Think You Have ADHD? What You Should Know

Posted on: 22 April 2018

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If you are concerned that you might have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, more commonly referred to simply as ADHD, you are not alone. Millions of people across the United States suffer from ADHD. Before you head to the doctor with your concerns, though, get to know some of the facts about ADHD and how it is diagnosed and treated. Then, you can get the help you need for your condition as soon as possible. 

What Is ADHD?

ADHD is a condition that affects a person's ability to concentrate and focus on tasks. There is also the hyperactivity component which can lead a person to be jittery when trying to sit still or simply unable to sit down and focus on a task for any prolonged period of time. It is important to realize that there are also different sub-types of ADHD. A person may predominantly have trouble concentrating or may be predominantly hyper or even have equal parts of both issues. Every case of ADHD is unique to the person suffering from the condition. 

How Is ADHD Diagnosed?

ADHD can be diagnosed by your primary care doctor, but in most cases, a primary care doctor will refer you to a specialist for mental health issues. This means either a therapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist will be responsible for the diagnosis process. When you go to the specialist, they will listen to your concerns and do a full mental health evaluation of you including specific ADHD evaluations. 

These are sets of questions that you will answer about whether or not they apply to you, about events in your life that make you believe you have ADHD, and the like. All of these answers will be used to determine whether you have ADHD and/or another mental health condition. The testing and evaluations may also include written questionnaires that you will fill out as well to help gauge your mental health and symptoms. 

How Is ADHD Treated?

ADHD is treated with a combination of treatments. Medications are one such treatment options. Prescription drugs like Adderall and Ritalin are prescribed to people with ADHD to help balance their brain chemistry and improve focus and attention. Talk therapy is also an important part of the ADHD treatment process. Behavioral changes and routines can help a great deal to reduce symptoms and improve a person's ability to interact well in a classroom or work environment. Support groups can also help to give a person a sense of community and develop further strategies to deal with ADHD. 

Now that you know more about ADHD and how it is diagnosed and treated, you can schedule your appointment to get the help you need for your mental health. For more information, contact a medical office like Associated Psychologists & Counselors.