Getting Diagnosed With ADHD
Many people don't realize they have ADHD until they reach adulthood. The diagnosis can be difficult. It could involve asking questions about childhood behavior and taking a psychological test.
A psychiatrist will evaluate a person's symptoms and the history of their illness, including previous illnesses and relationships. The clinician will also interview teachers and parents and ask the patient to rate their symptoms using a scale.
Diagnosis
You'll need to speak with an expert in health care who is an expert in ADHD to receive an assessment. 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 will be to complete a thorough interview with your healthcare provider. You may be asked to fill out the scale of behavior ratings or symptom checklist. In addition psychological tests can be used to determine if your symptoms may be related to ADHD. Certain doctors employ brain imaging to measure the activity of your brain.
Your doctor will need to be aware that you have ADHD symptoms for at least six months. Additionally, you must be experiencing symptoms in multiple settings, such as both 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.
Getting a diagnosis of ADHD can trigger complex emotions. For example, some people feel relief since they now have a clear explanation for why their life is so challenging. Others may feel regrets about relationships or opportunities that were not taken advantage of that they believe could have been avoided if they had received treatment for their ADHD symptoms earlier on.
A therapist can help you in resolving these emotions. They can teach you how to manage symptoms and teach strategies to assist you in staying organized, and keep your commitments. Most often, a mental health professional will suggest an array of treatments like psychotherapy, medication and lifestyle changes.
There are many things that can trigger attention issues like stress and medical conditions. ADHD is often accompanied by other disorders like bipolar disorder, depression or anxiety. People who suffer from anxiety or depression often have trouble concentrating and may forget to do basic tasks like paying bills or attending appointments. Your doctor will likely conduct urine or blood tests to rule out other medical ailments.
Medication
Many teens and children with ADHD have better control over their symptoms by taking medication. Different types of medication are available and work differently for different individuals. It can be a challenge to determine the right dosage and medication for your child or yourself.
Consult your family physician If you think you or your child suffers from 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.
When evaluating someone for ADHD or other disorders, the doctor will use clinical interviews and behavior rating scales as well as symptom checklists to find out whether the person meets diagnostic criteria. The health care professional will also ask about the patient's mood, their current and previous medical conditions, as well as their medical background. The health care provider may also ask the patient to speak with their parents, partners coworkers, close family members. The goal is to find out more about the person’s problems at school, work or in relationships. The health care professional might be able to look up any previous psychological or medical tests or imaging studies.
The most frequently used medication to treat ADHD is stimulants. This includes both children and adults. They can help improve concentration and control of impulses. They can reduce anxiety and depression, which frequently occur in ADHD. The side effects can include stomach upset and rapid pulse rate. They can also trigger weight loss as well as changes in appetite and sleep issues.
If stimulants don't help or have negative side effects, health care professionals may prescribe non-stimulant drugs that alter chemical brain messengers. These include atomoxetine, bupropion and dextroamphetamine. Sometimes, healthcare professionals may try a variety of medications or dosages to find the best one for an adult or teenager with ADHD.
Treatment for ADHD is most efficient when it's a group effort. Your child or you must work with teachers and school staff to encourage positive reinforcement, stay in close communication and be patient and flexible. A support group for adults who suffer from ADHD could be helpful. Counseling, like cognitive behavioral therapy, is a great way to learn new skills and strategies for managing ADHD symptoms.
Counseling
For adults with ADHD, psychotherapy can be as effective as medication for managing symptoms. People suffering from ADHD often struggle in balancing their lives as they age and the coping mechanisms they have in place may be inadequate to handle the new demands. This is especially true during major transitions like college or job changes, in which those with ADHD might be required to handle more complicated tasks that require self-regulation and executive functioning.
In the course of psychotherapy, patients learn to recognize how their thoughts and feelings influence their behavior. They also employ self-management techniques, such a mindfulness meditation or relaxation exercise to manage anxiety and improve their ability to regulate their attention. They also learn coping strategies like time management and strategies for organizing to manage their responsibilities, schoolwork and relationships.
It's important for those with ADHD to find a therapist that makes them feel at ease and understood, and who spends time getting to know them. The therapist will look over a patient's medical history and psychiatric records. They can request permission to talk to family members, colleagues, and friends to gain more insight into the impact of ADHD on the individual's daily routine and relationships with others.
A therapist may also suggest the use of a treatment plan that consists of an amalgamation of medication and counseling. The goals of a program of treatment are based on the individual's needs and could include enhancing the performance of students and employees as well as improving communication at home and at work or gaining independence. For those who struggle to cope with the emotional effects of their symptoms, counseling might include working through traumas and loss.
Parents should take part in sessions with a therapist. Many children and teenagers have been successfully treated by medication alone. During therapy, mental health professionals can instruct parents on how to interact with their child and teenager in a manner that better manages their primary ADHD symptoms. They can also instruct parents on techniques for managing stress and offer support groups for parents of children with ADHD.
Support
There are many ways to support individuals and families with ADHD. It is essential to seek medical assistance and advice from a professional. There are a myriad of treatments available, including cognitive behavior therapy, family and individual counseling, life coaching, nutritional supplements and physical therapies such as yoga or massage. There are also many books and websites that provide tips on how to cope with ADHD.
Parents may require special assistance to manage the frustration, anger and blame that are generated by children with ADHD. Mental health professionals are able to help parents understand the condition and help them develop new techniques, attitudes and ways to connect to their children. For school-age children this could include teaching them to cope with their issues in the classroom and creating clear rules and expectations for behavior. Siblings can also benefit from special assistance. They often feel unimportant when their siblings or brothers are the focus of their parent's attention. adhd diagnosis in adult can result in resentment and jealousy. Informing siblings on ADHD and teaching them how to cope with their own behavior can reduce these negative feelings.
Those who are diagnosed with ADHD are also able to receive assistance and support from family members, family, teachers and school staff. The symptoms of ADHD can be disruptive in class or at work, and can hinder social relationships. People with ADHD may have difficulty keeping a healthy sleeping schedule. This can result in memory and concentration problems. Those with ADHD are also more likely to be suffering from other health issues like anxiety or depression, and these must be treated too.
There are numerous local and national organizations that provide in-person support groups for adults with ADHD. These organizations, such as CHADD and ADDitude provide advocacy, education and networking opportunities for those suffering from ADHD and their loved ones. Some of these organizations also have a list of healthcare professionals who specialize in treating the disorder. There are a variety of support groups on the internet, such as those run by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and the National Alliance on Mental Illness.