Why PTSD Is So Hard to Diagnose and Treat

Post-traumatic stress disorder closes people off. They withdraw — often reluctant to talk about what they’ve experienced and unable to trust others or themselves. But many leading treatments for the condition require just that. The treatments for PTSD — including several forms of psychotherapy and medication — are effective for many patients, but they don’t…

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Why Adult ADHD Is Hard to Diagnose

Just before Katie Marsh dropped out of college, she began to worry that she might have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. “Boredom was like a burning sensation inside of me,” said Ms. Marsh, who is now 30 and lives in Portland, Ore. “I barely went to class. And when I did, I felt like I had…

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Why Is It So Hard to Shower When I’m Depressed?

Q. I find many tasks challenging when I’m depressed, but showering feels especially difficult. Why is that? And what can I do about it? If you have depression, you know how challenging everyday efforts can be. Cooking, cleaning, socializing — all of these can feel as if you’re trudging through the mud, said Dr. Lindsay…

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