Getting Diagnosed With ADHD
Many people don't realize they have ADHD until they reach adulthood. Diagnosis can be difficult. It could be a matter of asking questions about childhood behaviors and a psychological evaluation.
To determine a diagnosis, the mental health professional will evaluate a person's current symptoms and their history, including past illnesses and relationships. The clinician will also interview parents and teachers and ask the individual to rate his or her symptoms on a scale.
Diagnosis
You'll need to talk to a health professional who is an expert in ADHD to receive 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 schedule an extensive conversation with your doctor. You may be asked to fill out an inventory of symptoms or a behavior rating system. Additionally psychological tests can be used to determine whether your symptoms are related to ADHD. Some doctors use brain imaging to assess brain activity.
Your health care professional will need to know if you've experienced ADHD symptoms for at minimum six months. You should also be experiencing symptoms in multiple environments, like at work and at home. 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 complex emotions. For example, some people feel a sense of relief since they now have a clear understanding of the reason why their lives are so challenging. Some people may regret missing opportunities or issues with relationships that they feel could have been avoided if they sought treatment earlier for their ADHD symptoms.
A therapist can help get rid of these feelings. They can show you how to manage your symptoms and provide strategies to help you focus, stay organized and stick to your commitments. Most often, a mental health therapist will recommend a combination of treatments, including psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle changes.
Stress and medical conditions can lead to attention issues. ADHD is often accompanied by other disorders such as bipolar disorder, depression, or anxiety. People who suffer from anxiety or depression often have trouble concentrating and may fail to complete simple tasks like making payments or scheduling appointments. Your doctor will likely request urine or blood tests to rule out any other medical issues.
Medication
The use of medications helps many adolescents and children with ADHD to better manage their symptoms. There are Iampsychiatry of different medications available and are suited to different people. It can take a while to find the right one and the most effective dosage for yourself or your child.
Consult your family physician if you think you or your child may be suffering from ADHD. Psychologists and psychiatrists who specialize in mental disorders are trained to diagnose ADHD. You can find information about finding these specialists on the National Institute of Mental Health website.
The health professional will conduct a clinical interview and behavior rating scales or symptom checklists, when reviewing a patient to determine if they fulfill the diagnostic criteria. The health care professional will also inquire about the patient's mood, their current and previous medical conditions, as well as their medical history. The health care professional may also ask the patient to speak with their parents, partner, colleagues and close family members. The aim is to learn more about the person's issues at school, work or in relationships. The health care provider may also wish to review any prior psychological, medical or imaging studies.
The most commonly used drug to treat ADHD is stimulants. This includes children and adults. They can improve concentration and control of impulses. They can help reduce anxiety and depression, which are often associated with ADHD. The side effects can include stomach upset as well as a rapid pulse rate. They can also lead to weight loss, changes in appetite, and sleep issues.
They include atomoxetine (ATOMOXETINE), bupropion (BRUPPROPION) and dextroamphetamine (DEXAMPHETAMIN). They include atomoxetine (ATOMOXETINE) as well as bupropion (BRUPPROPION) and dextroamphetamine (DEXAMPHETAMIN). Health care providers may try different dosages or types of medication to find the best one for an adult with ADHD.
The most effective treatment for ADHD is a team effort. Your child or you must work with the school's teachers and staff to encourage positive reinforcement, keep in close communication, and be patient and flexible. A support group for adults with ADHD can be beneficial too. Counseling, like cognitive behavioral therapy, can help you learn new strategies and skills to help manage symptoms of ADHD.
Counseling
For adults suffering from ADHD Psychotherapy is as effective as medication in managing symptoms. People with ADHD are often struggling with managing life's responsibilities as they age, and their existing coping mechanisms could not be sufficient to meet the new demands. This is particularly relevant during major transitions between adulthood and adolescence like college or a job change in which those with ADHD are typically required to complete more complex tasks that require executive functioning and self-regulation, which they may not be neurobiologically capable of.
During psychotherapy, people learn how their thoughts and emotions influence their behavior. They also employ self-management techniques, such a mindfulness meditation and relaxation exercise to manage anxiety and improve their ability to regulate their attention. They also practice coping skills, such as time management and organizing strategies to manage responsibilities, schoolwork and relationships.
It is crucial that people suffering from ADHD choose a therapist that they can trust, who understands them and spends time getting to know them. The therapist will discuss the patient's medical and mental background, and may also request permission to speak with family members, friends and co-workers to gain more understanding of the way that ADHD affects their daily activities and how they interact with others.
A therapist could recommend a treatment that combines medication and counseling. The goals of a treatment plan are contingent on the specific needs of the person being treated, but could include improving work and school performance, improving communication in the workplace and in the family, and increasing the level of independence. For those who struggle with the emotional consequences of their illness, counseling may include dealing with the traumas and losses.
Many children and teens have been successfully treated using medication alone, but it's important for parents to be involved in therapy sessions as well. During therapy mental health professionals are able to instruct parents on how to interact with their child and teenager in a manner that helps manage their primary ADHD symptoms. They can also instruct parents on strategies for managing stress and provide support groups to families with children who have ADHD.
Support
There are a variety of resources for assistance for families and people with ADHD. It is crucial to seek medical help and advice from a qualified professional. There are many treatments available which include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) which includes family and individual counseling (Life Coaching), nutritional supplements, and physical therapies like yoga or massage. There are a myriad of websites and books which offer advice on how to deal with ADHD.
Parents may require specialized help to deal with the anger, frustrations and accusations that children with ADHD are prone to. Mental health professionals can inform parents about the disorder and teach them new skills, attitudes, and ways to relate to their children. For school-age children, this can include teaching them how to deal with their symptoms in the classroom, and creating clear rules and expectations for behavior. Siblings can also benefit from specialized assistance. They feel unimportant when their parents' attention is centered on their siblings. This can lead resentment or jealousy. The process of educating siblings about ADHD and teaching them how to cope with their own behaviors can reduce these negative feelings.
Those who are diagnosed with ADHD can also get help and support from friends, family, teachers and school staff. The symptoms of ADHD can be disruptive in class or at work, and they can interfere with social relationships. People with ADHD can find it difficult to maintain healthy sleeping habits and this may lead to problems with concentration and memory. ADHD patients are more likely to suffer from other health issues like depression or anxiety disorder, which must be treated as well.
There are many local and national organizations that offer in-person support groups for adults with ADHD. These organizations, like CHADD and ADDitude, offer advocacy, education and networking opportunities for those suffering from ADHD and their families. Some of these organizations also have an inventory of health professionals who specialize in treating the disorder. There are also a number of support groups online that are run by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and the National Alliance on Mental Illness.