Chicago Wrong Diagnosis Attorneys - Article
Psychiatric Misdiagnosis
These days it seems like more people than ever are seeking treatment for mental health issues. This is largely a positive trend, as people are getting help for issues that would have been overlooked or dismissed in previous decades. But there is a downside: this focus on psychiatric disorders may be causing people to see a psychiatrist when what they need is a physician.
Wrong Diagnosis
Being diagnosed with the wrong disorder can cause serious problems for a person. A patient who is misdiagnosed with a mental problem may be placed on psychoactive medications that do not address their real issue, or even make it worse. And the more time a person spends in treatment that does not affect their health problem, the more the problem is allowed to progress.
Two of the most commonly prescribed types of drugs are antidepressants and stimulants. The former are used to treat depression and anxiety; the latter are a common treatment for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, which is very widely diagnosed now. These drugs are very useful for people who require them, but can create problems if they are prescribed to someone who doesn’t need them.
Medication Side Effects
The side effects of antidepressants can include:
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Decreased sex drive
- Manic episodes (in patients who are actually bipolar)
- Blunted mood
- Suicidal impulses
The side effects of stimulants can include:
- Insomnia
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irregular heartbeat
- Anxiety
Take Legal Action Today
If you have been injured after being misdiagnosed and placed on the wrong medication, you may have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit against the physician or psychiatrist who caused your injuries. For more information,
contact Chicago wrong diagnosis attorneys Friedman & Bonebrake at 312-466-8200.