Getting Diagnosed With ADHD
Many people don't know they have ADHD until later in their lives. The process of diagnosing ADHD can be difficult. It may involve asking about childhood behavior and going through a psychological evaluation.
A mental health professional will examine the person's symptoms and their history, including past illnesses and relationships. The doctor will talk to teachers and parents and ask the patient to rate their symptoms on the scale.
Diagnosis
You'll need to speak with a health professional who is an expert in ADHD to get 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 complete a comprehensive interview with your healthcare provider. You may be asked to fill out a behavior rating scale or symptoms checklist. Psychological tests can aid in determining whether your symptoms are connected 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 atleast six months. You will also need to have symptoms in more than one environment 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 trigger complex emotions. Some people feel relieved that they have a reason behind their difficulties. Some people may regret missing opportunities or issues with relationships that they feel could have been avoided if they sought treatment earlier for their ADHD symptoms.
A therapist can assist you in sorting out these emotions. They can assist you in learning how to manage your symptoms and provide strategies to aid you to concentrate, stay organized, and follow through on commitments. A mental health therapist may suggest a combination therapy like psychotherapy or medication, as well as lifestyle modifications.
Stress and medical conditions can cause issues with attention. ADHD is often associated with other disorders such as bipolar disorder, depression, or anxiety. Those with depression or anxiety often have trouble concentrating and may forget to do basic tasks like paying bills or attending appointments. Your doctor can look for other ailments and may order blood or urine tests to confirm any medical issues.
Medication
Many teens and children with ADHD have better control over their symptoms by taking medication. There are a myriad of types of medications that perform differently for different individuals. It may take some time to find the right one and the most effective dosage for you or your child.
Consult your family physician if you think you or your child might be suffering from ADHD. Health professionals who specialize in mental illness, like psychiatrists and psychologists are also trained to diagnose ADHD. I Am Psychiatry can learn more about finding these specialists on the National Institute of Mental Health website.
The health care professional will conduct an interview in a clinical setting, behavior rating scales, or symptom checklists when reviewing a patient to determine if they meet the diagnostic criteria. The health care provider will also ask about the patient's mood, current and previous medical conditions, and medical background. The health care professional may also ask the patient to speak to their parents, partners coworkers, close family members. The aim is to learn more about the person's issues at work, school or in relationships. The health care provider might be able to look over any previous medical, psychological or imaging studies.
The most common drug used to treat ADHD is stimulants. This includes adults and children. They can help improve concentration and control of impulses. They can help reduce depression, anxiety, and other signs of ADHD. Side effects include stomach upset and a rapid pulse rate. They can also cause weight loss, changes in appetite, and sleep problems.
If stimulants aren't effective or cause negative effects on health, healthcare doctors may prescribe non-stimulant medications that alter chemical brain messengers. These include atomoxetine, bupropion and dextroamphetamine. Sometimes, healthcare professionals might try several different types of medication or dosages to determine which one is the best for a teenager or adult with ADHD.
The most effective method of treating ADHD is a collaborative effort. You or your child should work with teachers and school staff to encourage positive reinforcement, keep in close communication, and be patient and flexible. A support group for adults suffering from ADHD can be beneficial too. Counseling, like cognitive behavioral therapy, can teach new techniques and strategies to treat symptoms of ADHD.
Counseling
Psychotherapy can be just as effective as medication in treating ADHD symptoms in adults. As people suffering from ADHD get older, their coping mechanisms can be unable to handle the increased demands of daily life. This is particularly the case during major transitions, such as college or career changes, in which people with ADHD may be required to perform more complex tasks that require self-regulation and executive functioning.
Through psychotherapy, people learn to understand the ways in which their thoughts and emotions influence behavior. They also use self-management strategies like mindfulness meditation and relaxation exercises, to manage anxiety and improve attention regulation. They also develop coping skills, such as time management and organizing strategies to manage schoolwork, responsibilities and relationships.
It is crucial that people suffering from ADHD find a therapist they are comfortable with who understands their needs and spends time getting to know them. The therapist will discuss the patient's medical and mental background, and may also request permission to talk with family members, friends and co-workers to get more insight into how the person's ADHD impacts their daily activities and how they interact with others.
A therapist might also suggest a treatment that incorporates counseling and medication. 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, improving communication within the workplace and in the family and enhancing the level of independence. Counseling can be helpful for those who struggle to cope with their symptoms emotionally. This could include working through loss and trauma.
Many kids and teens have been successfully treated with medications on their own however it is essential that parents participate in therapy sessions too. In therapy, professionals in mental health can help parents learn new attitudes, skills and ways of communicating with their child or teenager in order to better manage core ADHD symptoms. They can also teach parents techniques for managing stress and offer support groups to parents of children with ADHD.
Support
There are a variety of sources of support for individuals and families who suffer from ADHD. It is important to seek medical help and advice from a qualified professional. There are a myriad of treatments available, including cognitive behavior therapy including individual and family counseling, life coaching nutritional supplements, and physical therapies such as yoga or massage. There are numerous websites and books with tips on how to deal with ADHD.
Parents may require assistance to manage the frustrations, angers and accusations that children with ADHD can generate. Mental health professionals can inform parents about the disorder and teach them new skills, attitudes, and ways to relate to their children. This could include teaching school-age kids how to manage symptoms in the classroom, and setting clear rules and expectations. Siblings may benefit from specialized assistance as well. They feel neglected when the parents' attention is focused on their siblings. This can lead resentment or jealousy. These negative feelings can be reduced by teaching siblings about ADHD and teaching them how to handle their own behavior.
Friends, family, teachers and school personnel can all offer assistance and support to people diagnosed with ADHD. The symptoms of the disorder can cause disruptive behavior in class or at work, and can affect social interactions. People with ADHD may have difficulty to maintain healthy sleeping habits and this may lead to issues with memory and concentration. ADHD patients are more likely to be suffering from other health issues like depression or anxiety disorder that should be treated as well.
There are numerous local and national organizations that offer in-person assistance groups for adults suffering from ADHD. These organizations, such as CHADD and ADDitude, offer advocacy, education, and networking opportunities for people with ADHD and their families. Some of these groups have a directory of health professionals 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.