Benghazi – Dr. Mohammed Al-Mansouri, a consultant neurologist and faculty member at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Benghazi, affirmed that accurate diagnosis is the fundamental and most crucial step towards successful treatment, especially for children suffering from psychological or behavioral disorders.
In a special interview with Dr. Mohammed Al-Mansouri, the Libyan News Agency newspaper clarified that reaching a sound diagnosis requires integrated cooperation between specialized doctors, parents, and treatment centers to ensure appropriate care is provided and the best therapeutic outcomes are achieved.
He added that diagnosis does not rely on experience alone but must include a comprehensive evaluation that incorporates the child’s and family’s medical history, clinical examination, and psychological tests according to globally adopted scientific standards, such as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).
He explained that early and accurate diagnosis can change the course of a child’s life, as it allows for the commencement of appropriate treatment at the right time and limits the disorder’s impact on their daily life and their academic and social future. He also pointed to the role of parents as one of the primary pillars, being the first source of information regarding the child’s history and behavior from a young age, calling for cooperation and transparency with the specialized doctor to ensure the case progresses.
Dr. Al-Mansouri touched on the importance of the treatment plan, which varies according to the diagnosis and may include psychological, behavioral, or medicinal therapy, or a combination thereof, with the necessity of supervision by specialists in pediatrics or child psychiatry. He also highlighted the pivotal role of neurologists in identifying the neurological or organic causes behind some disorders, using clinical and imaging examinations such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or electroencephalography (EEG).
He noted that diagnosis by experience alone is not sufficient and that medical imaging and laboratory tests help confirm the diagnosis, not replace it. He emphasized the importance of nutrients like folic acid and vitamin B9 during pregnancy for the fetus’s nervous system health, warning against taking any medication or supplement without consulting a doctor.
He also touched on the role of oxygen sessions and omega-3 fatty acids in some neurological cases, stressing the necessity of using them under medical supervision.
In conclusion, Dr. Al-Mansouri stressed that awareness is the first step towards a correct diagnosis, urging parents to closely monitor their children’s behavior and not hesitate to consult a doctor upon noticing any linguistic, behavioral, or educational delays. He affirmed that accurate diagnosis is the key to effective treatment and that science, precision, and cooperation between the family and the doctor are the foundations for building a healthy and sound future for children.