Semi-regular posts on topics of interest and controversy within psychiatry.

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most commonly diagnosed neurodevelopmental conditions, yet it often looks different from person to person. Because symptoms can overlap with other mental health or medical concerns, getting an accurate diagnosis is essential. ADHD testing provides the clarity needed to understand what’s really happening and serves as the foundation for creating a treatment plan tailored to each individual’s unique needs.

As Hawaii grapples with a fentanyl and mental health crisis, medical professionals are finding ways to help those in need.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects both children and adults, influencing attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. While awareness of ADHD has grown over the years, stigma and misconceptions still surround the diagnosis and treatment. Many individuals delay seeking help due to fears of being labeled or misunderstood, which can hinder their ability to lead fulfilling and productive lives.

Hawaii is known for its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and warm aloha spirit. But beneath the postcard-perfect scenery, there is a growing crisis—homelessness. On Maui, Oahu, and across all the Hawaiian Islands, thousands of people are struggling to survive without stable housing, and many of them are battling serious mental health conditions.

Anxiety disorders affect millions of people worldwide, causing intense, persistent feelings of fear or worry that can disrupt daily life. While feeling anxious occasionally is a normal part of life, anxiety disorders are characterized by more severe and lasting symptoms. Understanding these disorders and adopting effective management strategies is key to improving mental health and overall well-being.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders, affecting both children and adults. It presents challenges in focusing, controlling impulses, and managing hyperactivity, which can significantly impact daily life, relationships, and work or academic performance. Fortunately, psychiatric care offers effective solutions to help manage ADHD symptoms and improve overall quality of life.

Trauma can have a profound and long-lasting impact on your mental health. Whether you've experienced a single, life-altering event or a series of traumatic experiences, the effects can be debilitating. You may struggle with intrusive thoughts, intense emotions, and a heightened sense of fear or anxiety. Trauma can also lead to depression, substance abuse, and difficulty in personal and professional relationships.

It’s no secret that psychiatry is a field riddled with controversy. What is more personal, more sacred, more defended, than the autonomy to decide what’s best for our health - even more so, our own minds?

Mental health and psychiatric evaluations are essential tools used to understand an individual's emotional, psychological, and behavioral state. For beginners, it's important to know that these evaluations are a starting point for identifying any mental health disorders or issues. The primary goal is to create an accurate diagnosis that can guide the development of a personalized treatment plan. Engaging in a psychiatric evaluation can be a pivotal first step towards healing and improving one's quality of life.

My name is Dave Fields, and I’m the Fields in question behind Fields Psychiatric Consultants. I’ve started this blog to answer the questions I’m sure you’re dying to ask regarding the field of psychiatry, as well as the questions you haven’t considered, don’t want answers to, and likely never will.