Misdiagnosis, Trauma and More
A lot of people get misdiagnosed because many disorders mimic other disorders and have many similar symptoms. I see bipolar, depression, anxiety, ADHD often diagnosed when it may be trauma causing all the symptoms but does not mean the diagnosis is wrong either. They may qualify for the diagnosis, but the root cause may be trauma. If you don’t treat the trauma, then you see clients who have their disorder for many, many, years sometimes and don’t know why it is not getting better. It is because they are treating surface things and not pulling out the root causes.
Trauma symptoms include but are not limited to and you don’t have to have each symptom to have trauma or PTSD: hypervigilance, attachment or relationship issues, irritability, impulsivity, mood swings, anxiety, recklessness, sleep issues, self-criticism high amounts, weight gain or loss.
Symptoms of children who have some trauma maybe you don’t know about or need mental health treatment or who are very stressed or may have a disorder going on are: difficulty with transitions, difficulty with sleep and eating, uncomfortable, anxiety, quiet or really loud, excessive screen time, more alone time, tantrums, clinginess- don’t want to leave your side.
I also want to clarify to people that just because you get a diagnosis, does not mean you cannot get better and outgrow that diagnosis. It does not mean you will have it forever. You can heal and get better. Just like someone with a diabetes type 2 diagnosis or foot fungus or the flu. It is possible to heal, grow, and overcome or learn to manage your symptoms and reduce them so life is more enjoyable! Reach out to us or a therapist today to get started! We are here to help!