Getting Diagnosed With ADHD
Many people don't even realize they have ADHD until adulthood. The diagnosis can be difficult. It could mean asking about childhood behaviors and then taking a psychological test.
To determine a diagnosis, a mental health provider will examine a person's present symptoms as well as their prior illnesses and relationships. The clinician will interview parents and teachers and ask the patient to assess their symptoms using an appropriate scale.
Diagnosis
You will need to consult an expert in health care who is an expert in ADHD to receive 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 conduct a an in-depth discussion with your doctor. You may be asked to fill out an inventory of symptoms or a behavior rating system. Additionally, psychological tests can help determine if your symptoms may be related to ADHD. Some doctors also use brain imaging to determine the activity in your brain.
Your doctor will want to know if you've had ADHD symptoms for at minimum six months. It is also necessary to exhibit symptoms in more than one environment, such as 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 complicated emotions. Some people are relieved that they have a reason behind their difficult life. Others may feel regrets about the missed opportunities or relationships that they believe could be prevented if they had sought treatment for their ADHD symptoms earlier.
adult diagnosis of adhd can help sort out these feelings. They can show you how to manage your symptoms and teach strategies to help you focus, stay organized and stick to your commitments. A mental health therapist may suggest a combination of treatments that includes psychotherapy and medication, in addition to lifestyle modifications.
Stress and medical conditions can lead to problems with attention. The people who suffer from ADHD often have other disorders like anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder. Some people with anxiety or depression have trouble in concentrating and may forget basic tasks like paying bills or keeping an appointment. Your doctor can examine for other issues and may order urine or blood tests to determine if there are any medical issues.
Medication
Medications help many children and adolescents with ADHD to manage their symptoms. There are a variety of medications that perform differently for different people. It can be a challenge to determine the right dosage and medication for your child or yourself.
Speak to your family physician If you think you or your child has ADHD. Psychiatrists and psychologists who specialize in mental illness are trained to recognize ADHD. You can learn more about finding these specialists on the National Institute of Mental Health website.
The health care provider will use a clinical interview, behavior rating scales, or symptom checklists, when looking at someone to determine if they meet the diagnostic criteria. The health care professional will also inquire about the patient's mood, current and previous medical conditions, and their medical history. The health care professional may also ask the person to talk to their parents, partners, coworkers and close family members. The goal is to learn more about the individual's struggles in school, at work, or in relationships. The health professional may also want to check out 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 aid in improving concentration and control of impulses. They can help reduce anxiety and depression, which are often associated with ADHD. Some of the side effects include stomach upset and a rapid pulse rate. Sleep problems, weight loss and changes in appetite could be caused by these drugs.
These include atomoxetine (ATOMOXETINE) as well as bupropion (BRUPPROPION) and dextroamphetamine (DEXAMPHETAMIN). These include atomoxetine (ATOMOXETINE), bupropion (BRUPPROPION) and dextroamphetamine (DEXAMPHETAMIN). Sometimes, health care providers may try a variety of drugs or dosages in order to determine which one is the best for an adult or teenager with ADHD.
Treatment for ADHD is most efficient when it's a group effort. You or your child can work with the teachers and staff to promote positive reinforcement. Stay in close communication and be patient and flexible. Also, a support group for adults with ADHD can be beneficial. Counseling, similar to cognitive behavioral therapy, is a great way to acquire new techniques and strategies to manage ADHD symptoms.
Counseling
For adults with ADHD, psychotherapy can be as effective as medication for treating symptoms. People with ADHD are often struggling in balancing their lives as they age, and the coping mechanisms they have in place may not be sufficient to meet increasing demands and new challenges. This is especially relevant during major transitions between adulthood and adolescence such as college or a job change when people with ADHD are usually required to complete more complex tasks that require executive function and self-regulation, which they may not be neurobiologically capable of.
In the course of psychotherapy, patients learn to understand how their thoughts and feelings influence behavior. They also practice self-management techniques like mindfulness meditation and relaxation exercises, to help control anxiety and improve attention control. They also develop strategies for coping that include time-management and organizational strategies, to manage responsibilities and schoolwork, and relationships.
It's crucial that those with ADHD find a therapist they feel comfortable with who understands their needs and spends time getting to know them. The therapist will review the patient's medical and psychiatric history, and may ask permission to speak with family members, friends and colleagues to get more insight into how the person's ADHD affects their daily life and relationships with others.
A therapist might also suggest a treatment plan that includes a combination of medication and counseling. The objectives of a plan of treatment depend on the needs of the individual and could include enhancing academic and work performance, improving communication at home and at work or gaining independence. Counseling can be helpful for those struggling to cope with their symptoms emotionally. This could involve dealing with loss or trauma.
Parents should take part in therapy sessions. Many teenagers and children have been successfully treated using medication alone. In therapy, mental health professionals can teach parents how to interact with their child or teenager in a manner that helps manage core ADHD symptoms. They can also teach parents stress management techniques and offer support groups to 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 is to seek medical advice and help from a medical professional. There are many treatments available, including cognitive behavior therapy including individual and family counseling, life coaching, nutritional supplements and physical therapies like yoga or massage. There are a variety of websites and books that offer suggestions on coping with ADHD.
Parents may require specialized help to deal with the anger, frustrations and accusations that children with ADHD are prone to. Mental health professionals can educate parents on the disorder and help them develop new skills, attitudes, and ways to relate to their children. For children who are in school this could include teaching them to cope with their symptoms in the classroom, and creating clear rules and expectations for behavior. Siblings can also benefit from special assistance. They feel neglected when parents' attention is on their siblings. This can cause resentment or jealousy. Educating siblings about ADHD and teaching them to deal with their own behavior may alleviate these negative feelings.
Family, friends, teachers and school personnel can all provide support and help to those diagnosed with ADHD. Symptoms of the disorder can cause disruptive behavior in class or at work, and can hinder social relationships. Those who suffer from ADHD might have trouble keeping a healthy sleeping schedule. This can result in memory and concentration problems. People who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to suffer from other health conditions like depression or anxiety and should be treated as well.
There are numerous national and local organizations that offer in-person support groups for adults with ADHD. These organizations, like CHADD and ADDitude offer advocacy, education, and networking opportunities for people suffering from ADHD and their loved ones. Some of these organizations have an extensive list of health professionals who specialize in treating the disorder. There are also a number of online support groups like those operated by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and the National Alliance on Mental Illness.