being used become more robust, and those neglected are weakened and die. For the child with ADHD, it means that early diagnosis and treatment can help strengthen networks that otherwise would be neglected. Diagnosing ADHD is beneficial if it leads to a practical support plan. Labeling people, children or adults with ADHD can be harmful if a care plan does not follow the diagnosis. This article is for educational and informational purposes only and solely as a self-help tool for your own use. I am not providing medical, psychological or nutrition therapy advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your own medical practitioner. Always seek the advice of your own medical practitioner and/or mental health provider about your specific health situation.