Getting Diagnosed With ADHD
Many people don't even realize they have ADHD until they reach adulthood. Diagnosis can be difficult. It could involve asking questions about childhood behavior and taking a psychological test.
A mental health provider will evaluate the symptoms of a patient and their history, including past illnesses and relationships. The clinician will interview teachers and parents and ask the patient to assess their symptoms using an appropriate scale.
Diagnosis
You will need to consult an expert in health care who is an expert in ADHD to receive an 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 healthcare provider. You might be asked to fill out an assessment scale for your behavior or symptom checklist. Psychological tests can also help determine if your symptoms are linked to ADHD. Some doctors use brain imaging to measure brain activity.
Your doctor will need to be aware that you have ADHD symptoms for at least six months. You should also be experiencing symptoms in a variety of settings, such as both at work and 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.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can bring up complicated emotions. For example, some people feel relief as they realize that they have a clear understanding of the reason why their lives are so challenging. Some people might regret missing opportunities or issues with relationships which they believe could have been avoided had they sought treatment earlier for their ADHD symptoms.
A therapist can help you in sorting out these feelings. They can assist you in learning how to manage your symptoms and provide strategies to make it easier for you to stay focused, organized, and keep track on commitments. Most often, a mental health counselor will suggest an array of treatments, including therapy, medication, and lifestyle adjustments.
Stress and certain medical conditions can cause problems with attention. Those with ADHD typically have other issues like depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. People who suffer from anxiety or depression frequently have difficulty concentrating, and some even neglect basic tasks like paying bills or attending appointments. Your doctor is likely to order blood or urine tests in order to rule out other medical conditions.
Medication
The use of medications helps many adolescents and children with ADHD to lessen their symptoms. There are a variety of different medications available and can be used for different individuals. It can be difficult to find the best dosage and medication for your child or yourself.
Consult your family physician if you think you or your child might have ADHD. Psychologists and psychiatrists who specialize in mental disorders are trained to recognize ADHD. You can find more information on finding these specialists on the National Institute of Mental Health website.
The health care provider will employ a clinical interview or behavior rating scales or symptom checklists, when looking at someone to determine if they fulfill the diagnostic criteria. They will also look into the medical history of the patient and inquire about the individual's mood and their current and previous health conditions. The health professional might also ask the patient to talk to their parents, partner, colleagues and close family members. The goal is to learn more about the individual's struggles at school, at work or in relationships. The health care professional might also be interested in examining any previous psychological or medical tests or imaging studies.
The most common drug used to treat ADHD is stimulants. This includes children and adults. They can improve concentration and control of impulses. They can help reduce depression, anxiety and other signs of ADHD. They can also cause side effects, such as stomach upset and rapid heart rate. They can also cause weight loss as well as changes in appetite and sleep problems.
They include atomoxetine (ATOMOXETINE) as well as bupropion (BRUPPROPION) and dextroamphetamine (DEXAMPHETAMIN). These include the atomoxetine (ATOMOXETINE), bupropion (BRUPPROPION) and dextroamphetamine (DEXAMPHETAMIN). Sometimes, health care providers may try a variety of medication or dosages to determine which one is the best for a teenager or adult with ADHD.
Treatment for ADHD is most efficient when it's a group effort. You or your child should work with teachers and school staff to promote positive reinforcement, stay in close contact and be flexible and patient. A support group for adults who suffer from ADHD is also beneficial. Counseling, like cognitive behavioral therapy is a fantastic way to develop new strategies and techniques to manage ADHD symptoms.
Counseling
Psychotherapy is as effective as medication in treating ADHD symptoms in adults. People with ADHD often struggle with managing life's responsibilities as they age, and their existing coping mechanisms could become insufficient to deal with new and increased demands. This is particularly true during major transitions in the adolescent and adulthood stages, such as college or a job shift, in which people who suffer from ADHD are usually required to perform more complex tasks that require executive functioning and self-regulation, which they may not be neurobiologically capable of.
In psychotherapy, individuals learn how their thoughts and feelings influence their behavior. They also employ self-management techniques, such a mindfulness meditation or relaxation exercise to reduce anxiety and improve their ability to regulate their attention. They also learn coping strategies, such as time management and organizing strategies to manage schoolwork, responsibilities and relationships.
It is crucial that people suffering from ADHD find a therapist they feel comfortable with who understands their needs and takes the time to get to know them. The therapist will discuss the patient's medical and psychiatric history, and may ask permission to speak with family members, friends and colleagues to gain more understanding of how the individual's ADHD affects 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 program are contingent on the needs of the individual, but they could include improving school and work performance, improving communication within the family and workplace and increasing the level of independence. For those who struggle to cope with the emotional effects of their ailments, therapy could include addressing loss and trauma.
Parents should be able to attend sessions with a therapist. Many teenagers and children have been successfully treated using medication by themselves. During therapy, mental health professionals can instruct parents on how to communicate with their child and teenager in a manner that helps manage core ADHD symptoms. Additionally, they could offer strategies for managing stress for parents and offer support groups for families of children who suffer from ADHD to meet with other families with similar struggles.
Support
There are a myriad of options for support for people and families living with ADHD. It is important to seek medical assistance and advice from a professional. There are a myriad of options for treatment which include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), individual and family counseling (Life Coaching) and nutritional supplements, and physical therapies like massage or yoga. There are click this of books and websites which offer advice on how to deal with ADHD.
Parents may require special assistance to deal with the frustrations, angers and accusations that children with ADHD are prone to. Mental health professionals can help educate parents on the condition and assist them to develop new attitudes, skills and ways of communicating with their children. For children who are in school, this can include teaching them to cope with their issues in the classroom and creating clear rules and expectations for behavior. The siblings may require specialized help. They feel neglected when parents' attention is focused on their children. This can result in resentment and jealousy. Educating siblings on ADHD and teaching them how to cope with their own behavior can reduce these negative feelings.
Those diagnosed with ADHD can also receive assistance and support from their friends, family, teachers and school staff. Symptoms of the disorder can cause disruptive behavior in class or at work, and can hinder social relationships. People with ADHD may have difficulties maintaining a healthy sleeping routine. This can cause memory and concentration issues. ADHD sufferers are more likely to be suffering from other health issues, like depression or anxiety disorder that should be treated as well.
There are numerous local and national organizations that offer support groups in person for adults with ADHD. These organizations, such as CHADD and ADDitude provide advocacy, training and networking opportunities for those suffering from ADHD and their loved ones. Some of these groups also have a database of healthcare professionals who specialize in treating the disorder. There are numerous online support groups such as those that are run by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention or the National Alliance on Mental Illness.