Getting Diagnosed With ADHD
Many people don't know they have ADHD until they reach adulthood. Diagnosis can be difficult. It may involve asking about childhood behaviors and then going through a psychological evaluation.
A mental health professional will examine the person's symptoms and their the history of their illness, including previous illnesses and relationships. The doctor will also talk to teachers and parents and ask the patient to rate his or her symptoms on a scale.
Diagnosis
To get an assessment of ADHD, you will need to see a health care professional who specializes in the condition. 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 a thorough interview with your healthcare provider. You might be asked to complete a symptom checklist or a behavior rating system. Psychological tests can also aid in determining if your symptoms are linked to ADHD. Certain doctors employ brain imaging to gauge brain activity.
Your doctor will need to know if you've experienced ADHD symptoms for at least six months. You must also have symptoms in a variety of environments, like at home and 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.
The diagnosis of ADHD can trigger a variety of difficult emotions. For instance, some feel relief as they realize that they have a clear explanation of why their life is so difficult. Some people may regret missed opportunities or relationships that they believe could have been avoided had they sought treatment earlier for their ADHD symptoms.
A therapist can aid you in sorting out these feelings. adhd diagnoses can help you learn to manage symptoms and teach strategies to help you focus, stay organized, and keep your commitments. A mental health therapist may suggest a combination therapy that includes psychotherapy and medication, along with lifestyle modifications.
There are a variety of factors that can cause attention problems like stress and medical conditions. ADHD is often accompanied by other disorders such as bipolar disorder, depression or anxiety. People who suffer from depression or anxiety have difficulty in concentrating and may forget basic tasks like paying bills or keeping an appointment. Your doctor is likely to order blood or urine tests in order to rule out other medical conditions.
Medication
Medications help many adolescents and children with ADHD to lessen their symptoms. Multiple types of medications are available and can be used for different individuals. It can take time to find the right one and the most effective dosage for yourself or your child.
Consult your family physician If you suspect you or your child could have ADHD. Psychiatrists and psychologists who specialize in mental illness are trained to recognize ADHD. You can learn more about finding these specialists on the National Institute of Mental Health website.
When looking to determine if someone has ADHD or other disorders, the healthcare provider will conduct clinical interviews and behavior rating scales or checklists of symptoms to determine whether the individual meets the diagnostic criteria. They will also review the person's medical history and inquire about the person's mood and current and past health conditions. The health care professional may also ask the patient to speak to their parents, partner, colleagues and close family members. The goal is to learn more about the person's issues in school, at work, or in relationships. The health care provider might also be interested in examining any previous medical or psychological tests or imaging studies.
Stimulants are among the most popular drugs used to treat ADHD in children and adults. They can aid in improving concentration and control impulses. They can help reduce depression, anxiety, and other signs of ADHD. Side effects include stomach upset as well as a rapid pulse rate. Sleep issues, weight loss and changes in appetite may also be caused by these drugs.
If stimulants don't help or have negative side effects, medical professionals may prescribe non-stimulant drugs that act on chemical messengers in the brain. These include atomoxetine, bupropion and dextroamphetamine. Sometimes, health professionals might try several different types of medication or dosages to determine the most effective one for an adult or teen with ADHD.
Treatment for ADHD is most efficient when it's a group effort. Your child or you should collaborate with teachers and school staff to promote positive reinforcement, stay in close contact and be flexible and patient. A support group for adults with ADHD is also helpful. Counseling, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, can teach new techniques and strategies to treat symptoms of ADHD.
Counseling
Psychotherapy can be as effective as medications in treating ADHD symptoms in adults. As people suffering from ADHD age their coping mechanisms become inadequate to cope with the demands of modern life. This can be particularly the case during major transitions in adulthood and adolescence, such as college or a job change, where those with ADHD are usually required to complete more complex tasks that require executive functioning and self-regulation. These are tasks that they may not be neurobiologically able of.
During psychotherapy, people learn how their thoughts and feelings influence their behavior. They also practice self-management techniques that include mindfulness meditation and relaxation exercises, to help control anxiety and improve attention regulation. They also employ coping strategies like time-management and organizational strategies to manage responsibilities and schoolwork and interpersonal relationships.
It is essential for people with ADHD to find a therapist who can make them feel comfortable and understood, and who spends time getting to know them. The therapist will review a patient's medical history and the psychiatric records. They can request permission to talk to family members, co-workers, and friends to gain a better understanding of the effects of ADHD on a person's daily routine and relationships with others.
A therapist may also suggest a treatment plan that includes counseling and medication. The goals of a treatment program are contingent on the specific needs of the person, but they may include improving school and work performance, improving communication in the workplace and in the family and enhancing the level of independence. For adhd diagnoses who are struggling to cope with the emotional impact of their illness, counseling could include addressing traumas and loss.
Parents should also attend therapy sessions. Many teenagers and children have been successfully treated using medication alone. In therapy, mental health professionals can teach parents how to interact with their child or teenager in a way that will help manage the fundamental ADHD symptoms. Additionally, they can offer stress management strategies for parents and offer support groups for families with children suffering from ADHD to connect with others who face similar issues.
Support
There are a variety of options for support for people and families who suffer from ADHD. The most important thing is to seek advice from a medical professional and get help from a health professional. There are a variety of treatments available, including cognitive behavior therapy including individual and family counseling and life coaching, nutritional supplements and physical therapies like massage or yoga. There are also many books and websites that provide tips on how to cope with ADHD.
Parents may require special assistance to deal with the frustration, anger and blame that are produced by children with ADHD. Mental health professionals are able to educate parents on the disorder and teach them new skills, attitudes and ways of relating to their children. For children in school it could mean teaching them to cope with their issues in the classroom and setting clear guidelines and expectations for behavior. Siblings can benefit from specialized assistance as well. They feel neglected when parents' attention is focused on their siblings. This can result in resentment and jealousy. These negative feelings can be quelled by educating siblings about ADHD and showing them how to handle their own behavior.
Those who are diagnosed with ADHD can also get help and support from friends, family, teachers and school staff. Symptoms of the disorder can cause disruption in classes or at work, and they can interfere with social relationships. People suffering from ADHD might find it difficult to maintain a healthy sleep routine and this may lead to problems with memory and concentration. People with ADHD are also more likely to be suffering from other health issues, such as anxiety or depression, and these need to be treated as well.
There are numerous local and national organizations that offer in-person assistance groups for adults suffering from ADHD. These groups, like CHADD and ADDitude provide advocacy, education and networking opportunities to people with ADHD and their loved ones. Some of these organizations have an inventory of health professionals who specialize in treating the disorder. There are many online support groups like those run the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention or the National Alliance on Mental Illness.