Getting Diagnosed With ADHD
Many people don't realize they have ADHD until they reach adulthood. Getting diagnosed can be complicated. It may involve asking about childhood behavior as well as going through a psychological evaluation.
A mental health provider will assess a person's symptoms and the history of their illness, including previous illnesses and relationships. The doctor will also talk to teachers and parents and ask the patient to rate his or her symptoms using a scale.
Diagnosis
In order to get an assessment of ADHD it is necessary to visit a health care professional who specializes 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 have an in-depth discussion with your doctor. You might be asked to fill out an inventory of symptoms 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 health care provider will want to know if you've experienced ADHD symptoms for at minimum six months. Additionally, you must be experiencing symptoms in a variety of situations, including both 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.
A diagnosis of ADHD can trigger complicated emotions. Some people feel happy that they now have a reason behind their difficult life. Some people might regret missing opportunities or issues with relationships that they believe could have been avoided if they sought treatment earlier for their ADHD symptoms.
A therapist can help you in sorting out these emotions. They can show you how to manage symptoms and teach strategies to help you focus, stay organized, and keep your commitments. Often, a mental health therapist will recommend the use of a variety of treatments such as psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle changes.
There are many things that can trigger attention issues such as stress and medical conditions. ADHD is often associated with other disorders, such as bipolar disorder, depression or anxiety. People suffering from anxiety or depression are often unable to concentrate and can fail to complete simple tasks such as making payments or scheduling appointments. Your doctor may examine for other issues and may recommend blood or urine tests to determine if there are any medical issues.
Medication
Medications help many adolescents and children with ADHD to lessen their symptoms. There are a variety of different medications available and can be used for different individuals. It can be a challenge to find the right medication and dosage for your child or yourself.
Consult your family physician If you suspect that you or your child may be suffering from ADHD. Psychologists and psychiatrists who specialize in mental illness are trained to detect ADHD. You can learn more about finding these specialists on the National Institute of Mental Health website.
The health care provider will use an interview with a clinician, behavior rating scales, or symptom checklists when reviewing a patient to determine if they fulfill the diagnostic criteria. The health care professional will also ask about the patient's mood, current and previous medical conditions, and medical background. The health care professional may also ask to talk with the person's parents or partners, co-workers and close friends. The aim is to learn more about the person's issues at work, school, or in relationships. The health care provider might also be interested in examining any previous medical or psychological tests or imaging studies.
Stimulants are the most commonly used drugs used to treat ADHD for adults and children. They can help improve concentration and control impulses. They can also reduce depression and anxiety that often occur with ADHD. They can cause side effects, including stomach upset and a rapid heart rate. Sleep problems, weight loss and changes in appetite may be caused by these medications.
If stimulants do not help or cause adverse side effects, medical professionals may prescribe non-stimulant drugs that alter chemical messengers in the brain. They can prescribe atomoxetine (ATOMOXETINE), bupropion (BRUPPROPION) and dextroamphetamine (DEXAMPHETAMIN). Health professionals can test different dosages or types of medication to determine the best one for an adult with ADHD.
The most effective method of treating ADHD is a team effort. Your child or you should work with teachers and school staff to encourage positive reinforcement, keep in close communication, and be flexible and patient. A support group for adults with ADHD is also beneficial. Counseling, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, can help you learn new strategies and skills to help manage symptoms of ADHD.
Counseling
Psychotherapy can be just as effective as medication when it comes to treating ADHD symptoms in adults. People suffering from ADHD are often struggling in balancing their lives as they grow older, and the coping mechanisms they have in place may become insufficient to deal with the new demands. This is particularly relevant during major transitions such as college or career changes, where those with ADHD might be required to complete more complex tasks that require self-regulation and executive function.
Through psychotherapy, patients learn to be aware of the ways in which their thoughts and emotions influence their behavior. They also learn self-management techniques, like mindfulness meditation and relaxation exercises to reduce anxiety and improve their ability to regulate their attention. They also employ coping strategies, such as time management and organizational strategies, to manage their schoolwork, responsibilities, and relationships.
It is crucial that people suffering from ADHD choose a therapist that they can trust, who understands them and takes the time to get to know them. The therapist will go over the patient's medical and mental background, and may also request permission to speak with family members, friends and colleagues to get more insight into the way that ADHD affects their daily life and their relationship with others.
adhd undiagnosed in adults could also suggest an approach to treatment that involves an amalgamation of medication and counseling. The goals of a treatment plan depend on the specific needs of the individual, but they could include improving school and work performance, enhancing communication in the workplace and family and increasing the degree of independence. Counseling can assist those who are struggling to manage their issues emotionally. This could include dealing with loss and trauma.
Parents should also attend therapy sessions. A lot of children and teens have been successfully treated using medication by themselves. In therapy mental health professionals can help parents learn how to communicate with their child and teenager in a manner that better manages their primary ADHD symptoms. They can also help parents learn techniques for managing stress and offer support groups to families with children who suffer from ADHD.
Support
There are a myriad of options for support for people and families living with ADHD. The most important thing to do is seek medical advice and assistance from a medical professional. There are many options for treatment which include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) which includes family and individual counseling (Life Coaching) and nutritional supplements, and physical therapies like massage or yoga. There are a variety of websites and books which offer advice on how to deal with ADHD.
Parents may require specialized help to manage the frustrations, angers and blames that children with ADHD can generate. Mental health professionals can help educate parents about the disorder and help them develop new attitudes, skills, and ways of relating to their children. For children in school it could mean teaching them to cope with their issues in the classroom and creating clear rules and expectations for behavior. Siblings can also benefit from specialized assistance. They often feel neglected when their brothers or sisters are the focus of their parents' attention. This can cause resentment or jealousy. The process of educating siblings on ADHD and teaching them to deal with their own behavior may reduce 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 disorder can cause disturbances in the classroom or at work, and can affect social relationships. People who suffer from ADHD might find it difficult to maintain a healthy sleep routine and this can lead to problems with memory and concentration. People who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to have other health issues like anxiety or depression which should be treated as well.
There are many local and national organizations that offer support groups in person for adults with ADHD. These groups, such as CHADD and ADDitude, offer advocacy, education, and networking opportunities for people suffering from ADHD and their families. Some of these organizations also have an extensive list of healthcare professionals who specialize in treating the disorder. There are numerous online support groups such as the ones run by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention or the National Alliance on Mental Illness.