Thorough Evaluation

CBT is most effective when targeting the actual problem. A through evaluation may be done via psychological testing or psychiatric diagnostic assessment. Examples of commonly [inaccurately] overdiagnosed or inaccurately disorders include:

• • Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): Many psychiatrists will meet with someone for less than an hour and pronounce their patient to have ADHD, however this decision is more often than not made based on hearing of inattention issues. However, inattention is also a symptom of anxiety, depression, bereavement, and many other disorders. Though the drugs can be helpful for inattention, they come with side effects and not treating the underlying disorder.

  • Bi-Polar Disorder, Depression, and Borderline Personality Disorders: Bi-polar disorders are most known for manic and depression symptoms. Manic symptoms are often not identified in brief outpatient assessments, often leading to a conclusion of simple depression. Borderline personality disorder symptoms are sometimes confused with bi-polar disorder or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Treatment parameters are different for some of these disorders.

  • Autistic Spectrum Disorders: Many clinicians will quickly diagnose mild autism in socially awkward people, however there needs to be a level of severity requiring special supports to qualify. Diagnoses that may better explain what appears to be mild autism include social (pragmatic) communication disorder, intellectual developmental disorder, and less often certain personality disorders (e.g., schizotypal).

Get the right diagnosis for the right treatment! Contact us to request a thorough diagnostic evaluation.