Getting Diagnosed With ADHD
Many people don't realize they have ADHD until later in life. It can be a challenge to diagnose. It could be a matter of asking questions about childhood behaviors and an evaluation of psychological factors.
To make a diagnosis, the mental health professional will evaluate a person's current symptoms and their history--including prior illnesses and relationships. The doctor will also talk to parents and teachers, and ask the person to rate his or her symptoms on a scale.
Diagnosis
To receive an assessment of ADHD it is necessary to consult a medical specialist who is specialized in the disorder. 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 a thorough interview with your doctor. You might be asked to fill out an assessment scale for your behavior or symptoms checklist. In addition psychological tests can be used to determine if your symptoms may be related to ADHD. Certain doctors employ brain imaging to measure brain activity.
Your health care professional will want to know if you've suffered from ADHD symptoms for at least six months. You should also 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.
A diagnosis of ADHD can cause complex emotions. For example, some people feel a sense of relief because they finally have a clear understanding of the reasons why their lives are difficult. Some people might regret missing opportunities or relationship issues that they believe could have been avoided if they sought treatment earlier for their ADHD symptoms.
A therapist can assist you to deal with these issues. They can show you how to manage symptoms and teach strategies to aid you in staying focused, organized and follow through with commitments. A mental health therapist will recommend an array of treatments such as therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes.
There are many things that can cause attention problems like stress and medical conditions. ADHD is often accompanied by other disorders, such as depression, bipolar disorder, or anxiety. People suffering from anxiety or depression are often unable to concentrate and can neglect simple tasks such as making payments or scheduling appointments. Your doctor may conduct urine or blood tests in order to rule out other medical issues.
Medication
Medicines can help children and adolescents with ADHD to lessen their symptoms. There are a variety of different medications available and work differently for different individuals. It can take time to determine the best one and the most effective dosage for you or your child.
Talk to adult diagnosis adhd if you think you or your child might have ADHD. Psychologists and psychiatrists who specialize in mental disorders are trained to detect ADHD. You can find information about finding these specialists on the National Institute of Mental Health website.
The health care provider will employ a clinical interview or behavior rating scales or symptom checklists when evaluating someone to determine if they meet the diagnostic criteria. The health care provider will also inquire about the patient's mood, current and past medical conditions, and medical background. The health care provider might also request to speak with the person's parents, partner or co-workers as well as close friends. The aim is to find out 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.
The most frequently used medication to treat ADHD is stimulants. This includes children and adults. They can help improve concentration and control of impulses. They can help reduce depression and anxiety, which often occur with ADHD. They can cause side effects, such as stomach upset and a rapid heart rate. They can also trigger weight loss, changes in appetite, and sleep issues.
This includes atomoxetine (ATOMOXETINE) as well as bupropion (BRUPPROPION) and dextroamphetamine (DEXAMPHETAMIN). These include the drugs atomoxetine (ATOMOXETINE), bupropion (BRUPPROPION) and dextroamphetamine (DEXAMPHETAMIN). Sometimes, health care providers may test a variety of medications or dosages to determine the most effective one for an adult or teenager with ADHD.
Treatment for ADHD is most effective when it's a collaborative effort. You or your child should work with teachers and school staff to encourage positive reinforcement, stay in close communication, and be patient and flexible. Also, a support group for adults suffering from ADHD could be helpful. Counseling, like cognitive behavioral therapy, can help you learn new skills and strategies to treat symptoms of ADHD.
Counseling
For adults with ADHD Psychotherapy can be as effective as medication in treating symptoms. People with ADHD often struggle in balancing their lives as they grow older, and the coping mechanisms they have in place may become insufficient to deal with the new demands. This is particularly relevant during major transitions such as college or job changes, in which those with ADHD might be required to handle more complex tasks that require executive function and self-regulation.
In the course of psychotherapy, patients learn to be aware of how their thoughts and feelings influence their behavior. They also practice self management techniques, like mindfulness meditation and relaxation exercise to reduce anxiety and improve their attention regulation. They also develop strategies for coping like time management and organizational strategies, to manage schoolwork and responsibilities as well as relationships.
It's important for those with ADHD to find a therapist who makes them feel at ease and understand, and who takes the time to get to know them. The therapist will go over the patient's medical history as well as psychiatric records. They can also ask for permission to speak to family members, colleagues and family members to gain an understanding of the impact of ADHD on the person's daily life and relationships with others.
A therapist may also suggest a treatment plan that includes counseling and medication. The goals of a treatment plan are contingent on the specific needs of the person, but they may include improving school and work performance, improving communication within the workplace and family and increasing the level of independence. Counseling can assist those struggling to manage their issues emotionally. This could involve dealing with loss or trauma.
Many children and teens have been successfully treated using medication alone, but it's important for parents to be involved in therapy sessions too. During therapy mental health professionals can help parents learn how to communicate with their child and teenager in a manner that will help manage the core ADHD symptoms. They can also teach parents stress management techniques and offer support groups for parents of children with ADHD.
Support
There are a myriad of options for support for people and families living with ADHD. The most important thing to do is seek advice from a medical professional and get help from a healthcare professional. There are many options for treatment that include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as family and individual counseling (Life Coaching), nutritional supplements, and physical therapies like yoga or massage. There are many websites and books with tips on how to cope with ADHD.
Parents may require assistance to manage the anger, frustrations and accusations that children with ADHD can generate. Mental health professionals are able to educate parents on the disorder and help them develop new skills, attitudes and ways of relating to their children. For school-age children this could include teaching them how to cope with their symptoms in the classroom and setting clear guidelines and expectations for behavior. Siblings may benefit from specialized help as well. They often feel unimportant when their brothers or sisters are the focus of their parent's attention. This can result in resentment and jealousy. Educating siblings about ADHD and teaching them to deal with their own behavior may alleviate these negative feelings.
Family, friends, teachers and school staff can all provide assistance and support to people diagnosed with ADHD. The symptoms of ADHD can be disruptive in class or at work, and they can hinder social relationships. Those with ADHD may have difficulties maintaining healthy sleep habits. This can cause memory and concentration problems. ADHD patients are more likely to suffer from other health conditions such as depression or an anxiety disorder, which must also be treated.
There are numerous local and national organizations that provide support groups in person for adults with ADHD. These organizations, such as CHADD and ADDitude offer advocacy, education and networking opportunities for those suffering from ADHD and their families. Some of these groups also provide a list of healthcare professionals who specialize in treating the disorder. There are numerous online support groups such as those run the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention or the National Alliance on Mental Illness.