Getting Diagnosed With ADHD
Many people don't know they have ADHD until later in life. It can be difficult to diagnose. It could mean asking about childhood behavior and taking a psychological test.
A mental health professional will evaluate the person's symptoms and their history, including past illnesses and relationships. The clinician will also interview parents and teachers and ask the individual to rate their symptoms on a scale.
Diagnosis
You'll need to talk to an experienced health professional who is an expert in ADHD to get a diagnosis. 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 doctor. You may be asked to complete an inventory of symptoms or a behavior rating system. In addition psychological tests can help determine if your symptoms may be related to ADHD. Some doctors also employ brain imaging to monitor activity in your brain.
Your doctor must know that you have ADHD symptoms for atleast six months. It is also necessary to exhibit symptoms in more than one environment like 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.
A diagnosis of ADHD can cause complicated emotions. For instance, some feel a sense of relief since they now have a clear explanation for why their life is so difficult. Some may be regretful about missed opportunities or relationship problems that they believe could be avoided if they had received treatment for their ADHD symptoms earlier on.
A therapist can help you in resolving these feelings. They can help you learn how to manage your symptoms and provide strategies that will make it easier for you to concentrate, stay organized, and keep track on commitments. A mental health professional will suggest a combination of treatments, including therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes.
Stress and medical conditions can trigger problems with attention. ADHD is often accompanied by other disorders such as depression, bipolar disorder, or anxiety. Some people with anxiety or depression have trouble in concentrating and may forget basic tasks like paying bills or keeping appointments. Your doctor may examine for other issues and will probably order blood or urine tests to determine if there are any medical problems.
Medication
Many children and teens with ADHD are able to manage their symptoms through medication. Multiple types of medications are available and work differently for different individuals. It can take time to find the one that is right for you and the most efficient dosage for you or your child.
Talk to your family doctor If you think you or your child is suffering from ADHD. Psychiatrists and psychologists who specialize in mental illness are trained to diagnose ADHD. You can learn more about finding these specialists on the National Institute of Mental Health website.
When trying to determine whether someone is suffering from ADHD or other disorders, the doctor will conduct interviews with the patient and behavior rating scales or symptoms checklists to determine whether the individual meets 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 issues. The health care provider might also request to speak with the person's parents or partners or co-workers as well as close friends. The goal is to find out more about the person's issues at work, school or in relationships. The health care professional might also want to check out any previous medical or psychological tests or imaging studies.
The most frequently used medication to treat ADHD is stimulants. This includes both adults and children. They can improve concentration and impulse control. They can help reduce anxiety, depression and other signs of ADHD. They can also cause side effects, such as stomach upset and a rapid heart rate. Sleep problems, weight loss and changes in appetite could also be caused by these drugs.
If stimulants aren't effective or cause negative side effects, health care professionals may prescribe non-stimulant drugs that alter chemical brain messengers. These include atomoxetine (or bupropion), and dextroamphetamine. Health care providers may try different dosages or kinds of medication to find the right one for an adult suffering from ADHD.
The most effective approach to treating ADHD is a team effort. Your child or you should work with teachers and school staff to encourage positive reinforcement, remain in close contact and be flexible and patient. A support group for adults with ADHD is also beneficial. Counseling, like cognitive behavioral therapy, can help you learn new techniques and strategies to manage symptoms of ADHD.
Counseling
Psychotherapy can be as effective as medication in treating ADHD symptoms in adults. People with ADHD frequently struggle with managing life's responsibilities as they age, and the coping mechanisms they have in place may not be sufficient to meet the new demands. This is particularly the case during major transitions in the adolescent and adulthood stages such as college or a job change, when those who suffer from ADHD are usually required to handle more complicated tasks that require executive functioning and self-regulation, which they may not be neurobiologically able of.
During the course of psychotherapy, people learn to understand the ways in which their thoughts and emotions influence their behavior. They also learn self-management techniques, like mindfulness meditation or relaxation exercise to reduce anxiety and improve their attention regulation. They also learn coping strategies like time management and strategies for organizing to manage their responsibilities, schoolwork and relationships.
It's important for those with ADHD to find a therapist who makes them feel comfortable and understood, and who takes the time to get to know them. The therapist will look over a patient's medical history and psychiatric records. They may request permission to speak with family members, colleagues and friends to gain an understanding of the effects of ADHD on the individual's daily life and relationships with others.
A therapist could also suggest an approach to treatment that involves a combination of medication and counseling. The goals of a treatment plan depend on the specific needs of the person, but they may include improving work and school performance, improving communication within the workplace and in the family, and increasing the degree of independence. Counseling can help those who are struggling to manage their issues emotionally. This might involve dealing with loss or trauma.
Parents should take part in therapy sessions. A lot of children and teens have been successfully treated by medication by themselves. During therapy, professionals in mental health can help parents learn new attitudes, skills and ways of interacting with their child or teenager in order to better manage the core ADHD symptoms. They can also help parents learn stress management techniques and offer support groups to parents of children with ADHD.
Support
There are a myriad of options for support for people and families living with ADHD. The most important thing to do is seek medical advice and help from a healthcare professional. There are a variety of options for treatment which include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), family and individual counseling (Life Coaching) and nutritional supplements, and physical therapies like massage or yoga. There are many books and websites that provide tips on how to cope with ADHD.
Parents may require special assistance to manage the angers, frustrations and blames that children with ADHD can generate. Mental health professionals can assist parents about the disorder and help them develop new attitudes, skills, and ways of relating to their children. This can include teaching school-age kids how to cope with symptoms in the classroom and creating clear expectations and rules. Siblings may also benefit from special assistance. They feel neglected when parents' attention is on their children. This can lead resentment or jealousy. Informing siblings about ADHD and teaching them how to deal with their own behaviors can alleviate these negative feelings.
Those diagnosed with ADHD can also receive assistance and support from their friends or family members, teachers and school staff. The disorder can cause disturbances in the classroom or at work and can affect relationships with others. Those who suffer from ADHD may have difficulties maintaining a healthy sleeping routine. This can result in memory and concentration problems. adhd in adults diagnosis with ADHD are also more likely to suffer from other health issues, such as depression or anxiety which must be treated too.
There are many national and local organizations that provide in-person support groups for adults suffering from ADHD. These organizations, such as CHADD and ADDitude provide advocacy, education and networking opportunities for those suffering from ADHD and their families. Some of these groups also provide a list of healthcare professionals who specialize in treating the disorder. There are also a variety of online support groups that are run by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and the National Alliance on Mental Illness.