Getting Diagnosed With ADHD
Many people don't even realize they have ADHD until adulthood. The process of diagnosing ADHD can be difficult. It could involve questions about childhood behavior and an evaluation of psychological factors.
A psychiatrist will assess a person's symptoms and his or her past history, including illnesses and relationships. The doctor will also talk to teachers and parents, and ask the person to rate their symptoms on a rating scale.
Diagnosis
You will need to consult a 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 conduct a thorough interview with your healthcare provider. You may also be asked to complete the scale of behavior ratings or symptom checklist. Psychological tests can aid in determining whether your symptoms are related to ADHD. Some doctors utilize brain imaging to assess the brain's activity.
Your doctor will need to be aware of your ADHD symptoms for at least six months. You should also have symptoms in more than one setting, 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.
A diagnosis of ADHD can trigger complicated emotions. Some people feel relieved that they have a reason for their life's challenges. Others may feel regrets about relationships or opportunities that were not taken advantage of which they believe could have been prevented if they had sought treatment for their ADHD symptoms earlier on.
A therapist can help you in resolving these emotions. They can help you learn to manage your symptoms and teach strategies that will aid you in staying focused, organized, and keep your commitments. A mental health therapist may recommend a combination treatment like psychotherapy or medication, as well as lifestyle modifications.
There are a variety of factors that can cause attention problems like stress and medical conditions. Those with ADHD frequently suffer from other disorders, such as anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder. People who suffer from anxiety or depression often have trouble concentrating and can neglect simple tasks like paying bills or attending appointments. Your doctor will likely order blood or urine tests to rule out any other medical ailments.
Medication
Many teens and children with ADHD get better control of their symptoms by taking medications. There are a variety of different medications available and are suited to different people. It can be a challenge to find the best dosage and medication for your child or yourself.
Talk to your family doctor if you think you or your child could be suffering from ADHD. Health professionals who specialize in mental illness, like psychologists and psychiatrists are also trained to diagnose ADHD. On the National Institute of Mental Health's website you can find out where to find these specialists.
When evaluating someone for ADHD or other disorders, the healthcare provider will use clinical interviews and behavior rating scales or checklists of symptoms to determine whether the individual meets 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 professional might also request that the patient speak with their parents, partners coworkers, close family friends. The goal is to learn more about the individual's struggles at work, school or in relationships. The health care provider might also be interested in examining any previous psychological or medical tests or imaging studies.
Stimulants are among the most popular drugs used to treat ADHD for adults and children. They can aid in improving concentration and control of impulses. They can also reduce depression and anxiety, which are often associated with ADHD. They can cause side effects, such as stomach upset and a rapid heart rate. They can also cause weight loss, changes in appetite, and sleep issues.
If stimulants don't help or cause adverse side effects, health care providers might prescribe non-stimulant drugs that act on chemical brain messengers. These include atomoxetine, bupropion and dextroamphetamine. Sometimes, healthcare professionals may test a variety of drugs or dosages in order to determine which one is the best for an adult or teenager with ADHD.
Treatment for ADHD is most effective when it's a team effort. You or your child can collaborate with the teachers and staff to encourage positive reinforcement. Keep in close contact Be patient and flexible. A support group for adults who suffer from ADHD could be helpful. Counseling, like cognitive behavioral therapy, can teach new skills and strategies to help manage 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 their responsibilities as they age and existing coping mechanisms may be inadequate to handle the new demands. This can be particularly the case during major transitions in adulthood and adolescence like college or a job change in which people who suffer from ADHD are typically required to complete more complex tasks that require executive function and self-regulation. These are tasks that they may not be neurobiologically able of.
In the course of psychotherapy, people learn to be aware of the ways in which their thoughts and emotions influence behavior. They also use self-management strategies, such as mindfulness meditation and relaxation exercises to reduce anxiety and improve attention regulation. They also employ coping strategies that include time management and organizational strategies, to manage schoolwork and responsibilities, and relationships.
It's important for those with ADHD to find a therapist who makes them feel at ease and understand 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 with family members, friends and coworkers to gain a better understanding of how the individual's ADHD impacts their daily activities and their relationship with others.
A therapist could also suggest a treatment plan that includes counseling and medication. 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 within the workplace and family and enhancing the level of independence. For those who struggle with the emotional impact of their symptoms, counseling could include addressing traumas and loss.
Highly recommended Resource site and teens have been successfully treated using medications alone However, it's crucial that parents participate in therapy sessions too. During therapy mental health professionals are able to help parents learn how to interact with their child or teenager in a way that will help manage the their primary ADHD symptoms. They can also teach parents techniques for managing stress and offer support groups to families with children who suffer from ADHD.
Support
There are many ways to support individuals and families who suffer from ADHD. The most important thing is to seek medical advice and assistance from a health professional. There are a variety of treatment options which include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) which includes individual and family counseling (Life Coaching), nutritional supplements, and physical therapies such as yoga or massage. There are many websites and books with tips on how to deal with ADHD.
Parents may require specialized help to manage the anger, frustration and blame that can be caused by children suffering from ADHD. Mental health professionals can help parents understand the condition and teach them new techniques, attitudes and ways to connect to their children. For school-age children this could include teaching them to cope with their symptoms in the classroom and establishing clear rules and expectations for behavior. more info may also benefit from specialized assistance. They feel neglected when parents' attention is centered on their siblings. This can result in resentment and jealousy. The process of educating siblings about ADHD and teaching them how to deal with their own behavior may help to reduce negative feelings.
People who are diagnosed with ADHD are also able to receive assistance and support from their friends or family members, teachers and school staff. The disorder can cause problems in the workplace or in the classroom and can affect social relationships. Individuals who suffer from ADHD may have difficulty maintaining a healthy sleeping routine. This can cause memory and concentration problems. ADHD patients are more likely to be suffering from other health issues, such as depression or an anxiety disorder, which should be treated as well.
There are many national and local organizations that offer in-person assistance groups for adults suffering from ADHD. These groups, like CHADD and ADDitude provide advocacy, training and networking opportunities for people with ADHD and their loved ones. Some of these organizations also have an inventory of health professionals who specialize in treating the disorder. There are numerous online support groups like those that are run by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention or the National Alliance on Mental Illness.