Getting Diagnosed With ADHD
Many people do not know they have ADHD until later in life. Diagnosis can be difficult. It could involve asking questions about childhood behaviors and then going through a psychological evaluation.
A psychiatrist will evaluate the symptoms of a patient and their history, including past illnesses and relationships. The clinician will interview parents and teachers and ask the patient to evaluate their symptoms on the scale.
Diagnosis
To get a diagnosis of ADHD, you will need to visit a health care specialist who is specialized 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 will be to conduct a thorough interview with your health care professional. You may be asked to fill out the symptom checklist or behavior rating system. Psychological tests can also help determine whether your symptoms are related to ADHD. Some doctors also employ brain imaging to monitor activity in your brain.
Your doctor will need to be aware that you have ADHD symptoms for at least six months. You should also be experiencing symptoms in a variety of settings, such as both at work and home. 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 a variety of complex emotions. Some people feel happy that they now have a reason for their difficult life. Some may be regretful about relationships or opportunities that were not taken advantage of which they believe could have been prevented if they had received treatment for their ADHD symptoms earlier on.
A therapist can assist you in resolving these feelings. adhd in adults undiagnosed can help you learn to manage symptoms and teach strategies that will help you focus, stay organized and stick to your commitments. Most often, a mental health therapist will recommend the use of a variety of treatments such as psychotherapy, medication and lifestyle adjustments.
There are a myriad of things that can trigger problems with attention like stress and medical conditions. ADHD is often accompanied by other disorders such as bipolar disorder, depression or anxiety. Some people with anxiety or depression have trouble in concentrating and may forget basic tasks like paying bills or keeping an appointment. Your doctor will be able to examine for other issues and may recommend blood or urine tests to rule out any medical issues.
Medication
Medications help many children and adolescents with ADHD to lessen their symptoms. There are a variety of different medications available and can be used for different individuals. It may take some time to find the one that is right for you and the most efficient dosage for you or your child.
Consult your family physician If you suspect you or your child may be suffering from ADHD. Health care providers who specialize in mental illness, like psychologists and psychiatrists, are also trained to recognize ADHD. On the National Institute of Mental Health's website, you can find out the best places to find these specialists.
The health care professional will use an interview with a clinician or behavior rating scales or symptom checklists when reviewing a patient to determine if they fulfill the diagnostic criteria. The health professional will also ask about the patient's mood, current and previous medical conditions, as well as their medical background. The health care professional may also ask the patient to speak to their parents, partners, colleagues and close family members. The goal is to learn more about the person's issues at school, at work or in relationships. The health care provider might also want to review any previous psychological, medical or imaging studies.
Stimulants are among the most popular drugs used to treat ADHD in children and adults. They can improve concentration and control of impulses. They can also reduce depression and anxiety that are often associated with ADHD. Side effects include stomach upset and rapid pulse rate. Weight loss, sleep problems and changes in appetite may also be caused by these drugs.
If stimulants do not help or cause adverse side effects, health care providers might prescribe non-stimulant drugs that act on chemical brain messengers. These include atomoxetine (or bupropion), and dextroamphetamine. Sometimes, health care providers may test a variety of drugs or dosages in order to find the best one for an adult or teenager with ADHD.
Treatment for ADHD is most effective when it's a collaborative effort. Your child or you can collaborate with the teachers and staff to help encourage positive reinforcement. Keep in close contact, be patient and flexible. A support group for adults with ADHD is also beneficial. Counseling, just like cognitive behavior therapy is a fantastic way to acquire new strategies and techniques for managing ADHD symptoms.
Counseling
For adults with ADHD, psychotherapy can be as effective as medication for managing symptoms. People with ADHD are often struggling with managing their responsibilities as they age and existing coping mechanisms may not be sufficient to meet increasing demands and new challenges. This is especially true during major transitions such as college or job changes, when people with ADHD may be required to perform more complex tasks that require self-regulation and executive function.
Through psychotherapy, patients learn to understand how their thoughts and feelings influence their behavior. They also practice self management techniques, such a mindfulness meditation or relaxation exercise to reduce anxiety and improve their attention regulation. They also practice coping strategies, such as time-management and organizational strategies to manage responsibilities and schoolwork and interpersonal relationships.
It's important for those with ADHD to find a therapist who makes them feel at ease and understand and who spends time getting to know them. The therapist will look over the medical history of the patient and mental health records. They may request permission to speak with family members, coworkers and friends to gain more insight into the impact of ADHD on the individual's daily life and relationships with others.
A therapist could also suggest a treatment plan that includes an amalgamation of medication and counseling. The goals of a treatment plan are contingent on the specific needs of the person being treated, but could include improving work and school performance, enhancing communication in the family and workplace and increasing the level of independence. Counseling can be helpful for those struggling to deal with their symptoms emotionally. This could involve dealing with loss or trauma.
Parents should take part in therapy sessions. Many teenagers and children have been successfully treated by medication alone. In therapy, mental health professionals can teach parents how to communicate with their child and teenager in a way that will help manage the core ADHD symptoms. Additionally, they can provide stress management techniques for parents and provide support groups for families with children who suffer from ADHD to meet with other families who face similar issues.
Support
There are a myriad of ways to support individuals and families living with ADHD. The most important thing to do is seek advice from a medical professional and get help from a health professional. There are a variety of treatment options, including cognitive behavioral therapy as well as individual and family counseling, life coaching nutritional supplements, and physical therapies like yoga or massage. There are numerous websites and books with tips on how to deal with ADHD.
Parents may require assistance to manage the anger, frustrations and accusations that children with ADHD can generate. Mental health professionals can help parents understand the condition and teach them new behaviors, skills and ways to connect to their children. For children who are in school this could include teaching them to cope with their symptoms in the classroom and setting clear guidelines and expectations for behavior. Siblings can benefit from specialized support as well. They often feel neglected when their siblings or brothers are the center of their parent's attention. This can cause feelings of resentment and jealousy. These negative feelings can be eliminated by informing siblings about ADHD and showing them how to handle their own behavior.
People who are who are diagnosed with ADHD can also get help and support from friends, family, teachers and school staff. The symptoms of ADHD can be disruptive in class or at work, and can affect social interactions. People who suffer from ADHD might find it difficult to maintain a healthy sleep routine, and this can contribute to issues with memory and concentration. ADHD sufferers are more likely to suffer from other health issues like depression or anxiety disorder, which must also be treated.
There are a number of local and national organizations that offer in-person assistance groups for adults with ADHD. These organizations, like CHADD and ADDitude provide advocacy, education and networking opportunities for people with ADHD and their families. Some of these groups also have a directory of health specialists who specialize in treating the disorder. There are numerous online support groups, such as the ones run by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention or the National Alliance on Mental Illness.