Getting Diagnosed With ADHD
Many people don't know they have ADHD until adulthood. Diagnosis can be difficult. It could be a matter of asking questions about childhood behaviors and a psychological evaluation.
To establish a diagnosis the mental health professional will examine a person's present symptoms as well as their prior illnesses and relationships. The doctor will also talk to parents and teachers and ask the individual to rate his or her symptoms using a scale.
Diagnosis
In order to get a diagnosis of ADHD, you will need to consult a medical specialist who is specialized in the disorder. You can find one through your health insurance, by asking for a referral from a doctor or counselor, or by calling an organization such as Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD).
The first step is to schedule a thorough interview with your healthcare professional. You might be asked to complete the symptom checklist or behavior rating system. In addition psychological tests can help determine if your symptoms may be connected to ADHD. Certain doctors also utilize brain imaging to determine the activity in your brain.
Your health care provider will want to know if you've suffered from ADHD symptoms for at least six months. It is also necessary to exhibit symptoms in more than one place, such as at home and at work. You or your child must have symptomatic behavior in childhood, usually before age 12, to be diagnosed with the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can trigger complex emotions. For instance, some feel a sense of relief as they realize that they have a clear explanation for why their life is so challenging. Some may be regretful about relationships or opportunities that were not taken advantage of that they believe could have been prevented if they had sought treatment for their ADHD symptoms earlier.
A therapist can aid you in sorting out these emotions. They can help you learn to manage symptoms and teach strategies to help you focus, stay organized and follow through with commitments. Most often, a mental health therapist will recommend an array of treatments, including psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle changes.
There are many things that can trigger problems with attention such as stress and medical conditions. ADHD is often accompanied by other disorders such as bipolar disorder, depression, or anxiety. People with anxiety or depression have trouble concentrating and forget simple tasks like paying bills or keeping appointments. Your doctor may conduct urine or blood tests to rule out any other medical conditions.
Medication
Many children and teens with ADHD get better control of their symptoms through medication. Multiple types of medications are available and work differently for different individuals. It can be difficult to find the best medication and dosage for your child or yourself.
Talk to your family doctor If you suspect you or your child could have ADHD. Psychologists and psychiatrists who specialize in mental illness are trained to recognize ADHD. You can find more information on finding these specialists on the National Institute of Mental Health website.
When trying to determine whether someone is suffering from ADHD, the healthcare provider will use clinical interviews and behavior rating scales as well as checklists of symptoms to determine whether the individual meets the diagnostic criteria. The health professional will also ask about the patient's mood, their current and previous medical conditions, and medical background. The health care professional may also request that the patient talk to their parents, partners, coworkers and close family members. The aim is to find out more about the person's issues at work, school, or in relationships. The health professional may also want to review any previous psychological, medical or imaging studies.
The most frequently used medication to treat ADHD is stimulants. This includes children and adults. They can help improve concentration and control of impulses. They can reduce depression and anxiety that often occur with ADHD. They can cause side effects, including stomach upset as well as a rapid heart rate. Weight loss, sleep problems and changes in appetite may be caused by these drugs.
If stimulants aren't effective or cause negative effects on health, healthcare professionals may prescribe non-stimulant drugs that act on chemical brain messengers. They include the drugs atomoxetine (ATOMOXETINE) as well as bupropion (BRUPPROPION) and dextroamphetamine (DEXAMPHETAMIN). Health professionals can test different dosages or kinds of medications to determine the most appropriate one for an adult with ADHD.
The most effective approach to treating ADHD is a team effort. You or your child should work with teachers and school staff to promote positive reinforcement, remain in close contact and be flexible and patient. A support group for adults suffering from ADHD can be helpful. Counseling, like cognitive behavioral therapy is a fantastic way to learn new techniques and strategies to manage ADHD symptoms.
Counseling
For adults with ADHD Psychotherapy can be as effective as medication for managing symptoms. People suffering from ADHD often struggle in balancing their lives as they age and their existing coping mechanisms could become insufficient to deal with the new demands. This can be particularly the case during major transitions in adulthood and adolescence such as college or a job change, in which people with ADHD are typically required to perform more complex tasks that require executive function and self-regulation, which they may not be neurobiologically fully capable of.
In psychotherapy, patients learn how their thoughts and emotions influence their behavior. They also use self-management strategies like mindfulness meditation and relaxation exercises to help control anxiety and improve attention control. They also learn coping strategies that include time management and organizational strategies to manage their responsibilities, schoolwork and relationships.
adhd diagnosed is crucial that people suffering from ADHD choose a therapist that they can trust who is able to understand them and takes the time to know them. The therapist will go over the patient's medical and mental background, and may also request permission to speak with family members, friends and colleagues to gain more understanding of how the individual's ADHD impacts their daily activities and their relationship with others.
A therapist could also suggest a treatment that includes counseling and medication. The goals of a plan of treatment will depend on the individual's requirements, but could include improving school and work performance as well as improving communication at home and in the workplace or increasing independence. Counseling can be helpful for those struggling to deal with their symptoms emotionally. This might involve dealing with loss or trauma.
Many children and teens have been successfully treated using medication alone, but it's important for parents to participate in therapy sessions too. In therapy, a mental health professional can teach parents new attitudes, skills and ways of communicating with their child or teenager in order to better manage the primary ADHD symptoms. In addition, they can offer stress management strategies for parents as well as provide support groups for families of children suffering from ADHD to meet with other families with similar struggles.
Support
There are numerous sources of assistance for families and people with ADHD. The most important thing is to seek advice from a medical professional and get help from a health professional. There are a myriad of treatments available, including cognitive behavior therapy including individual and family counseling and life coaching nutritional supplements, as well as physical therapies such as yoga or massage. There are a variety of websites and books that provide suggestions for dealing with ADHD.
Parents may require specialized help to manage the frustrations, angers and blames that children suffering from ADHD can generate. Mental health professionals can educate parents about the condition and assist them to develop new skills, attitudes and ways of relating to their children. This may include teaching children of school age how to manage symptoms in the classroom, and setting clear rules and expectations. Siblings may also benefit from specialized assistance. They feel neglected when parents' attention is focused on their siblings. This can cause anger and jealousy. Informing siblings on ADHD and teaching them how to deal with their own behavior can help to reduce negative feelings.
Those diagnosed with ADHD can also get assistance and support from their friends parents, teachers, and school staff. The disorder can cause disruptions in the classroom or at work, and can affect relationships with others. People suffering from ADHD can find it difficult to maintain healthy sleeping habits, and this can contribute to problems with memory and concentration. ADHD sufferers are more likely to suffer from other health issues such as depression or an anxiety disorder that should be treated as well.
There are a number of local and national organizations that offer in-person support groups for adults with ADHD. These groups, such as CHADD and ADDitude, offer advocacy, education and networking opportunities for those suffering from ADHD and their loved ones. Some of these organizations also provide a list of health professionals who specialize in treating the disorder. There are many online support groups, such as those run the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention or the National Alliance on Mental Illness.