Getting Diagnosed With ADHD
Many people don't even realize they have ADHD until adulthood. It can be a challenge to diagnose. It could involve asking questions about childhood behavior and taking a psychological test.
To establish a diagnosis a mental health provider will evaluate a person's current symptoms and their history--including prior illnesses and relationships. The therapist will speak with teachers and parents and ask the patient to assess their symptoms using a scale.
Diagnosis
In order to get a diagnosis of ADHD it is necessary to see a health care professional who specializes in the condition. 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 have an extensive conversation with your healthcare professional. You might be asked to complete the symptom checklist or behavior rating system. Psychological tests can aid in determining if your symptoms are linked to ADHD. Some doctors also employ brain imaging to monitor activity in your brain.
Your doctor will need to know if you've experienced ADHD symptoms for at minimum six months. You should also have 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 since they now have a clear explanation for why their life is so challenging. Some people may regret missing opportunities or relationships that they believe could have been avoided had they received treatment earlier for their ADHD symptoms.
A therapist can aid you in sorting out these emotions. They can help you learn how to manage your symptoms and teach you strategies to aid you to focus, stay organised, and stay on commitments. Often, a mental health professional will suggest a combination of treatments, including psychotherapy, medication and lifestyle changes.
Stress and medical conditions can trigger problems with attention. The people who suffer from ADHD typically have other issues like anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder. People suffering from anxiety or depression frequently have difficulty concentrating, and some even fail to complete simple tasks such as making payments or scheduling appointments. Your doctor will be able to examine for other issues and will probably order urine or blood tests to determine if there are any medical issues.
Medication
Medicines can help children and adolescents with ADHD to lessen their symptoms. There are many different types of medication that work differently for different individuals. It can be a challenge to find the best medication and dosage for your child or yourself.
Consult your family physician if you think you or your child may have ADHD. Health care providers who specialize in mental illness, such as psychologists and psychiatrists, are also trained to recognize ADHD. You can learn more about finding these specialists on the National Institute of Mental Health website.
The health care professional will use an interview in a clinical setting, behavior rating scales, or symptom checklists when looking at someone to determine if they fulfill the diagnostic criteria. They will also examine the medical history of the patient and inquire about the individual's mood, as well as their past and present health conditions. The health care professional may also request to speak with the person's parents or partners, co-workers and close friends. The aim is to learn more about the individual's struggles at work, school, or in relationships. The health care provider might also want to check out any previous medical or psychological tests or imaging studies.
Stimulants are the most commonly used drugs used to treat ADHD in both adults and children. They can improve concentration and impulse control. They can decrease anxiety, depression and other signs of ADHD. Some of the side effects include stomach upset as well as a rapid pulse rate. They can also trigger weight loss, changes in appetite and sleep issues.
They include atomoxetine (ATOMOXETINE), bupropion (BRUPPROPION) and dextroamphetamine (DEXAMPHETAMIN). They can prescribe the atomoxetine (ATOMOXETINE) and bupropion (BRUPPROPION) and dextroamphetamine (DEXAMPHETAMIN). Sometimes, health professionals might try several different types of medications or dosages to find the best one for an adult or teen with ADHD.
Treatment for ADHD is most effective when it's a team effort. Your child or you should work with teachers and school staff to promote positive reinforcement, keep in close communication, and be flexible and patient. A support group for adults who suffer from ADHD is also helpful. Counseling, like cognitive behavioral therapy, can teach new techniques and strategies to help manage symptoms of ADHD.
Counseling
Psychotherapy is as effective as medication in treating ADHD symptoms in adults. People suffering from ADHD often struggle with managing their responsibilities as they age, and their existing coping mechanisms could become insufficient to deal with new and increased demands. This is especially the case during major transitions, like college or job changes, in which people with ADHD might be required to perform more complicated tasks that require self-regulation and executive functioning.
During psychotherapy, people learn how their thoughts and emotions influence their behavior. They also learn self-management techniques, like mindfulness meditation and relaxation exercise, to control anxiety and improve their attention control. They also employ coping strategies that include time management and organizational strategies, to manage schoolwork and responsibilities and interpersonal relationships.
It is crucial for people suffering from ADHD to find a therapist who makes them feel comfortable and understood and who spends time getting to know them. The therapist will go over the medical history of the patient and mental health records. diagnose adhd might request permission to speak with family members, co-workers and friends to gain a better understanding of the effects of ADHD on the individual's daily routine and relationships with others.
A therapist might also suggest the use of a treatment plan that consists of the use of medication in conjunction with counseling. The goals of a treatment plan depend on the specific needs of the individual, but they could include improving work and school performance, improving communication within the workplace and family, and increasing the degree of independence. For those who are struggling to cope with the emotional impact of their illness, counseling could include addressing the traumas and losses.
Parents should be able to attend sessions with a therapist. A lot of children and teens have been successfully treated by medication alone. During therapy, an expert in mental health can teach parents new attitudes, skills and ways to interact with their child or teenager to better manage the core ADHD symptoms. In addition, they can provide stress management techniques for parents and provide support groups for families with children with ADHD to meet with other families who have similar challenges.
Support
There are a myriad of ways to support individuals and families living with ADHD. The most important thing is to seek medical advice and help from a health professional. There are a variety of treatment options including cognitive behavioral therapy as well as individual and family counseling, life coaching nutritional supplements, as well as physical therapies like massage or yoga. There are also a number of books and websites which offer advice on how to deal with ADHD.
Parents may require specialized help to manage the frustration, anger and blame that can be caused by children suffering from ADHD. Mental health professionals are able to help parents understand the condition and help them develop new techniques, attitudes, and ways to relate to their children. This may include teaching children of school age how to cope with symptoms in the classroom, and creating clear expectations and rules. Siblings can benefit from special assistance as well. They are often left feeling unimportant when their brothers or sisters are the center of their parent's attention. This can cause resentment and jealousy. These negative feelings can be reduced by teaching siblings about ADHD and showing them how to handle their own behavior.
Family, friends, teachers and school staff can all provide assistance and support to people diagnosed with ADHD. The symptoms of the disorder can cause disruptive behavior in class or at work, and they can hinder social relationships. Those with ADHD may have difficulty keeping a healthy sleeping schedule. This can cause memory and concentration problems. ADHD patients are more likely to suffer from other health issues, such as depression or an anxiety disorder, which must be treated as well.
There are many national and local organizations that provide in-person support groups for adults suffering from ADHD. These organizations, like CHADD and ADDitude, offer advocacy, education and networking opportunities for people suffering from ADHD and their loved ones. Some of these groups have a directory of healthcare professionals who specialize in treating the disorder. There are many online support groups like those run the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention or the National Alliance on Mental Illness.