By Gemma Long

ADHD/ADD is often misdiagnosed, according to Dr. Anjum Bashir, a psychiatrist practicing in Decatur and Bloomington. He believes patients who are suspected of having ADHD need a proper diagnosis.  “I think a lot of times it is misdiagnosed,” he says. “The important thing is for people to know that ADHD is a medical disease, and a lot of treatment options are available.”

When someone is having difficulty focusing and paying attention in certain situations, experiences a certain level of hyperactivity, or consistently acts impulsively in ways that seem out of control, ADHD is often suspected. Children affected by ADHD may appear out of control, but adults will likely appear unable to focus on or accomplish the goals they have set for themselves.

Patients with ADHD can suffer from a chemical imbalance in their brain, which causes a shortage of the chemicals that assist with concentration and attention. Research suggests that, in some cases, ADHD appears to be more common in children with close relatives that have it. The environment, it is thought, may make a child more susceptible to ADHD; for example, exposure to lead paint, or a brain injury at birth or later in life.

A team of professionals, which might include the child’s classroom teacher, school nurse, family doctor, social worker, and school principal or counselor, often initially evaluates the child whose ADHD symptoms become more noticeable at school. After observation and evaluation is complete, it may be suggested that the child see a medical doctor for a formal diagnosis.

Because the symptoms of ADHD can be easily misunderstood, an objective measure is useful. However, until recently, obtaining an accurate measure of symptoms was difficult.

Dr. Bashir uses the Quotient ADHD System, which assists in treating patients with ADHD by providing doctors with objective data to supplement their own observations. Seated at what looks like a study desk with a computer, six to twelve-year-olds can complete the test in 15 minutes, whereas adolescents and adults require 20 minutes to finish.

The equipment assesses the patient’s movement, as well as how their attention shifts. Analysis of the results, which are compared with other patients, allows the doctor to make his or her diagnosis. Depending on the data gathered by Dr. Bashir, he is able to work with the child, parents, and teachers to address the ADHD diagnosis in the most effective way. Dr. Bashir will recommend a course of action, which may include medication and/or behavior modification therapy to help the patient develop coping skills. Either way, Dr. Bashir will continue to monitor the patient closely.

As well as diagnosis and treatment for ADHD, Dr. Bashier offers Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for patients with depression who do not find relief through traditional therapies. Depression continues to be a disease that is frequently misunderstood. It is not uncommon for people with the same symptoms to have different causes for their conditions; different people may require different treatments.

Depression is a complex disease that involves a chemical imbalance in the area of the brain that regulates mood. Some causes are found within us – such as genetics, family history, medical conditions, or side effects of medication. Other causes are external, but affect us internally, such as painful life changes like losing a loved one or suffering from abuse. The chemical imbalance is linked to the functioning of nerve circuits and nerve cell growth. 

TMS therapy uses magnetic pulses to stimulate nerve cells in the area of the brain believed to control mood. The treatments impact the way the brain operates in a manner that reduces depression symptoms and improves mood. If TMS treatment is determined an appropriate course of action, the patient begins therapy five days a week for four-to-six weeks.

“TMS treatments are simple for the patient. During treatments, patients are alert, awake, and can do almost anything apart from get up out of the chair,” says Dr. Bashir. Dr. Bashir takes additional steps to make the experience as comforting as possible. “We allow our patients to have family members or guests with them in the room during treatments.”  Dr. Bashir says that almost all of his patients who have had TMS treatment have seen improvements in symptoms or have been able to reduce or quit medications.

For more information on mental illness, TMS Therapy for depression, or Quotient Testing for ADHD, please contact Anjum Bashir, MD at 309-808-2326 or 217-422-0027. His Bloomington office is located at 205 N. Williamsburg, Suite D; he also has an office in Decatur.

^{Photos courtesy of Green Tree}

Treatment for Psychiatric Conditions

In addition to ADHD and depression, Dr. Bashir’s practice provides treatment for a variety of psychiatric conditions, including, but not limited to:

Anxiety disorder: a condition characterized by persistent worry about major or minor concerns. Anxiety disorders such as panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have specific triggers and symptoms.

Bipolar disorder: an illness associated with mood swings that range from lows of depression to highs of mania within months or hours.

Panic attacks: sudden episodes of intense fear that trigger severe physical reactions.

Personality disorders: illnesses in which patients have trouble perceiving and relating to situations and/or people.

Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): a mental health condition triggered by a terrifying event.