Getting Diagnosed With ADHD
Many people don't realize they have ADHD until later in life. Getting diagnosed can be complicated. It could mean asking about childhood behavior as well as going through a psychological evaluation.
A mental health provider will assess the symptoms of a patient and their his or her past history, including illnesses and relationships. The clinician will interview parents and teachers and ask the patient to evaluate their symptoms on an appropriate scale.
Diagnosis
To receive a diagnosis of ADHD it is necessary to visit 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 is to conduct a an in-depth discussion with your doctor. You might also be asked to complete the scale of behavior ratings or symptoms checklist. Psychological tests can also help determine whether your symptoms are related to ADHD. Some doctors utilize brain imaging to assess brain activity.
Your doctor should be aware of your ADHD symptoms for atleast six months. You must also have symptoms in a variety of settings, such as both at work and at home. 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. For example, some people feel a sense of relief as they realize that they have a clear understanding of why their life is so difficult. Some people may regret missed opportunities or relationships that they believe could have been avoided had they received treatment earlier for their ADHD symptoms.
A therapist can help sort out these feelings. They can help you learn to manage your symptoms and provide strategies to help you focus, stay organized and follow through with commitments. Often, a mental health therapist will recommend a combination of treatments such as psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle changes.
Stress and medical conditions can cause problems with attention. ADHD is often associated with other disorders, such as bipolar disorder, depression or anxiety. People who suffer from depression or anxiety have difficulty in concentrating and may forget basic tasks like paying bills or keeping an appointment. Your doctor is likely to order blood or urine tests to rule out other medical conditions.
Medication
Many teens and children with ADHD have better control over their symptoms through medication. There are a variety of medications that work differently for different individuals. It can take time to find the right one and the most efficient dosage for you or your child.
Talk to your family doctor if you suspect that you or your child suffers from ADHD. Psychiatrists and psychologists who specialize in mental illnesses are trained to diagnose ADHD. You can learn more about finding these specialists on the National Institute of Mental Health website.
The health professional will use a clinical interview or behavior rating scales or symptom checklists when evaluating someone to determine if they meet the diagnostic criteria. They will also review the medical history of the patient and inquire about the individual's mood, as well as their past and present health conditions. The health care professional may also ask to talk with the person's parents or partners or co-workers as well as close friends. The goal is to learn more about the person's problems at work, school or in relationships. The health care provider might also wish to review any prior psychological, medical or imaging studies.
Stimulants are the most common drugs used to treat ADHD in children and adults. They can help improve concentration and control of impulses. They can help reduce anxiety and depression, which frequently occur in ADHD. They can cause adverse effects, such as stomach upset and a rapid heart rate. They can also trigger weight loss as well as changes in appetite and sleep problems.
If stimulants do not help or cause adverse side effects, health care professionals may prescribe non-stimulant drugs that affect chemical brain messengers. They can prescribe the atomoxetine (ATOMOXETINE), bupropion (BRUPPROPION) and dextroamphetamine (DEXAMPHETAMIN). Sometimes, health care providers might try several different types of medication or dosages to find the best one for an adult or teen with ADHD.
Treatment for ADHD is most effective when it's a collaborative effort. Your child or you can work with teachers and staff to encourage positive reinforcement. Stay in close communication and be patient and flexible. A support group for adults who suffer from ADHD can be beneficial. adhd diagnosis in adult , just like cognitive behavior therapy is a great method to develop 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 frequently struggle in balancing their lives as they grow older, and their existing coping mechanisms could become insufficient to deal with the new demands. This is especially true during major transitions in adolescence and adulthood like college or a job change where those who suffer from ADHD are typically required to complete more complex tasks that require executive function and self-regulation, which they may not be neurobiologically capable of.
During the course of psychotherapy, patients learn to recognize how their thoughts and feelings influence 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 that include time management and organizational strategies, to manage their schoolwork, responsibilities and interpersonal relationships.
It is essential that people with ADHD choose a therapist that they are comfortable with who understands their needs and spends time getting to know them. The therapist will look over the medical history of the patient and mental health records. They can also ask for permission to speak with family members, colleagues and friends to gain an understanding of the impact of ADHD on a person's daily activities and relationships with others.
A therapist could recommend a treatment that includes counseling and medication. The goals of a treatment plan depend on the needs of the individual, but they could include improving work and school performance, improving communication within the workplace and family and increasing the degree of independence. For those who struggle with the emotional effects of their symptoms, counseling could include addressing the traumas and losses.
Parents should be able to attend sessions with a therapist. Many teenagers and children have been successfully treated using medication alone. In therapy mental health professionals can instruct parents on how to interact with their child or teenager in a way that will help manage the fundamental ADHD symptoms. In addition, they can provide stress management techniques for parents and provide support groups for families of children with ADHD to meet with other families who have similar challenges.
Support
There are a variety of options for support for people and families who suffer from ADHD. It is crucial to seek medical help and advice from a professional. There are a myriad of treatment options including cognitive behavioral therapy, family and individual counseling and life coaching nutritional supplements, and physical therapies like yoga or massage. There are also a number of websites and books that provide suggestions for dealing with ADHD.
Parents may require specialized help to manage the anger, frustration and blame that are caused by children suffering from ADHD. Mental health professionals can assist parents about the condition and assist them to develop new attitudes, skills, and ways of relating to their children. For children in school it could mean teaching them how to cope with their issues in the classroom and setting clear guidelines and expectations for behavior. Siblings may benefit from specialized assistance as well. They often feel unimportant when their brothers or sisters are the center of their parents' attention. This can result in resentment and jealousy. The process of educating siblings on ADHD and teaching them how to cope with their own behavior can alleviate these negative feelings.
The people who are diagnosed with ADHD can also receive assistance and support from family members parents, teachers, and school staff. The symptoms of ADHD can cause disruption in classes or at work, and they can affect social interactions. Those with ADHD might have trouble maintaining healthy sleep habits. This can lead to concentration and memory problems. ADHD sufferers are more likely to be suffering from other health conditions such as depression or an anxiety disorder, which should be treated as well.
There are a variety of national and local organizations who provide support groups in person for people who suffer from ADHD. These groups, like CHADD and ADDitude provide advocacy, education, and networking opportunities to individuals with ADHD and their loved ones. Some of these organizations also have a directory of healthcare specialists who specialize in treating the disorder. There are numerous online support groups like those run the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention or the National Alliance on Mental Illness.