Meet Dr Philip Boamah
Hello friends; I am Dr. Philip Boamah; currently accepting patients in the Hillsboro area, Oregon.
To book call 503-747-6645What is an ADHD diagnosis?
1. ADHD is a diagnosis given to persons with neurodevelopmental disorder
2. A person with ADHD must show the following signs according to DSMV to be diagnosed as ADHD
A. Persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity
that interferes with functioning or development-Hyperactivity and impulsivity: Six (or more) of the following
symptoms have persisted for at least 6 months to a degree that is
inconsistent with developmental level and that negatively impacts
directly on social and academic/occupational activities:-Inattention: Six (or more) of the following symptoms have persisted for
at least 6 months to a degree that is inconsistent with developmental
level and that negatively impacts directly on social and
academic/occupational activitiesB. Several inattentive or hyperactive-impulsive symptoms were present before age 12 years.
C. Several inattentive or hyperactive-impulsive symptoms are present in
two or more settings, (e.g., at home, school or work; with friends or
relatives; in other activities).D. There is clear evidence that the symptoms interfere with, or reduce the quality of, social, school, or work functioning.
E. The symptoms do not occur exclusively during the course of
schizophrenia or another psychotic disorder and are not better explained
by another mental disorder (e.g., mood disorder, anxiety disorder,
dissociative disorder, personality disorder, substance intoxication or
withdrawal).Symptoms of inattention include
a. Often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless
mistakes in schoolwork, at work, or during other activities (e.g.,
overlooks or misses details, work is inaccurate).b. Often has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities
(e.g., has difficulty remaining focused during lectures, conversations,
or lengthy reading).c. Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly (e.g., mind
seems elsewhere, even in the absence of any obvious distraction).d. Often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish
schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (e.g., starts tasks but
quickly loses focus and is easily sidetracked).e. Often has difficulty organizing tasks and activities (e.g.,
difficulty managing sequential tasks; difficulty keeping materials and
belongings in order; messy, disorganized work; has poor time management;
fails to meet deadlines).f. Often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that
require sustained mental effort (e.g., schoolwork or homework; for older
adolescents and adults, preparing reports, completing forms, reviewing
lengthy papers).g. Often loses things necessary for tasks or activities (e.g., school
materials, pencils, books, tools, wallets, keys, paperwork, eyeglasses,
mobile telephones).h. Is often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli (for older adolescents and adults, may include unrelated thoughts).
i. Is often forgetful in daily activities (e.g., doing chores, running
errands; for older adolescents and adults, returning calls, paying
bills, keeping appointments).Symptoms of hyperactivity include
a. Often fidgets with or taps hands or feet or squirms in seat.
b. Often leaves seat in situations when remaining seated is expected
(e.g., leaves his or her place in the classroom, in the office or other
workplace, or in other situations that require remaining in place).c. Often runs about or climbs in situations where it is inappropriate.
(Note: In adolescents or adults, may be limited to feeling restless).d. Often unable to play or take part in leisure activities quietly.
e. Is often “on the go” acting as if “driven by a motor” (e.g., is
unable to be or uncomfortable being still for extended time, as in
restaurants, meetings; may be experienced by others as being restless or
difficult to keep up with).f. Often talks excessively.
Symptoms of Impulsivity include
g. Often blurts out an answer before a question has been completed
(e.g., completes people’s sentences; cannot wait for turn in
conversation).h. Often has trouble waiting his/her turn (e.g., while waiting in line).
i. Often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into
conversations, games, or activities; may start using other people’s
things without asking or receiving permission; for adolescents and
adults, may intrude into or take over what others are doing).How do Naturopathic Doctors typically manage ADHD?
1. Through diet: avoid highly processed foods and increase intake of fruits and vegetables; there are many ways to achieve this other than chewing and juicing
2.Mindfulness meditation: Most foundational and most important
3. Herbs: Herbs can calm the nerves and improve focus such as chamomile or ginseng
4. Supplements: Fish oils and others
5. Pharmacotherapy: stimulants such as adderall
6. Other therapy: homeopathy, hydrotherapy, acupuncture
Because each person has specific genes and different ways of adapting to the environment; ADHD should be addressed on a case-by-case basis to determine what works best for each person. Being a neuro-developmental disorder indicates that some symptoms may appear earlier than others and wouldn’t be obvious to your teachers or doctors. Screening for ADHD with your health care profession is extremely important because self diagnosis leads to self medication/medication seeking; leading to medication misuse. To be safe; work with your PCP and healthcare team
References
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. DSM-5
Changes: Implications for Child Serious Emotional Disturbance
[Internet]. Rockville (MD): Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
Administration (US); 2016 Jun. Table 7, DSM-IV to DSM-5
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Comparison. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519712/table/ch3.t3/- 0 Replies
Sorry, there were no replies found.
Log in to reply.
