Getting Diagnosed With ADHD
Many people don't even realize they have ADHD until they reach adulthood. It can be a challenge to diagnose. It may involve asking about childhood behavior and undergoing a psychological assessment.
A mental health provider will evaluate a person's symptoms and his or her past history, including illnesses and relationships. The doctor will also talk to teachers and parents, and ask the person to rate his or her symptoms using a scale.
Diagnosis
You will need to consult a health professional who is an expert in ADHD to receive a 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 provider. You may also be asked to complete a behavior rating scale or the symptom checklist. Psychological tests can help determine if your symptoms are linked to ADHD. Some doctors use brain imaging to measure the brain's activity.
Your doctor will need to know if you've suffered from ADHD symptoms for at minimum six months. Additionally, you must be experiencing symptoms in multiple settings, such as both at work and at 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.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can trigger difficult emotions. For example, some people feel a sense of relief because they finally have a clear explanation for why their life is so challenging. 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 resolving these emotions. adult diagnosis of adhd can help you learn to manage your symptoms and provide strategies that will assist you in staying organized, and keep your commitments. A mental health therapist may suggest a combination therapy like psychotherapy or medication, along with lifestyle modifications.
There are many things that can trigger attention issues like stress and medical conditions. People with ADHD often have other disorders, such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder. People who suffer from anxiety or depression have trouble concentrating and forget simple tasks like paying bills or keeping an appointment. Your doctor may order blood or urine tests to rule out any other medical conditions.
Medication
Many teens and children with ADHD have better control over their symptoms by taking medication. There are a myriad of types of medication that work differently for different people. It may take some time to determine the best one and the most efficient dosage for you or your child.
Consult your family physician if you think you or your child might be suffering from ADHD. Psychiatrists and psychologists who specialize in mental illnesses are trained to detect ADHD. On the National Institute of Mental Health's website you can find out where to find these specialists.
The health care provider will use an interview with a clinician or behavior rating scales or symptom checklists when reviewing a patient to determine if they meet the diagnostic criteria. The health professional will also ask about the patient's mood, current and past medical conditions, and medical history. The health professional might also ask the person to speak to their parents, partners, coworkers and close family friends. The aim is to find out more about the person's issues in school, at work, or in relationships. The health care provider might also want to check out any previous psychological or medical tests or imaging studies.
Stimulants are the most common drugs used to treat ADHD in both adults and children. They can help improve concentration and impulse control. They can reduce anxiety and depression, which often occur with ADHD. The side effects can include stomach upset as well as a rapid pulse rate. Sleep issues, weight loss and changes in appetite could be caused by these medications.
If stimulants do not help or cause adverse side effects, medical providers might prescribe non-stimulant drugs that affect chemical brain messengers. These include atomoxetine and bupropion and dextroamphetamine. Health professionals may test different dosages or types of medication to determine the best one for a person suffering from ADHD.
Treatment for ADHD is most effective when it's a team effort. Your child or you must work with teachers and school staff to encourage positive reinforcement, keep in close communication, and be flexible and patient. A support group for adults suffering from ADHD is also helpful. Counseling, similar to cognitive behavioral therapy, is a great way to acquire new strategies and techniques to manage ADHD symptoms.
Counseling
Psychotherapy can be as effective as medication in treating ADHD symptoms in adults. People suffering from ADHD frequently struggle with managing life's responsibilities as they age and existing coping mechanisms may be inadequate to handle increasing demands and new challenges. This is especially true during major transitions like college or job changes, when people with ADHD might be required to handle more complicated tasks that require self-regulation and executive function.
Through psychotherapy, patients learn to understand how their thoughts and feelings influence their behavior. They also use self-management strategies, such as mindfulness meditation and relaxation exercises, to reduce anxiety and improve attention regulation. They also employ coping strategies that include time-management and organizational strategies to manage schoolwork and responsibilities, and relationships.
It is crucial for people suffering from ADHD to find a therapist who can make them feel at ease and understood and who takes the time to get to know them. The therapist will review the patient's medical and mental history, and may ask permission to speak to family members, friends and colleagues to gain a better understanding of the way that ADHD affects their daily activities and how they interact with others.
A therapist could also suggest the use of a treatment plan that consists of a combination of medication and counseling. The goals of a plan of treatment depend on the needs of the individual and may include improving the performance of students and employees and communication at home and in the workplace or gaining independence. Counseling can help those who are struggling to cope with their symptoms emotionally. This might include dealing with loss and trauma.
Parents should also attend sessions with a therapist. Many children and teenagers have been successfully treated using medication by themselves. During therapy, an expert in mental health can help parents learn new skills, attitudes and ways to interact with their child or teenager in order to better manage the core ADHD symptoms. They can also instruct parents on stress management techniques and offer support groups to families with children who have ADHD.
Support
There are numerous sources of assistance available to families and people with ADHD. It is essential to seek medical help and advice from a professional. There are a myriad of treatment options including cognitive behavioral therapy as well as individual and family counseling and life coaching, nutritional supplements and physical therapies such as massage or yoga. There are a variety of websites and books which offer advice on how to deal with ADHD.
Parents may require specialized help to handle the anger, frustration and blame that can be produced by children with ADHD. Mental health professionals can inform parents about the disorder and teach them new skills, attitudes and ways to connect to their children. This may include teaching children in school how to deal with symptoms in the classroom, and setting clear rules and expectations. Siblings may 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 lead resentment or jealousy. These negative feelings can be eliminated by educating siblings about ADHD and teaching them how to handle their own behavior.
Family, friends, teachers and school staff can all provide assistance and support to those diagnosed with ADHD. The disorder can cause problems in the classroom or at work, and can affect relationships with others. People suffering from ADHD may have difficulty to maintain a healthy sleep routine, and this can contribute to problems with concentration and memory. People who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to be suffering from other health conditions, such as anxiety or depression which need to be treated as well.
There are numerous national and local organizations that provide in-person support groups for adults with ADHD. These organizations, like CHADD and ADDitude provide advocacy, training and networking opportunities for people with ADHD and their families. Some of these organizations also have a directory of healthcare professionals who specialize in treating the disorder. There are many online support groups, such as the ones run by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention or the National Alliance on Mental Illness.