Getting Diagnosed With ADHD
Many people do not know they have ADHD until later in life. It can be difficult to diagnose. It could be a matter of asking questions about childhood behaviors and a psychological evaluation.
To determine a diagnosis, the mental health professional will evaluate a person's current symptoms as well as their prior illnesses and relationships. The doctor will talk to teachers and parents and ask the patient to assess their symptoms using an appropriate scale.
Diagnosis
To get an assessment 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 complete a thorough interview with your health care professional. You may be asked to fill out an assessment scale for your behavior or symptom checklist. Additionally psychological tests can be used to determine whether your symptoms are connected to ADHD. Some doctors use brain imaging to measure brain activity.
Your doctor will need to know if you've experienced ADHD symptoms for at least six months. You will also need to be exhibiting symptoms in more than one place 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.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can trigger a variety of complex emotions. For example, some people feel relief since they now have a clear explanation of the reason why their lives are so difficult. Some people may regret missing opportunities or issues with relationships that they feel could have been avoided if they received treatment earlier for their ADHD symptoms.
A therapist can help sort out these feelings. They can help you learn how to manage your symptoms and provide strategies that will make it easier for you to focus, stay organized, and follow through on commitments. Often, a mental health counselor will suggest the use of a variety of treatments such as therapy, medication, and lifestyle adjustments.
There are many things that can cause attention problems such as stress and medical conditions. ADHD is often associated with other disorders, such as bipolar disorder, depression, or anxiety. People with depression or anxiety have difficulty staying focused and can forget things like paying bills or keeping an appointment. Your doctor is likely to request urine or blood tests in order to rule out any other medical ailments.
Medication
Many children and teens with ADHD have better control over their symptoms through medication. Multiple types of medications are available and work differently for different people. It can take a while to find the right one and the most effective dosage for yourself or your child.
Consult your family physician if you suspect that you or your child suffers from ADHD. Health care providers who specialize in mental illness, like psychologists and psychiatrists are also trained to recognize ADHD. You can find more information on finding these specialists on the National Institute of Mental Health website.
The health care provider will employ an interview in a clinical setting, behavior rating scales, or symptom checklists, when reviewing a patient to determine if they fulfill the diagnostic criteria. They will also examine the person's medical history and inquire about the person's mood and their current and previous health conditions. The health care provider might be able to ask the person's parents or partner or co-workers as well as close friends. The aim is to find out more about the person’s problems at work, school or in relationships. The health professional may also want to review any prior psychological, medical or imaging studies.
The most common drug used to treat ADHD is stimulants. This includes both adults and children. They can improve concentration and control of impulses. They can also reduce anxiety and depression, which are often associated with ADHD. The side effects can include stomach upset and rapid pulse rate. Weight loss, sleep problems and changes in appetite may be caused by these drugs.
If stimulants do not help or cause negative side effects, health care providers might prescribe non-stimulant drugs that affect chemical brain messengers. These include the drugs atomoxetine (ATOMOXETINE) and bupropion (BRUPPROPION) and dextroamphetamine (DEXAMPHETAMIN). Health professionals can test different dosages or types of medication to determine the right one for an adult with ADHD.
Treatment for ADHD is most efficient when it's a group effort. You or your child should work with the school's teachers and staff to promote positive reinforcement, stay in close communication, and be patient and flexible. A support group for adults with ADHD is also helpful. Counseling, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, can teach new strategies and skills to manage symptoms of ADHD.
Counseling
For adults with ADHD, psychotherapy can be as effective as medication in treating symptoms. People suffering from ADHD are often struggling with managing life's responsibilities as they age, and the coping mechanisms they have in place may not be sufficient to meet new and increased demands. This is especially the case during major transitions, like college or job changes, in which people with ADHD may be required to handle more complicated tasks that require self-regulation and executive function.
In psychotherapy, patients learn how their thoughts and emotions influence their behavior. They also learn self-management techniques, such as mindfulness meditation or relaxation exercise to manage anxiety and improve their attention regulation. They also learn coping strategies that include time management and organizing strategies to manage schoolwork, responsibilities and relationships.
It is essential for people with ADHD to find a therapist that makes them feel at ease and understood and who spends time getting to know them. The therapist will look over the patient's medical history as well as the psychiatric records. They may also ask for permission to talk to family members, colleagues and family members to gain a better understanding of the effects of ADHD on the individual's daily activities and relationships with others.
A therapist may also suggest a treatment that incorporates counseling and medication. The goals of a plan of treatment are based on the individual's needs, but could include improving academic and work performance, 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 working through loss and trauma.
Many children and teens have been successfully treated with medications alone, but it's important for parents to participate in therapy sessions as well. During therapy, professionals in mental health can teach parents new attitudes, skills and ways of interacting with their child or teenager in order to better manage the primary ADHD symptoms. In addition, they can offer strategies for managing stress for parents and provide support groups for families of children who suffer from ADHD to meet with other families with similar struggles.
Support
There are many sources of support for individuals and families with ADHD. The most important thing to do is seek medical advice and assistance from a health professional. There are many treatments available that include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), family and individual counseling (Life Coaching) and nutritional supplements, and physical therapies like massage or yoga. There are a myriad of books and websites that provide suggestions for dealing with ADHD.
Parents may require special assistance to manage the angers, frustrations and accusations that children with ADHD can generate. Mental health professionals can educate parents on the disorder and help them develop new techniques, attitudes, and ways to relate to their children. This could include teaching children of school age how to deal with symptoms in the classroom, and setting clear expectations and rules. Siblings may benefit from specialized help as well. They feel neglected when the parents' attention is centered on their children. This can lead to feelings of resentment and jealousy. Educating siblings on ADHD and teaching them how to cope with their own behavior may reduce these negative feelings.
Friends, family, teachers and school personnel are all able to 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 interfere with social relationships. People suffering from ADHD might find it difficult to maintain healthy sleep habits and this may lead to issues with memory and concentration. Those with ADHD are also more likely to have other health issues, such as anxiety or depression and must be treated too.
There are numerous national and local organizations who provide support groups in person for adults with ADHD. These groups, like CHADD and ADDitude provide advocacy, education, and networking opportunities to those suffering from ADHD and loved ones. how to diagnosis adhd of these groups have a directory of health 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.