Getting Diagnosed With ADHD
Many people do not know they have ADHD until later in life. The diagnosis can be difficult. It could mean asking about childhood behavior as well as taking a psychological test.
A psychiatrist will assess the symptoms of a patient and their the history of their illness, including previous illnesses and relationships. The doctor will also talk to parents and teachers, and ask the person to rate his or her symptoms using a scale.
Diagnosis
You'll need to talk to an experienced health professional who is an expert in ADHD to receive a 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 have an extensive conversation with your healthcare professional. You might also be asked to complete an assessment scale for your behavior or the symptom checklist. Psychological tests can also 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 suffered from ADHD symptoms for at minimum six months. You should also be experiencing symptoms in multiple environments, like 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.
The diagnosis of ADHD can bring up complex emotions. Some people feel happy that they now have a reason behind their life's challenges. Some people may regret missing opportunities or relationships that they believe could have been avoided had they sought treatment earlier for their ADHD symptoms.
A therapist can aid you in sorting out these feelings. They can assist you in learning how to manage your symptoms and teach strategies that will aid you to concentrate, stay organised, and stay on commitments. Most often, a mental health counselor will suggest the use of a variety of treatments like psychotherapy, medication and lifestyle changes.
Stress and medical conditions can cause issues with attention. People with ADHD typically have other issues like anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder. Those with depression or anxiety are often unable to concentrate and can forget to do simple tasks like paying bills or attending appointments. Your doctor will likely order blood or urine tests in order to rule out other medical issues.
Medication
Medications help many children and adolescents with ADHD to manage their symptoms. There are a variety of different medications available and can be used for different people. It can take a while to find the right one and the most efficient dosage for you 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, such as psychiatrists and psychologists, are also trained to diagnose ADHD. You can learn more about finding these specialists on the National Institute of Mental Health website.
When trying to determine whether someone is suffering from ADHD or other disorders, the doctor will conduct interviews with the patient and behavior rating scales or symptom checklists to find out whether the person meets the diagnostic criteria. The health care professional will also inquire about the patient's mood, current and past medical conditions, and medical history. The health professional might also request that the patient speak with their parents, partners, coworkers and close family members. The aim is to find out more about the individual's struggles at work, school or in relationships. The health professional may also wish to review any prior psychological, medical or imaging studies.
Stimulants are the most commonly used drugs used to treat ADHD in both adults and children. They can aid in improving concentration and control impulses. They can reduce depression and anxiety that often occur with ADHD. Some of the side effects include stomach upset as well as a rapid pulse rate. Weight loss, sleep problems and changes in appetite could be caused by these drugs.
If stimulants aren't effective or cause adverse effects on health, healthcare professionals may prescribe non-stimulant drugs that act on chemical messengers in the brain. They include atomoxetine (ATOMOXETINE) and bupropion (BRUPPROPION) and dextroamphetamine (DEXAMPHETAMIN). Sometimes, health professionals may test a variety of medications or dosages to determine the most effective one for a teenager or adult with ADHD.
The most effective approach to treating ADHD is a team effort. You or your child should work with the school's teachers and staff to encourage positive reinforcement, remain in close communication and be patient and flexible. I Am Psychiatry for adults with ADHD can be beneficial too. Counseling, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, can help you learn new skills and strategies to treat symptoms of ADHD.
Counseling
For adults with ADHD Psychotherapy is as effective as medication for managing symptoms. As people with ADHD get older, their coping mechanisms can become inadequate to cope with the demands of life. This is particularly the case during major transitions, like college or job changes, in which people with ADHD may be required to complete more complex tasks that require executive function and self-regulation.
Through psychotherapy, people learn to be aware of the ways in which their thoughts and emotions influence behavior. They also use self-management strategies, such as mindfulness meditation and relaxation exercises to reduce anxiety and improve attention regulation. They also practice coping skills like time management and strategies for organizing to manage schoolwork, responsibilities and relationships.
It's crucial that those with ADHD choose a therapist that they are comfortable with who is able to understand them and spends time getting to know them. The therapist will review the patient's medical and mental background, and may also request permission to speak with family members, friends and coworkers to get more insight into the way that ADHD affects their daily life and how they interact with others.
A therapist might also suggest the use of a treatment plan that consists of an amalgamation of medication and counseling. The goals of a treatment plan are contingent on the needs of the person, but they may include improving school and work performance, improving communication in the workplace and family, and increasing the degree of independence. For those who struggle to cope with the emotional effects of their illness, counseling might include working through traumas and loss.
Parents should be able to attend sessions with a therapist. Many children and teenagers have been successfully treated by medication alone. In therapy mental health professionals are able to instruct parents on how to communicate with their child and teenager in a way that will help manage the core ADHD symptoms. Additionally, they could offer stress management strategies for parents as well as provide support groups for families with children with ADHD to connect with others with similar struggles.
Support
There are many ways to support individuals and families with ADHD. The most important thing is to seek medical advice and assistance from a medical professional. There are many treatments available that include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as family and individual counseling (Life Coaching), nutritional supplements, and physical therapies like massage or yoga. There are also many websites and books with tips on how to cope with ADHD.
Parents may require special assistance to deal with the frustration, anger and blame that are produced by children with ADHD. Mental health professionals can help educate parents on the disorder and help them develop new attitudes, skills and ways of communicating with their children. This may include teaching children of school age how to cope with symptoms in the classroom, and creating clear expectations and rules. Siblings may also benefit from special assistance. They often feel unimportant when their siblings or brothers are the focus of their parent's attention. This can lead to anger and jealousy. Informing siblings on ADHD and teaching them how to deal with their own behavior can reduce these negative feelings.
Friends, family, teachers and school staff can all provide assistance and support to those diagnosed with ADHD. The symptoms of ADHD can be disruptive in class or at work, and can affect social interactions. Those who suffer from ADHD may have difficulty maintaining healthy sleep habits. This can lead to memory and concentration issues. Those with ADHD are also more likely to be suffering from other health conditions like depression or anxiety which must be treated too.
There are numerous national and local organizations who offer support groups in person for adults suffering from ADHD. These organizations, like CHADD and ADDitude provide advocacy, education and networking opportunities for those suffering from ADHD and their loved ones. Some of these groups also provide a list of health specialists who specialize in treating the disorder. There are many online support groups, such as those that are run by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention or the National Alliance on Mental Illness.