Getting Diagnosed With ADHD
Many people don't realize they have ADHD until they reach adulthood. The diagnosis can be difficult. It can involve questions about childhood behavior and an evaluation of the psychological.
To make a diagnosis, a mental health provider will evaluate a person's current symptoms and their history--including prior illnesses and relationships. The doctor will also talk to parents and teachers and ask the patient to rate his or her symptoms on a rating scale.
Diagnosis
You'll need to speak with 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 complete a thorough interview with your health care professional. You may also be asked to complete the scale of behavior ratings or symptom checklist. In addition psychological tests can be used to determine if your symptoms are related to ADHD. Some doctors also employ brain imaging to determine the activity in your brain.
Your doctor should be aware of your ADHD symptoms for at least six months. It is also necessary to be exhibiting 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.
Getting a diagnosis of ADHD can bring up complex emotions. For example, some people feel relief since they now have a clear understanding of the reason why their lives are so difficult. Others may feel regrets about the missed opportunities or relationships that they believe could have been prevented if they had sought treatment for their ADHD symptoms earlier on.
A therapist can aid you in resolving these emotions. They can assist you in learning how to manage your symptoms and teach strategies to aid you to focus, stay organized, and follow through on commitments. A mental health professional may suggest a combination of treatments, such as psychotherapy and medication, in addition to lifestyle modifications.
Stress and certain medical conditions can lead to problems with attention. The people who suffer from ADHD frequently suffer from other disorders, such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder. Some people with anxiety or depression have trouble concentrating and forget simple tasks like paying bills or keeping appointments. Your doctor will be able to check for other conditions and may order urine or blood tests to rule out any medical issues.
Medication
Many children and teens with ADHD are able to manage their symptoms through medication. There are many different types of medications that perform differently for different individuals. It can be difficult to determine the right medication and dosage for your child or yourself.
Talk to your family doctor if you suspect that you or your child suffers from ADHD. Health professionals who specialize in mental illness, like psychologists and psychiatrists are also trained to recognize ADHD. You can find information about 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 symptoms checklists to determine whether the person is in compliance with the diagnostic criteria. The health professional will also ask about the patient's mood, current and previous medical conditions, and medical history. The health professional might also ask the patient to speak to their parents, partner coworkers, close family friends. The aim is to find out more about the individual's struggles at school, at work or in relationships. The health professional may be able to look up any previous psychological or medical tests or imaging studies.
Stimulants are the most common drugs used to treat ADHD in children and adults. They can improve concentration and impulse control. They can reduce depression and anxiety that frequently occur in ADHD. Some of the side effects include stomach upset and a rapid pulse rate. Sleep problems, weight loss and changes in appetite can be caused by these drugs.
These include atomoxetine (ATOMOXETINE) and bupropion (BRUPPROPION) and dextroamphetamine (DEXAMPHETAMIN). They include the atomoxetine (ATOMOXETINE), bupropion (BRUPPROPION) and dextroamphetamine (DEXAMPHETAMIN). Sometimes, healthcare professionals may test a variety of medication or dosages to find the best one for an adult or teenager with ADHD.
The most effective method of treating ADHD is to work in a team. Your child or you can collaborate with teachers and staff to promote positive reinforcement. Stay in close communication and be patient and flexible. Also, a support group for adults with ADHD could be helpful. Counseling, like cognitive behavioral therapy, can teach new techniques and strategies to treat symptoms of ADHD.
Counseling
Psychotherapy can be just as effective as medication in treating ADHD symptoms in adults. People with ADHD often struggle with managing life's responsibilities as they age and the coping mechanisms they have in place may be inadequate to handle increasing demands and new challenges. This can be particularly the case during major transitions in adolescence and adulthood like college or a job change in which those who suffer from ADHD are usually required to handle more complicated tasks that require executive function and self-regulation. These are tasks that they may not be neurobiologically capable of.
During psychotherapy, people learn how their thoughts and feelings influence their behavior. They also practice self management techniques, like mindfulness meditation or relaxation exercise to reduce anxiety and improve their attention control. They also employ coping strategies that include time management and organizational strategies, to manage schoolwork and responsibilities, and relationships.
It is crucial for people suffering from ADHD to find a therapist who makes them feel at ease and understood, and who takes the time to get to know them. The therapist will go over the patient's medical and psychiatric history, and may request permission to speak to family members, friends and colleagues to gain more understanding of the way that ADHD impacts their daily activities and their relationship 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 are contingent on the needs of the person, but they may include improving work and school performance, enhancing communication in the family and workplace, and increasing the level of independence. Counseling can assist those who are struggling to cope with their symptoms emotionally. This may include dealing with loss and trauma.
Many kids and teens have been successfully treated with medications on their own however it is essential that parents participate in therapy sessions as well. In therapy, professionals in mental health can help parents learn new techniques, attitudes and ways of interacting with their child or teenager to better manage the core ADHD symptoms. Additionally, they can offer strategies for managing stress for parents and provide support groups for families with children who suffer from ADHD to meet with other families who face similar issues.
Support
There are many resources of assistance for families and those suffering from ADHD. It is crucial to seek medical help and advice from a qualified professional. There are a variety of treatment options, including cognitive behavioral therapy as well as individual and family counseling, life coaching, nutritional supplements and physical therapies such as yoga or massage. There are also many books and websites that provide tips on how to manage ADHD.
click hyperlink may need specialized assistance to handle the frustration, anger and blame generated by children with ADHD. Mental health professionals can educate parents on the disorder and teach them new techniques, attitudes and ways of relating to their children. For children who are in school it could mean teaching them how to cope with their symptoms in the classroom and establishing clear rules and expectations for behavior. Siblings can benefit from specialized support as well. They feel unimportant when their parents' attention is centered on their siblings. This can result in resentment and jealousy. These negative feelings can be eliminated by educating siblings about ADHD and teaching how to manage their own behavior.
Teachers, family members, friends and school personnel can all provide assistance and support to people diagnosed with ADHD. The disorder can cause problems in the workplace or in the classroom and can impact social relationships. Those who suffer from ADHD might have trouble maintaining healthy sleep habits. This can lead to memory and concentration problems. People who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to suffer from other health conditions like anxiety or depression, and these need to be treated as well.
There are a variety of national and local organizations who offer support groups in person for adults suffering from ADHD. These organizations, such as CHADD and ADDitude provide advocacy, training, and networking opportunities to those suffering from ADHD and loved ones. Some of these organizations also have a list of health professionals who specialize in treating the disorder. There are many online support groups such as the ones run by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention or the National Alliance on Mental Illness.