Getting Diagnosed With ADHD
Many people don't even realize they have ADHD until adulthood. It can be difficult to diagnose. It can involve questions about childhood behaviors and a psychological evaluation.
To establish diagnosis of adhd will examine a person's present symptoms and their history--including prior illnesses and relationships. The doctor will talk to teachers and parents and ask the patient to rate their symptoms on the scale.
Diagnosis
You'll need to speak with an expert in health care who is an expert in ADHD to get 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 have an in-depth discussion with your healthcare provider. You may be asked to complete the symptom checklist or behavior rating system. Additionally psychological tests can help determine whether your symptoms are related to ADHD. Certain doctors also utilize brain imaging to monitor activity in your brain.
Your doctor will need to know if you've experienced ADHD symptoms for at least six months. It is also necessary to be exhibiting symptoms in more than one place, 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.
Getting a diagnosis of ADHD can bring up complex emotions. Some people feel happy that they have a reason behind their difficulties. Some people might regret missing opportunities or relationships that they believe could have been avoided had they received treatment earlier for their ADHD symptoms.
A therapist can help you get rid of these feelings. They can show you how to manage your symptoms and provide strategies that will assist you in staying organized, and keep your commitments. A mental health therapist may suggest a combination of treatments like psychotherapy or medication, along with lifestyle modifications.
There are a myriad of things that can trigger attention issues such as stress and medical conditions. ADHD is often associated with other disorders like bipolar disorder, depression, or anxiety. People with anxiety or depression have trouble staying focused and can forget things such as paying bills or making appointments. Your doctor may order blood or urine tests in order to rule out other medical conditions.
Medication
Many teens and children with ADHD have better control over their symptoms through medication. Multiple types of medications are available and are suited to different people. It can be difficult to find the best dosage and medication for your child or yourself.
Consult your family physician If you suspect that you or your child may be suffering from ADHD. Health care providers who specialize in mental illness, such as psychiatrists and psychologists are also trained to recognize ADHD. On the National Institute of Mental Health's website you can learn where to find these specialists.
When trying to determine whether someone is suffering from ADHD or other disorders, the healthcare provider will conduct clinical interviews and behavior rating scales as well as symptom checklists to find out whether the person is in compliance with diagnostic criteria. The health care provider will also inquire about the patient's mood, current and previous medical conditions, and medical history. The health care provider may also ask the patient to speak to their parents, partner, colleagues and close family friends. The aim is to find out more about the person's issues at school, at work or in relationships. The health care provider might be able to look over any previous psychological, medical or imaging studies.
Stimulants are the most commonly used drugs used to treat ADHD in children and adults. They can help improve concentration and control impulses. They can also reduce anxiety and depression, which often occur with ADHD. The side effects can include stomach upset as well as a rapid pulse rate. Sleep problems, weight loss and changes in appetite could also be caused by these drugs.
They include atomoxetine (ATOMOXETINE) as well as bupropion (BRUPPROPION) and dextroamphetamine (DEXAMPHETAMIN). They can prescribe the atomoxetine (ATOMOXETINE) and bupropion (BRUPPROPION) and dextroamphetamine (DEXAMPHETAMIN). Health care providers may try different dosages or types of medication to find the right one for an adult with ADHD.
Treatment for ADHD is most effective when it's a collaborative effort. Your child or you should collaborate with teachers and school staff to promote positive reinforcement, keep in close contact and be patient and flexible. A support group for adults suffering from ADHD is also beneficial. Counseling, just like cognitive behavior therapy, is a great way to acquire new strategies and techniques for managing ADHD symptoms.
Counseling
Psychotherapy can be as effective as medication in treating ADHD symptoms in adults. As people suffering from ADHD get older their coping mechanisms be unable to handle the increased demands of daily life. This is particularly relevant during major transitions such as college or career changes, where those with ADHD may be required to perform more complicated tasks that require self-regulation and executive function.
During psychotherapy, people learn how their thoughts and emotions influence their behavior. They also practice self management techniques, such as mindfulness meditation and relaxation exercises, to control anxiety and improve their ability to regulate their attention. They also learn coping strategies, such as time management and strategies for organizing to manage schoolwork, responsibilities and relationships.
It is essential that people with ADHD find a therapist they can trust who understands their needs and takes the time to know them. The therapist will go over the medical history of the patient and the psychiatric records. They might request permission to speak to family members, co-workers, and friends to gain more insight into the impact of ADHD on the person's daily life and relationships with others.
A therapist could also suggest an approach to treatment that involves an amalgamation of medication and counseling. The objectives of a plan of treatment depend on the individual's requirements and could include enhancing academic and work performance and communication at home and at work or gaining independence. Counseling can be helpful for those who struggle to manage their issues emotionally. This might include working through loss and trauma.
Many teens and children have been successfully treated with medications on their own however it is essential for parents to be involved in therapy sessions as well. During therapy, an expert in mental health can help parents learn new skills, attitudes and ways of communicating with their child or teenager to better manage the core 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 available to families and individuals living with ADHD. The most important thing is to seek advice from a medical professional and get help from a healthcare professional. There are many treatment options including cognitive behavioral therapy including individual and family counseling, life coaching nutritional supplements, and physical therapies like massage or yoga. There are a myriad of books and websites which offer advice on how to deal with ADHD.
Parents may require assistance to deal with the frustrations, angers and accusations that children with ADHD are prone to. Mental health professionals can inform parents about the disorder and help them develop new skills, attitudes and ways to connect to their children. This could include teaching children of school age how to manage symptoms in the classroom, and setting clear rules and expectations. Siblings may benefit from specialized support as well. They often feel neglected when their siblings or brothers are the focus of their parents' attention. This can result in resentment and jealousy. These negative feelings can be eliminated by teaching siblings about ADHD and teaching how to manage their own behavior.
Teachers, family members, friends and school personnel are all able to offer support and help to those diagnosed with ADHD. The symptoms of the disorder can cause disruption in classes or at work, and they can affect social interactions. People suffering from ADHD might find it difficult to maintain healthy sleep habits and this can lead to issues with concentration and memory. People who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to suffer from other health issues like depression or anxiety which need to be treated as well.
There are many national and local organizations who offer support groups in person for adults suffering from ADHD. These organizations, like CHADD and ADDitude offer advocacy, education, and networking opportunities for people suffering from ADHD and their families. Some of these groups also provide a list of healthcare professionals who specialize in treating the disorder. There are a variety of online support groups like those operated by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and the National Alliance on Mental Illness.