Getting Diagnosed With ADHD
Many people don't realize they have ADHD until they reach adulthood. The diagnosis can be difficult. It could involve questions about childhood behavior and a psychological evaluation.
To establish a diagnosis the mental health professional will examine a person's present symptoms and their history, including previous illnesses and relationships. The doctor will talk to teachers and parents and ask the patient to evaluate their symptoms on the scale.
Diagnosis
You'll need to talk to an experienced health professional 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 have an extensive conversation with your healthcare professional. You may be asked to fill out a behavior rating scale or the symptom checklist. In addition psychological tests can help determine if your symptoms are connected to ADHD. Some doctors also employ brain imaging to measure activity in your brain.
Your doctor will need to be aware that you have ADHD symptoms for at least six months. You will also need 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.
A diagnosis of ADHD can cause complex emotions. For instance, some feel relief since they now have a clear understanding of why their life is so difficult. Others may feel regrets over missed opportunities or relationship problems which they believe could have been prevented if they had sought treatment for their ADHD symptoms earlier on.
A therapist can help you in sorting out these emotions. They can assist you in learning how to manage your symptoms and teach strategies that aid you to focus, stay organized, and follow through on commitments. Often, a mental health counselor will suggest the use of a variety of treatments, including therapy, medication, and lifestyle adjustments.
Stress and certain medical conditions can trigger attention issues. Those with ADHD typically have other issues, such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. Some people with anxiety or depression have trouble in concentrating and may forget basic tasks like paying bills or keeping an appointment. Your doctor is likely to request urine or blood tests in order to rule out other medical ailments.
Medication
The use of medications helps many children and adolescents with ADHD to better manage their symptoms. There are a variety of different medications available and can be used for different individuals. It can take a while to determine the best one and the most effective dosage for you or your child.
Talk to your family doctor if you suspect that you or your child suffers from ADHD. Health professionals 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 trying to determine whether someone is suffering from ADHD or other disorders, the doctor will use clinical interviews and behavior rating scales or symptom checklists to find out whether the individual meets the diagnostic criteria. The health professional will also ask about the patient's mood, current and previous medical conditions, and medical background. The health care professional may also request to speak with the person's parents or partner or close friends, as well as coworkers and colleagues. The aim is to learn more about the individual's struggles at work, school, or in relationships. The health care professional might also be interested in examining any previous psychological or medical tests or imaging studies.
Stimulants are the most common drugs used to treat ADHD in children and adults. They can improve concentration and control of impulses. They can also reduce depression and anxiety, which frequently occur in ADHD. The side effects can include stomach upset as well as a rapid pulse rate. Weight loss, sleep problems and changes in appetite could also be caused by these drugs.
If stimulants don't help or cause negative side effects, medical doctors may prescribe non-stimulant medications that act on chemical messengers in the brain. These include atomoxetine and bupropion and dextroamphetamine. Sometimes, health professionals may try a variety of medication or dosages to find the best one for a teenager or adult with ADHD.
Treatment for ADHD is most effective when it's a team effort. Your child or you can work with the teachers and staff to help encourage positive reinforcement. Keep in close contact, be patient and flexible. A support group for adults who suffer from ADHD is also beneficial. Counseling, similar to cognitive behavioral therapy, is a great way to learn new strategies and techniques for managing ADHD symptoms.
Counseling
Psychotherapy is as effective as medication in treating ADHD symptoms in adults. As people suffering from ADHD age, their coping mechanisms can be inadequate to meet the increased demands of modern life. This is particularly true during major transitions such as college or career changes, when those with ADHD might be required to perform more complex tasks that require executive function and self-regulation.
Through psychotherapy, people learn to understand the ways in which their thoughts and emotions influence their behavior. They also practice self-management techniques, such as mindfulness meditation and relaxation exercises, to help control anxiety and improve attention regulation. how to get diagnosed with adhd as an adult practice coping strategies that include time-management and organizational strategies to manage responsibilities and schoolwork, and relationships.
It is crucial that people suffering from ADHD find a therapist they can trust, who understands them and spends time getting to know them. The therapist will look over a patient's medical history and psychiatric records. They may also ask for permission to speak to family members, colleagues and friends to gain a better understanding of the effects of ADHD on the individual's daily activities and relationships with others.
A therapist may also suggest a treatment that incorporates counseling and medication. The goals of a treatment plan depend on the specific needs of the person, but they may include improving work and school performance, improving communication within the workplace and in the family and enhancing the degree of independence. Counseling can assist those struggling to manage their issues emotionally. This could include working through loss and trauma.
Many children and teens have been successfully treated using medications alone, but it's important for parents to be involved in therapy sessions as well. In therapy mental health professionals can teach parents how to interact with their child and teenager in a manner that helps manage core ADHD symptoms. They can also instruct parents on strategies for managing stress and provide support groups for families with children who suffer from ADHD.
Support
There are a variety of options for support for people and families living with ADHD. It is important to seek medical advice and advice from a specialist. There are many treatment options which include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), individual and family counseling (Life Coaching) as well as nutritional supplements and physical therapies such as massage or yoga. There are also a number of websites and books that offer suggestions on coping with ADHD.
Parents may require assistance to manage the frustrations, angers and blames that children suffering from ADHD can generate. Mental health professionals can assist parents on the condition and assist them to develop new attitudes, skills, and ways of relating to their children. This could include teaching school-age kids how to manage symptoms in the classroom and setting clear expectations and rules. Siblings may benefit from specialized help as well. They often feel unimportant when their siblings or brothers are the center of their parents' attention. This can result in resentment and jealousy. These negative feelings can be reduced by informing siblings about ADHD and teaching how to manage their own behavior.
The people who are diagnosed with ADHD can also receive assistance and support from their friends, family, teachers and school staff. The disorder can cause problems in the classroom or at work, and can affect relationships with others. People suffering from ADHD can find it difficult to maintain healthy sleep habits and this may lead to problems with memory and concentration. ADHD sufferers are more likely to suffer from other health issues, such as depression or an anxiety disorder, which should also be treated.
There are many national and local organizations that offer in-person support groups for adults with ADHD. These organizations, such as CHADD and ADDitude provide advocacy, training and networking opportunities for those suffering from ADHD and their families. Some of these organizations have a list of healthcare professionals who specialize in treating the disorder. There are a variety of online support groups, such as those run by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and the National Alliance on Mental Illness.