Diagnosis Diagnosing Hirschsprung disease usually begins with a healthcare professional performing a physical examination and asking about the child’s bowel movements. Because symptoms often resemble other digestive issues, further tests are used to confirm the condition or rule out other causes. Common diagnostic tests include: Colon tissue biopsy: This is the most reliable test for diagnosing Hirschsprung disease. A small …
Congenital Heart Disease in Adults
Diagnosis Congenital heart disease in adults may be discovered during a routine physical exam, or when symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, or irregular heartbeat appear. Some adults may not know they have a heart defect until later in life. Tests used to diagnose congenital heart disease in adults include: Echocardiogram to view heart structure and blood flow Electrocardiogram …
Congenital Heart Defects in Children
Diagnosis A congenital heart defect can be diagnosed during pregnancy or after birth. In many cases, signs of heart abnormalities are seen during a routine fetal ultrasound. After birth, healthcare professionals may suspect a heart defect if a baby shows certain signs such as: Growth delays Bluish color changes on the lips, tongue, or nails A heart murmur heard through …
Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia
Diagnosis Healthcare professionals may diagnose congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) before birth, shortly after birth, or later in life during childhood or adulthood. Prenatal testing Tests that can detect CAH in fetuses at risk include: Amniocentesis, which removes a small amount of amniotic fluid for lab testing. Chorionic villus sampling, which collects placenta cells for genetic analysis. These tests confirm whether …
Concussion
Diagnosis To diagnose a concussion, a healthcare professional evaluates symptoms, reviews medical history, and may order specific tests. Common assessments include a neurological exam, cognitive testing, and imaging studies. Neurological exam This involves detailed questions about the injury followed by tests to check: Vision Hearing Strength and sensation Balance and coordination Reflexes Cognitive testing Cognitive tests evaluate mental functions such …
Kleptomania
Diagnosis Diagnosis of kleptomania is based on recognizing behavior patterns and understanding emotional triggers. A physical exam may be done first to rule out medical causes. A psychological evaluation then helps identify symptoms linked to impulse control.Your mental health provider may: Ask detailed questions about stealing impulses and associated feelings Review situations that may trigger episodes Discuss consequences or problems …
Compulsive Sexual Behavior
Diagnosis If you think you might have compulsive sexual behavior, you can ask your healthcare provider for a referral to a mental health professional experienced in diagnosing and treating this condition. You can also reach out directly to a licensed mental health provider. A mental health assessment may include discussion about: Your physical and mental health and overall emotional well-being. …
Hoarding Disorder
Diagnosis Hoarding disorder is often discovered when people seek help for other issues such as anxiety, depression, or relationship difficulties. To diagnose hoarding disorder, it’s important to consult a mental health professional who specializes in this condition. Diagnosis involves a detailed mental health evaluation that explores your emotional well-being, thought patterns, and behaviors related to collecting and saving items. Your …
Complicated Grief
Diagnosis Grieving is a unique experience for every person, and identifying when normal grief develops into complicated grief can be challenging. There’s currently no universal agreement among mental health experts on the exact time frame required before complicated grief can be diagnosed. Complicated grief may be considered when intense grief persists for months after a loved one’s death. Some professionals …
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
Diagnosis Diagnosis of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is based on a physical examination and review of medical history. There is no single test that can confirm the condition, but certain diagnostic procedures can provide helpful clues. Bone scan: Detects bone changes using a radioactive substance injected into a vein, viewed with a special camera. Sweat production tests: Measure the …









