Getting Diagnosed With ADHD
Many people don't even realize they have ADHD until adulthood. The process of diagnosing ADHD can be difficult. It can involve questions about childhood behavior and an evaluation of psychological factors.
To determine a diagnosis, the mental health professional will evaluate a person's current symptoms and their history--including prior illnesses and relationships. The clinician will also interview parents and teachers and ask the individual to rate their symptoms on a scale.
Diagnosis
You'll need to talk to an experienced health professional 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 conduct a a thorough interview with your healthcare professional. You may be asked to complete an inventory of symptoms or a behavior rating system. Additionally psychological tests can help determine if your symptoms may be connected to ADHD. Certain doctors employ brain imaging to assess the brain's activity.
Your doctor will want to know if you've suffered from ADHD symptoms for at minimum six months. It is also necessary to exhibit symptoms in more than one place including 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 trigger complex emotions. Some people are relieved that they now have a reason for their difficulties. Some people may regret missing opportunities or relationship issues which they believe could have been avoided if they received treatment earlier for their ADHD symptoms.
A therapist can help deal with these issues. They can help you learn how to manage your symptoms and teach you strategies to aid you to focus, stay organized, and follow through on commitments. A mental health therapist might suggest a combination therapy, such as psychotherapy and medication, in addition to lifestyle modifications.
Stress and medical conditions can trigger issues with attention. ADHD is often accompanied by other disorders like depression, bipolar disorder, or anxiety. People who suffer from anxiety or depression often have trouble concentrating and can forget to do simple tasks like paying bills or attending appointments. Your doctor may order blood or urine tests to rule out any other medical issues.
Medication
Many children and teens with ADHD have better control over their symptoms by taking medication. There are many different types of medication that work differently on different people. It can be difficult to find the best medication and dosage for your child or yourself.
Consult your family physician If you suspect you or your child may be suffering from ADHD. Health care providers who specialize in mental illness, such as psychologists and psychiatrists are also trained to recognize ADHD. On the National Institute of Mental Health's website you can find out where to find these specialists.
When looking to determine if someone has ADHD, the health care provider will use clinical interviews and behavior rating scales or symptoms checklists to determine whether the individual meets the diagnostic criteria. The health care provider will also ask about the patient's mood, current and past medical conditions, as well as their medical background. The health care professional may also ask to talk with the person's parents or partners, co-workers and close friends. The goal is to learn more about the person's issues at work, school or in relationships. The health care professional might also want to check out any previous medical or psychological tests or imaging studies.
The most commonly used drug to treat ADHD is stimulants. This includes adults and children. They can help improve concentration and control impulses. They can reduce depression, anxiety, and other signs of ADHD. They can cause side effects, such as stomach upset and rapid heart rate. They can also lead to weight loss as well as changes in appetite and sleep issues.
They include atomoxetine (ATOMOXETINE) and bupropion (BRUPPROPION) and dextroamphetamine (DEXAMPHETAMIN). These include atomoxetine and bupropion and dextroamphetamine. Health care providers may try different dosages or types of medication to find the right one for a person suffering from ADHD.
The most effective method of treating ADHD is to work in a team. Your child or you should work with teachers and school staff to promote positive reinforcement, keep in close communication and be patient and flexible. A support group for adults suffering from ADHD can be beneficial too. Counseling, just like cognitive behavior therapy is a great method to develop new skills and strategies for managing ADHD symptoms.
Counseling
Psychotherapy can be just as effective as medication when it comes to treating ADHD symptoms in adults. As people suffering from ADHD age their coping mechanisms become inadequate to cope with the increased demands of daily life. This can be particularly the case during major transitions in adolescence and adulthood like college or a job shift, where people who suffer from ADHD are typically required to handle more complicated tasks that require executive function and self-regulation, which they might not be neurobiologically fully capable of.
During the course of psychotherapy, patients learn to recognize how their thoughts and feelings influence behavior. They also learn self-management techniques, like mindfulness meditation and relaxation exercise, to control anxiety and improve their attention control. They also develop strategies for coping like time-management and organizational strategies, to manage their schoolwork, responsibilities, and relationships.
It is essential that people with ADHD choose a therapist that they are comfortable with who is able to understand them and spends time getting to know them. The therapist will review a patient's medical history and mental health records. They might also ask for permission to speak to family members, colleagues, and friends to gain an understanding of the effects of ADHD on the person's daily routine and relationships with others.
A therapist may also suggest a treatment plan that includes the use of medication in conjunction with counseling. The goals of a treatment plan depend on the needs of the individual, but they could include improving work and school performance, enhancing communication in the family and workplace and enhancing the degree of independence. For those who struggle to cope with the emotional consequences of their illness, counseling could include addressing traumas and loss.
Many kids and teens have been successfully treated using medications on their own however it is essential for parents to participate in therapy sessions as well. During therapy, mental health professionals can instruct parents on how to interact with their child or teenager in a manner that helps manage their primary ADHD symptoms. They can also teach parents strategies for managing stress and provide support groups to families with children who have ADHD.
Support
There are many sources of support for individuals and families who suffer from ADHD. The most important thing is to seek medical advice and help from a medical professional. There are many treatment options which include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), family and individual counseling (Life Coaching) and nutritional supplements, and physical therapies such as yoga or massage. There are a myriad of books and websites that offer suggestions on coping with ADHD.
Parents may require special assistance to handle the frustrations, angers and blames that children with ADHD can cause. Mental health professionals can educate parents about the disorder and help them develop new skills, attitudes and ways of relating to their children. This could include teaching children of school age how to manage symptoms in the classroom, and setting clear expectations and rules. Siblings may benefit from specialized support as well. They feel neglected when parents' attention is centered on their siblings. This can cause resentment or jealousy. These negative feelings can be eliminated by teaching siblings about ADHD and teaching them how to deal with their own behavior.
Family, friends, teachers and school personnel can all offer assistance and support to people diagnosed with ADHD. Symptoms of the disorder can cause disruption in classes or at work, and can interfere with social relationships. Individuals who suffer from ADHD may have difficulties keeping a healthy sleeping schedule. This can lead to memory and concentration problems. Those with ADHD are also more likely to suffer from other health conditions, such as depression or anxiety and should be treated as well.
There are a variety of local and national organizations that offer support groups in person for adults suffering from ADHD. These organizations, such as CHADD and ADDitude provide advocacy, education and networking opportunities for people with ADHD and their families. how to get diagnosed with adhd uk of these groups also have a database of healthcare specialists who specialize in treating the disorder. There are many online support groups, such as those that are run by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention or the National Alliance on Mental Illness.