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Getting Diagnosed With ADHD Many people don't realize they have ADHD until adulthood. It can be a challenge to diagnose. It could involve questions about childhood behaviors and an evaluation of the psychological. To establish a diagnosis a mental health provider will examine a person's present symptoms and their history, including past illnesses and relationships. The doctor will also talk to parents and teachers and ask the individual to rate his or her symptoms using a scale. Diagnosis You'll need to talk to a health professional who is an expert in ADHD to get 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 schedule a thorough interview with your doctor. You may also be asked to complete a behavior rating scale or symptom checklist. Psychological tests can help determine if your symptoms are linked to ADHD. Some doctors utilize brain imaging to measure brain activity. Your health care provider will need to know if you've had ADHD symptoms for at least six months. You must also have symptoms in multiple situations, including both at work and 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 complex emotions. For example, some people feel relief since they now have a clear understanding of the reason why their lives are so challenging. Some may be regretful about missed opportunities or relationship problems that they believe could be prevented if they had received treatment for their ADHD symptoms earlier. A therapist can help you in resolving these emotions. They can help you learn how to manage your symptoms and provide strategies to make it easier for you to stay focused, organized, and follow through on commitments. A mental health therapist may suggest a combination therapy, such as psychotherapy and medication, in addition to lifestyle adjustments. There are More of things that can trigger problems with attention, including stress and certain medical conditions. Those with ADHD often have other disorders, such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. People suffering from anxiety or depression often have trouble concentrating and can forget to do basic 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 Many children and teens with ADHD have better control over their symptoms by taking medication. Multiple types of medications are available and are suited to different individuals. It can be challenging to find the best medication and dosage for your child or yourself. Talk to your family doctor If you think you or your child is suffering from ADHD. Health professionals who specialize in mental illness, like psychologists and psychiatrists, are also trained to recognize ADHD. You can find information about finding these specialists on the National Institute of Mental Health website. When looking to determine if someone has ADHD or other disorders, the healthcare provider will use clinical interviews and scales for assessing behavior or symptoms checklists to determine whether the individual meets the diagnostic criteria. The health care professional will also inquire about the patient's mood, current and previous medical conditions, and their medical background. The health care provider might also ask to talk with the person's parents or partner or close friends, as well as coworkers and colleagues. The aim is to find out more about the individual's struggles in school, at work, or in relationships. The health professional may also be interested in examining any previous psychological or medical tests or imaging studies. Stimulants are among the most popular drugs used to treat ADHD in children and adults. They can improve concentration and impulse control. They can reduce depression, anxiety, and other signs of ADHD. They can also cause side effects, including stomach upset and rapid heart rate. Sleep problems, weight loss and changes in appetite can also be caused by these drugs. If stimulants do not help or cause negative effects on health, healthcare professionals may prescribe non-stimulant drugs that affect chemical brain messengers. These include the drugs atomoxetine (ATOMOXETINE) as well as bupropion (BRUPPROPION) and dextroamphetamine (DEXAMPHETAMIN). Sometimes, health professionals might try several different types of medications or dosages to determine the most effective one for an adult or teen with ADHD. The most effective method of treating ADHD is to work in a team. Your child or you can work with teachers and staff to encourage positive reinforcement. Keep in close contact, be patient and flexible. A support group for adults suffering from ADHD is also helpful. Counseling, like cognitive behavioral therapy, can help you learn new strategies and skills to help manage symptoms of ADHD. Counseling For adults suffering from ADHD Psychotherapy is as effective as medication for treating symptoms. People with ADHD often struggle in balancing their lives as they age, and existing coping mechanisms may become insufficient to deal with increasing demands and new challenges. This is especially true during major transitions like college or job changes, in which people with ADHD might be required to handle more complicated tasks that require executive function and self-regulation. In the course of psychotherapy, people learn to recognize the ways in which their thoughts and emotions influence behavior. They also use self-management strategies that include mindfulness meditation and relaxation exercises, to reduce anxiety and improve attention control. They also develop strategies for coping that include time-management and organizational strategies to manage schoolwork and responsibilities as well as relationships. It's crucial that those with ADHD choose a therapist that they are comfortable with, who understands them and spends time getting to know them. The therapist will go over the patient's medical history as well as the psychiatric records. They might also ask for permission to speak to family members, co-workers and friends to gain a better understanding of the effects of ADHD on a person's daily life and relationships with others. A therapist might recommend a treatment that includes counseling and medication. The goals of a program of treatment depend on the individual's needs, but could include improving academic and work performance as well as improving communication at home and in the workplace or gaining independence. For those who are struggling to cope with the emotional consequences of their ailments, therapy could include addressing traumas and loss. Many teens and children have been successfully treated with medications on their own, but it's important for parents to participate in therapy sessions as well. In therapy mental health professionals can instruct parents on how to communicate with their child and teenager in a way that will help manage the fundamental ADHD symptoms. Additionally, they could offer stress management strategies for parents as well as provide support groups for families of children suffering from ADHD to meet with other families who have similar challenges. Support There are a variety of sources of support for individuals and families living with ADHD. It is important to seek medical help and advice from a specialist. There are a variety of treatment options, including cognitive behavioral therapy as well as individual and family counseling as well as life coaching nutritional supplements, and physical therapies like yoga or massage. There are numerous books and websites with advice on how to deal with ADHD. Parents may require special assistance to deal with the angers, frustrations and blames that children suffering from ADHD can cause. 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 school-age children, this can include teaching them how to cope with their symptoms in the classroom, and setting clear guidelines and expectations for behavior. Siblings can also benefit from special assistance. They feel unimportant when their parents' attention is on their siblings. This can lead resentment or jealousy. These negative feelings can be quelled by informing siblings about ADHD and teaching them how to handle their own behavior. Those who are diagnosed with ADHD can also receive help and support from friends parents, teachers, and school staff. The disorder can cause disruptions 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 may lead to problems with memory and concentration. People with ADHD are also more likely to be suffering from other health issues like anxiety or depression which must be treated too. There are many national and local organizations who provide support groups in person for adults suffering from ADHD. These organizations, such as CHADD and ADDitude provide advocacy, training, and networking opportunities to individuals with ADHD and loved ones. Some of these organizations have a list of healthcare professionals who specialize in treating the disorder. There are also a number of support groups online like those operated by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and the National Alliance on Mental Illness.