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Getting Diagnosed With ADHD Many people don't know they have ADHD until adulthood. The diagnosis can be difficult. It could mean asking about childhood behavior as well as going through a psychological evaluation. To make a diagnosis, a mental health provider will evaluate a person's current symptoms and their history, including past illnesses and relationships. The clinician will also interview teachers and parents and ask the patient to rate his or her symptoms on a rating scale. Diagnosis In order to get an assessment of ADHD, you will need to see a health care professional who specializes in the condition. 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 provider. You may be asked to complete a symptom checklist or a behavior rating system. In addition psychological tests can be used to determine if your symptoms are connected to ADHD. Some doctors use brain imaging to assess the brain's activity. Your health care professional will need to know if you've suffered from ADHD symptoms for at minimum six months. Additionally, you must be experiencing symptoms in a variety of situations, including 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. The diagnosis of ADHD can trigger a variety of difficult emotions. For instance, some feel relief since they now have a clear understanding of the reasons why their lives are challenging. Some people may regret missed opportunities or relationship issues that they feel could have been avoided had they received treatment earlier for their ADHD symptoms. A therapist can assist you to get rid of these feelings. They can show you how to manage your symptoms and teach strategies that will assist you in staying organized and stick to your commitments. A mental health professional may suggest a combination of treatments, such as psychotherapy and medication, in addition to lifestyle changes. Stress and medical conditions can cause problems with attention. ADHD is often accompanied by other disorders, such as bipolar disorder, depression or anxiety. Some people with anxiety or depression have trouble in concentrating and may forget basic tasks such as paying bills or making appointments. Your doctor is likely to request urine or blood tests to rule out other medical issues. Medication Many kids and teens suffering from ADHD have better control over their symptoms through medication. There are many different types of medications that work differently for different people. It may take some time to determine the best one and the most efficient dosage for you or your child. Consult your family physician If you suspect that you or your child is suffering from ADHD. Health care providers who specialize in mental illness, such as psychologists and psychiatrists, are also trained to recognize ADHD. You can find more information on finding these specialists on the National Institute of Mental Health website. The health care provider will conduct an interview with a clinician or behavior rating scales or symptom checklists, when looking at someone to determine if they fulfill the diagnostic criteria. They will also review the person's medical history and ask about the person's mood and their current and previous health conditions. The health care provider may also ask the person to speak with their parents, partners, coworkers and close family friends. The aim is to learn more about the person’s problems at school, work or in relationships. The health professional may also be interested in examining any previous medical or psychological tests or imaging studies. The most commonly used drug to treat ADHD is stimulants. This includes children and adults. They can improve concentration and control of impulses. They can also reduce anxiety and depression, which frequently occur in ADHD. The side effects can include stomach upset as well as a rapid pulse rate. Sleep problems, weight loss and changes in appetite may also be caused by these drugs. These include atomoxetine (ATOMOXETINE), bupropion (BRUPPROPION) and dextroamphetamine (DEXAMPHETAMIN). These include the drugs atomoxetine (ATOMOXETINE), bupropion (BRUPPROPION) and dextroamphetamine (DEXAMPHETAMIN). Sometimes, health care providers might try several different types of medications or dosages to determine which one is the best for a teenager or adult with ADHD. Treatment for ADHD is most efficient when it's a group effort. You or your child should work with teachers and school staff to promote positive reinforcement, remain in close communication and be flexible and patient. A support group for adults with ADHD can be helpful. Counseling, similar to cognitive behavioral therapy is a fantastic way to develop new strategies and techniques to manage ADHD symptoms. Counseling Psychotherapy can be just as effective as medication in treating ADHD symptoms in adults. People with ADHD often struggle with managing their responsibilities as they grow older, and existing coping mechanisms may become insufficient to deal with the new demands. This can be particularly the case during major transitions in adolescence and adulthood like college or a job shift, where people who suffer from ADHD are usually required to perform more complex tasks that require executive functioning and self-regulation, which they may not be neurobiologically able of. During the course of psychotherapy, patients learn to be aware of the ways in which their thoughts and emotions influence behavior. They also learn self-management techniques like mindfulness meditation and relaxation exercises to manage anxiety and improve attention control. They also practice coping strategies that include time-management and organizational strategies, to manage responsibilities and schoolwork, and relationships. It is essential that people 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 and mental history, and may ask permission to speak with family members, friends and colleagues to gain a better understanding of how the person's ADHD affects their daily life and their relationship with others. A therapist could also suggest the use of a treatment plan that consists of the use of medication in conjunction with counseling. The goals of a treatment plan depend on the specific needs of the individual, but they could include improving school and work performance, improving communication in the workplace and family and enhancing the level of independence. Counseling can assist those who are struggling to cope with their symptoms emotionally. This might include working through loss and trauma. Many children and teens have been successfully treated using medications alone, but it's important for parents to participate in therapy sessions as well. In therapy, professionals in mental health can teach parents new techniques, attitudes and ways of interacting with their child or teenager to better manage the primary ADHD symptoms. They can also teach parents stress management techniques and offer support groups to families with children who suffer from ADHD. Support There are many sources of support for individuals and families who suffer from ADHD. The most important thing to do is seek medical advice and help from a health professional. There are I Am Psychiatry , including cognitive behavioral therapy as well as individual and family counseling as well as life coaching nutritional supplements, as well as physical therapies such as massage or yoga. There are numerous books and websites with advice on how to deal with ADHD. Parents may require specialized help to handle the anger, frustration and blame that are caused by children suffering from ADHD. Mental health professionals are able to help parents understand the condition and help them develop new techniques, attitudes, and ways to relate to their children. This can include teaching children of school age how to manage symptoms in the classroom, and setting clear rules and expectations. Siblings may also benefit from specialized assistance. They often feel unimportant when their brothers or sisters are the focus of their parent's attention. This can cause resentment or jealousy. These negative feelings can be reduced by educating siblings about ADHD and teaching how to manage their own behavior. Friends, family, teachers, and school staff can all offer support and help to those diagnosed with ADHD. The symptoms of the disorder can be disruptive in class or at work, and they can interfere with social relationships. People with ADHD may have difficulties keeping a healthy sleeping schedule. This can cause memory and concentration problems. ADHD sufferers are more likely to be suffering from other health issues, like depression or anxiety disorder, which should also be treated. There are a variety of local and national organizations that offer support groups in person for adults with ADHD. These groups, like CHADD and ADDitude provide advocacy, training and networking opportunities for those suffering from ADHD and loved ones. Some of these groups also have a directory of health professionals who specialize in treating the disorder. There are a variety of support groups online, such as those run by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and the National Alliance on Mental Illness.