Getting Diagnosed With ADHD
Many people don't realize they have ADHD until later in their lives. Getting diagnosed can be complicated. It can involve questions about childhood behavior and a psychological evaluation.
To establish a diagnosis a mental health provider will evaluate a person's current symptoms as well as their previous illnesses and relationships. The doctor will also talk to teachers and parents and ask the individual to rate his or her symptoms using a scale.
Diagnosis
You'll need to talk to an expert in health care 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 in-depth discussion with your healthcare professional. You may be asked to complete a symptom checklist or a behavior rating system. Additionally, psychological tests can help determine whether your symptoms are caused by ADHD. Some doctors also use brain imaging to determine the activity in your brain.
Your doctor will want to know if you've had ADHD symptoms for at least six months. You will also need to be exhibiting symptoms in more than one setting, 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.
A diagnosis of ADHD can trigger complex emotions. Some people are relieved that they have a reason behind their difficult life. Others may feel regrets over the missed opportunities or relationships which they believe could be prevented if they had sought treatment for their ADHD symptoms earlier.
A therapist can help you in resolving these feelings. They can show you how to manage symptoms and teach strategies that will assist you in staying organized, and keep your commitments. Most often, a mental health professional will suggest the use of a variety of treatments such as psychotherapy, medication and lifestyle changes.
There are a myriad of things that can cause attention problems like stress and medical conditions. Those with ADHD often have other disorders such as anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder. People who suffer from anxiety or depression have trouble in concentrating and may forget basic tasks like paying bills or keeping an appointment. Your doctor is likely to order blood or urine tests to rule out any other medical issues.
Medication
Medicines can help children and adolescents with ADHD to better manage their symptoms. Different types of medication are available and work differently for different people. 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 think you or your child may be suffering from ADHD. Health professionals who specialize in mental illness, like psychiatrists and psychologists, are also trained to recognize ADHD. You can find information about finding these specialists on the National Institute of Mental Health website.
The health care provider will conduct a clinical interview and 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, and medical history. The health care provider may also request that the patient speak with their parents, partner, coworkers and close family friends. The aim is to discover more about the person's problems at school, at work or in relationships. how to diagnose adhd may be able to look over any previous psychological, medical or imaging studies.
Stimulants are the most common drugs used to treat ADHD in children and adults. They can aid in improving concentration and control impulses. They can reduce depression, anxiety, and other signs of ADHD. They can cause adverse effects, including stomach upset as well as a rapid heart rate. Sleep issues, weight loss and changes in appetite can also be caused by these drugs.
If stimulants aren't effective or have negative side effects, health care professionals may prescribe non-stimulant drugs that act on chemical messengers in the brain. These include atomoxetine, bupropion and dextroamphetamine. Sometimes, health care providers might try several different types of drugs or dosages in order to find the best one for a teenager or adult 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, remain in close communication and be patient and flexible. A support group for adults who suffer from ADHD can be helpful. Counseling, like cognitive behavioral therapy, is a great way to develop new strategies and techniques to manage ADHD symptoms.
Counseling
Psychotherapy is as effective as medication in treating ADHD symptoms in adults. As people with ADHD get older, their coping mechanisms can become inadequate to cope with the increasing demands of modern life. This can be particularly the case during major transitions in the adolescent and adulthood stages like college or a job shift, when those who suffer from ADHD are usually required to perform more complex tasks that require executive functioning and self-regulation, which they might not be neurobiologically able of.
During the course of psychotherapy, individuals learn to be aware of how their thoughts and feelings influence behavior. They also practice self-management techniques like mindfulness meditation and relaxation exercises, to manage anxiety and improve attention regulation. They also practice coping skills, such as time management and strategies for organizing to manage schoolwork, responsibilities and relationships.
It's crucial that those with ADHD find a therapist they feel comfortable with who is able to understand them and takes the time to know them. The therapist will discuss the patient's medical and mental history, and may ask permission to talk with family members, friends and co-workers to gain more understanding of how the individual's ADHD affects their daily activities and their relationship with others.
A therapist may also suggest a treatment plan that includes the use of medication in conjunction with counseling. The goals of a program of treatment are based on the needs of the individual, but could include improving academic and work performance, improving communication at home and at work, or increasing independence. Counseling can help those struggling to manage their issues emotionally. This may include working through loss and trauma.
Parents should be able to attend therapy sessions. A lot of children and teens have been successfully treated by medication by themselves. In therapy, an expert in mental health can teach parents new attitudes, skills and ways to interact with their child or teenager to help them better manage the core ADHD symptoms. In addition, they can offer stress management strategies for parents and provide support groups for families with children with ADHD to meet with other families who face similar issues.
Support
There are many ways to support individuals and families with ADHD. The most important thing is to seek advice from a medical professional and get help from a health professional. There are a variety of options for treatment which include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) as well as individual and family counseling (Life Coaching), nutritional supplements, and physical therapies such as massage or yoga. There are a myriad of books and websites which offer advice on how to deal with ADHD.
Parents may require special assistance to manage the angers, frustrations and blames that children with ADHD can generate. Mental health professionals can educate parents about the disorder and help them develop new skills, attitudes and ways of communicating with their children. This could include teaching school-age kids how to manage symptoms in the classroom and creating clear expectations and rules. Siblings can also benefit from specialized assistance. They often feel unimportant when their brothers or sisters are the center of their parent's attention. This can lead resentment or jealousy. The process of educating siblings about ADHD and teaching them how to deal with their own behavior may help to reduce negative feelings.
Those diagnosed with ADHD are also able to receive assistance and support from family members or family members, teachers and school staff. The disorder can cause disturbances in the classroom or at work, and can affect social relationships. People with ADHD might find it difficult to maintain healthy sleep habits and this may lead to problems with concentration and memory. ADHD patients are more likely to suffer from other health issues like depression or anxiety disorder, which should be treated as well.
There are a variety of national and local organizations who provide support groups in person for adults with ADHD. These groups, like CHADD and ADDitude offer advocacy, education, and networking opportunities to those suffering from ADHD and their families. Some of these groups also have a directory of healthcare specialists who specialize in treating the disorder. There are a variety of support groups online that are run by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and the National Alliance on Mental Illness.