Getting Diagnosed With ADHD
Many people do not know they have ADHD until later in their lives. adult adhd diagnoses can be difficult. It could involve asking questions about childhood behavior and taking a psychological test.
To make a diagnosis, a mental health provider will examine a person's present symptoms and their history--including previous illnesses and relationships. The clinician will interview parents and teachers and ask the patient to rate their symptoms on a scale.
Diagnosis
To receive a diagnosis of ADHD it is necessary to see a health care 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 will be to conduct a thorough interview with your health care provider. You may be asked to complete a symptom checklist or a behavior rating system. Psychological tests can help determine whether your symptoms are connected to ADHD. Certain doctors employ brain imaging to measure brain activity.
Your doctor should know that you have ADHD symptoms for at least six months. You must also have symptoms in a variety of environments, like at home and 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.
The diagnosis of ADHD can trigger difficult emotions. For example, some people feel relief since they now have a clear explanation for the reasons why their lives are difficult. Some people might regret missing opportunities or relationship issues which they believe could have been avoided if they received treatment earlier for their ADHD symptoms.
A therapist can aid you in resolving these feelings. They can assist you in learning how to manage your symptoms and teach strategies that aid you to concentrate, stay organised, and stay on commitments. A mental health therapist will recommend an array of treatments like psychotherapy, medication and lifestyle adjustments.
There are many things that can trigger attention issues such as stress and medical conditions. People with ADHD typically have other issues, such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. People suffering from anxiety or depression often have trouble concentrating and may neglect simple tasks like paying bills or attending appointments. Your doctor is likely to conduct urine or blood tests to rule out any other medical issues.
Medication
Many teens and children with ADHD are able to manage their symptoms by taking medications. Different types of medication are available and are suited to different individuals. It can be a challenge to find the right dosage and medication for your child or yourself.
Talk to your family doctor If you suspect that you or your child may have ADHD. Psychiatrists and psychologists who specialize in mental illnesses are trained to recognize ADHD. You can find information about finding these specialists on the National Institute of Mental Health website.
The health professional will use an interview with a clinician, behavior rating scales, or symptom checklists, when looking at someone to determine if they meet the diagnostic criteria. The health care professional will also ask about the patient's mood, their current and previous medical conditions, and their medical background. The health professional might also ask the person to speak to their parents, partners coworkers, close family friends. The goal is to learn more about the person’s problems at school, work or in relationships. The health care professional might also be interested in examining any previous medical or psychological tests or imaging studies.
The most common drug used to treat ADHD is stimulants. This includes children and adults. They can help improve concentration and control of impulses. They can help reduce depression, anxiety and other signs of ADHD. The side effects can include stomach upset and rapid pulse rate. They can also cause weight loss, changes in appetite and sleep problems.
If stimulants do not help or have negative side effects, medical doctors may prescribe non-stimulant medications that affect chemical brain messengers. These include atomoxetine (or bupropion), and dextroamphetamine. Health professionals may test different dosages or types of medications to determine the right one for an adult with ADHD.
The most effective method of treating ADHD is a collaborative effort. Your child or you must collaborate with teachers and school staff to encourage positive reinforcement, remain in close communication, and be patient and flexible. A support group for adults with ADHD is also beneficial. Counseling, similar to cognitive behavioral therapy is a fantastic way to develop new techniques and strategies for managing ADHD symptoms.
Counseling
Psychotherapy can be just as effective as medications in treating ADHD symptoms in adults. People suffering from ADHD are often struggling with managing life's responsibilities as they age and their existing coping mechanisms could not be sufficient to meet increasing demands and new challenges. This is especially relevant during major transitions such as college or career changes, in which people with ADHD may be required to perform more complex tasks that require executive function and self-regulation.
Through psychotherapy, individuals learn to recognize how their thoughts and feelings influence their behavior. They also use self-management strategies, such as mindfulness meditation and relaxation exercises to help control anxiety and improve attention control. They also develop strategies for coping like time management and organizational strategies, to manage their schoolwork, responsibilities, and relationships.
It is crucial for people suffering from ADHD to find a therapist who makes them feel at ease and understand and who spends time getting to know them. The therapist will discuss the patient's medical and psychiatric background, and may also request permission to speak to family members, friends and co-workers to get more insight into how the individual's ADHD affects their daily life and relationships with others.
A therapist might also suggest a treatment plan that includes the use of medication in conjunction with counseling. The objectives of a plan of treatment are based on the individual's requirements and could include enhancing school and work performance as well as improving communication at home and at work or increasing independence. Counseling can help those who are struggling to cope with their symptoms emotionally. This might include dealing with loss and trauma.
Parents should take part in sessions with a therapist. A lot of children and teens have been successfully treated with medication by themselves. In therapy, mental health professionals can teach parents how to communicate with their child and teenager in a manner that helps manage fundamental ADHD symptoms. They can also teach parents strategies for managing stress and provide support groups to families with children who have ADHD.
Support
There are a myriad of options for support for people and families with ADHD. It is crucial to seek medical help and advice from a professional. There are a myriad of treatments available, including cognitive behavior therapy including individual and family counseling as well as life coaching nutritional supplements, and physical therapies such as massage or yoga. There are also many websites and books with tips on how to manage ADHD.
Parents may require specialized help to manage the anger, frustration and blame caused by children suffering from ADHD. Mental health professionals can assist parents about the disorder and help them develop new skills, attitudes and ways of communicating with their children. For children in school, this can include teaching them how to deal with their symptoms in the classroom, and creating clear rules and expectations for behavior. Siblings may benefit from specialized assistance as well. They are often left feeling unimportant when their sisters or brothers are the focus of their parents' attention. This can lead to feelings of resentment and jealousy. Educating siblings about ADHD and teaching them to deal with their own behavior can alleviate these negative feelings.
Family, friends, teachers and school staff can all offer support and help to those diagnosed with ADHD. The disorder can cause disturbances in the workplace or in the classroom and can impact social relationships. People suffering from ADHD might find it difficult to maintain healthy sleep habits and this can lead to issues with concentration and memory. ADHD sufferers are more likely to suffer from other health issues, like depression or anxiety disorder that should be treated as well.
There are many local and national organizations that provide in-person support groups for adults suffering from ADHD. These groups, like CHADD and ADDitude offer advocacy, education and networking opportunities to people with ADHD and their loved ones. Some of these organizations have an extensive list of healthcare professionals who specialize in treating the disorder. There are a variety of online support groups, such as those run by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and the National Alliance on Mental Illness.