Getting Diagnosed With ADHD
Many people don't even realize they have ADHD until they reach adulthood. Getting diagnosed can be complicated. It could mean asking about childhood behavior as well as taking a psychological test.
To make a diagnosis, a mental health provider will evaluate a person's current symptoms and their history--including previous illnesses and relationships. The doctor will also speak with teachers and parents, and ask the person to rate his or her 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 condition. 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 provider. diagnosis for adhd in adults I Am Psychiatry might be asked to fill out an inventory of symptoms or a behavior rating system. Psychological tests can also aid in determining if your symptoms are linked to ADHD. Certain doctors employ brain imaging to gauge the activity of your brain.
Your health care provider will need to know if you've had ADHD symptoms for at minimum six months. You will also need to exhibit symptoms in more than one setting like 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 cause complicated emotions. Some people feel relieved that they now have a reason behind their life's challenges. Some may be regretful about the missed opportunities or relationships that they believe could have been avoided if they had received treatment for their ADHD symptoms earlier on.
A therapist can help you get rid of these feelings. They can assist you in learning how to manage your symptoms and teach strategies to make it easier for you to concentrate, stay organized, and keep track on commitments. Often, a mental health therapist will recommend a combination of treatments like psychotherapy, medication and lifestyle adjustments.
Stress and certain medical conditions can trigger problems with attention. ADHD is often accompanied by other disorders, such as bipolar disorder, depression, or anxiety. People who suffer from depression or anxiety have difficulty concentrating and forget simple tasks like paying bills or keeping an appointment. Your doctor can check for other conditions and may order urine or blood tests to rule out any medical issues.
Medication
Many teens and children with ADHD get better control of their symptoms by taking medications. Different types of medication are available and can be used for different individuals. It can take a while to find the one that is right for you and the most effective dosage for yourself or your child.
Talk to your family doctor If you suspect you or your child may be suffering from ADHD. Health care providers who specialize in mental illness, like psychiatrists and psychologists, are also trained to recognize ADHD. On the National Institute of Mental Health's website you can find out where to find these specialists.
When evaluating someone for ADHD, the doctor will use clinical interviews and behavior rating scales or checklists of symptoms to determine whether the individual meets diagnostic criteria. The health professional will also ask about the patient's mood, their current and previous medical conditions, and medical background. The health care provider might be able to ask the person's parents or partner, co-workers and close friends. The aim is to discover 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 common drug used to treat ADHD is stimulants. This includes both children and adults. They can help improve concentration and control of impulses. They can help reduce depression, anxiety, and other symptoms of ADHD. The side effects can include stomach upset and rapid pulse rate. They can also lead to weight loss, changes in appetite, and sleep problems.
If stimulants aren't effective or cause adverse effects on health, healthcare providers might prescribe non-stimulant drugs that act on chemical brain messengers. These include atomoxetine, bupropion and dextroamphetamine. Health care providers may try different dosages or types of medication to determine the right one for an adult suffering from ADHD.
The most effective treatment for ADHD is a team effort. You or your child can collaborate with teachers and staff to encourage positive reinforcement. Keep in close contact and be patient and flexible. Also, a support group for adults with ADHD can be beneficial. Counseling, just like cognitive behavior therapy, is a great way to learn new skills and strategies for managing ADHD symptoms.
Counseling
For adults suffering from ADHD Psychotherapy is just as effective as medications for treating symptoms. As people with ADHD age, their coping mechanisms can be unable to handle the increasing demands of modern life. This is especially the case during major transitions in the adolescent and adulthood stages such as college or a job change in which people with ADHD are usually required to complete more complex tasks that require executive functioning and self-regulation. These are tasks that they may not be neurobiologically able of.
During psychotherapy, people learn how their thoughts and emotions influence their behavior. They also learn self-management techniques, such as mindfulness meditation and relaxation exercises to manage anxiety and improve attention control. They also practice coping skills, such as time management and organizational strategies to manage schoolwork, responsibilities and relationships.
It is essential that people with ADHD choose a therapist that they can trust who understands their needs and takes the time to know them. The therapist will look over a patient's medical history and the psychiatric records. They may also ask for permission to speak to family members, colleagues and family members to gain an understanding of the effects of ADHD on the person's daily life and relationships with others.
A therapist may also suggest a treatment plan that includes the use of medication in conjunction with counseling. The goals of a plan of treatment are based on the individual's needs, but could include improving the performance of students and employees and communication at home and at work or increasing independence. Counseling can assist those struggling to deal with their symptoms emotionally. This may involve dealing with loss or trauma.
Parents should take part in sessions with a therapist. Many children and teenagers have been successfully treated using medication alone. In therapy, professionals in mental health can help parents learn new techniques, attitudes and ways of communicating with their child or teenager to better manage the core ADHD symptoms. In addition, they can offer strategies for managing stress for parents and provide support groups for families with children suffering from ADHD to meet with other families with similar struggles.
Support
There are numerous sources of assistance available to families and those suffering from ADHD. The most important thing to do is seek advice from a medical professional and get help from a healthcare professional. There are a myriad of options for treatment which include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) as well as family and individual counseling (Life Coaching), nutritional supplements, and physical therapies like massage or yoga. There are a myriad of websites and books that provide suggestions for dealing with ADHD.
Parents may require assistance to handle the frustrations, angers and accusations that children with ADHD can generate. Mental health professionals can assist parents on the condition and assist them to develop new skills, attitudes and ways of communicating with their children. This can include teaching children of school age how to deal with symptoms in the classroom, and creating clear expectations and rules. The siblings may also benefit from specialized assistance. They are often left feeling unimportant when their siblings or brothers are the focus of their parents' attention. This can cause anger and jealousy. Informing siblings about ADHD and teaching them how to deal with their own behavior may reduce these negative feelings.
People who are who are diagnosed with ADHD can also receive assistance and support from their friends, family, teachers and school staff. The symptoms of the disorder can cause disruptive behavior in class or at work, and can hinder social relationships. People suffering from ADHD can find it difficult to maintain a healthy sleep routine and this may lead to problems with memory and concentration. ADHD patients are more likely to suffer from other health issues such as depression or an anxiety disorder that should be treated as well.
There are a variety of local and national organizations that provide support groups in person for people who suffer from ADHD. These organizations, like CHADD and ADDitude provide advocacy, education, and networking opportunities for people suffering from ADHD and their loved ones. Some of these organizations also have a database of health 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.