All articles tagged with #diagnosis
A Nature Outlook opinion argues that updating the DSM is insufficient and calls for abandoning diagnosis labels in favor of a care-focused approach that situates mental distress within a person’s experiences, vulnerabilities, and social context, prioritizing supportive relationships, environmental changes, and individualized interventions over refining disease categories.
Atrial fibrillation is becoming more common, with doctors noting improving diagnosis and a range of treatment options to manage symptoms and reduce risk.
Analyzing 2.7 million Swedes, the study finds autism diagnosis rates between males and females level to near parity by about age 20, implying women are not less likely to have autism but are diagnosed later, highlighting diagnostic biases and the need for revised screening practices.
ADHD can fly under the radar in girls, who often show inattentiveness—like drifted focus, forgetfulness, and disorganization—more than hyperactivity. This under-diagnosis can harm self-esteem and mental health, making diagnosis crucial through parent–child discussions, school input, and GP referrals, with home routines to support affected girls while awaiting assessment.
A Nature Outlook feature explains why ADHD is diagnosed later in women, arguing that female symptoms are historically misunderstood, societal expectations mask the condition, and rising awareness brings both clearer recognition and concerns about misinformation; the piece uses Emily Bates’ 34-year diagnosis to illustrate the pattern.
Canadian officials in New Brunswick found no evidence of a new mystery brain illness after reviewing about 222 cases; most patients are likely diagnosed with existing conditions, and no consistent environmental exposure (herbicides or heavy metals) was identified, though testing issues limit conclusions. The protocol for unexplained neurological cases now requires two specialists, and findings will be shared with the Public Health Agency of Canada for further review.
ADHD is often undiagnosed in girls because symptoms tend to be inattentive and masked by social expectations, and research has historically focused on male presentations; co-occurring anxiety and depression further complicate diagnosis, leading to higher risks of bullying, relationship problems, eating disorders, self-harm, and even premature mortality; improving outcomes requires more female-inclusive research, better diagnostic tools, increased awareness, and gender-tailored treatment approaches.
An international trial enrolling about 1,000 volunteers over 60 in the UK, US and Canada is testing whether a simple finger-prick blood test can detect Alzheimer's-related biomarkers to diagnose the disease more quickly and non-invasively, potentially replacing or reducing reliance on expensive brain scans and lumbar punctures; results are expected in 2028.
Medscape's Fast Five Quiz reviews Clostridioides difficile infection, highlighting the importance of recognizing risk factors, selecting appropriate diagnostic tests, and timely management to reduce complications and recurrence.
Researchers mapped the gut microbes and metabolic pathways that can produce ethanol in auto-brewery syndrome (ABS), implicating bacteria such as E. coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae and showing elevated ethanol production during ABS flares; these insights could lead to stool-based diagnostics and microbiome-targeted therapies, including fecal transplantation, which in one patient kept symptoms at bay for over 16 months.
A man initially thought to have terminal lung cancer was finally diagnosed with a rare immune condition called IgG4-RD after a year of misdiagnosis, leading to a groundbreaking treatment trial that significantly improved his health and inspired advocacy efforts.
Cindy O’Connor suffered from lifelong bladder control issues, experiencing frequent accidents from childhood, which remained undiagnosed for decades until doctors identified the underlying problem.
A new mother, Ameilia Gopie, who struggled with postpartum depression, was diagnosed with Stage III triple-positive breast cancer after skipping routine appointments, highlighting the importance of regular health screenings and early detection. Despite aggressive treatment and ongoing challenges, she focuses on her recovery and cherishes time with her daughter.
Delays in diagnosing dementia in Michigan lead to missed opportunities for treatment, planning, and support, with experts emphasizing the importance of early detection for access to new drugs, lifestyle changes, and better quality of life. Barriers include stigma, lack of awareness, and specialist shortages, but early diagnosis can significantly improve outcomes and allow families to plan for the future.
Research from the Mayo Clinic reveals that over 50% of heart attacks in women under 65 are caused by non-atherothrombotic factors like stress-related conditions and artery tears, highlighting the need for improved diagnosis and personalized treatment approaches.