How to Know If You Have ADHD
If you suspect that you or a family member has ADHD, there are several things you can do to learn more about the condition and what it means for your life.
You can talk with your doctor, who will examine you and conduct an in-depth interview to determine if the symptoms of ADHD are present. This interview will include questions about your family history, your current behavior patterns and how those symptoms affect your work, school or home life.
Your doctor will also review the diagnostic criteria for adhd in the DSM-5, which is a guide to diagnosing mental disorders. If you meet all the criteria for adhd, your doctor may prescribe medication or refer you to a specialist who can provide behavioral treatment.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Adhd
There are two different types of ADHD: hyperactive-impulsive and predominantly inattentive. To be diagnosed as having either type, you must have at least five of the signature symptoms that are described in the DSM-5.
The symptoms must be causing significant problems at school, at home or in relationships. They must be present from age 12 or earlier and cannot be attributed to another condition, such as anxiety or depression.
If you or a child shows all the signs of ADHD, the best thing to do is get a diagnosis as soon as possible. This can help your child avoid having their condition become worse and will provide them with the tools they need to live a normal, happy life.
Getting a diagnosis can be scary for families and people with the condition, but it’s important to know that everyone has a chance to live a healthy, happy life with ADHD. In addition to learning more about the disorder and how to treat it, you can get support from others with the same condition and your doctor or mental health professional.
When you get a diagnosis of ADHD, you will receive counseling and training to teach you how to cope with the symptoms. You will also be given tips to avoid relapse.
You will learn how to handle difficult emotions and follow appropriate behavior when you’re upset. This can be helpful in preventing ADHD from hurting your relationships and destroying your self-esteem.
The most important part of recovery from ADHD is identifying and understanding your vulnerabilities. This means learning to identify the emotional, physical, situational, or relational triggers that can lead to a relapse and learning to understand your own coping mechanisms.
A relapse is something that happens to you when you lose control over your behavior. It can happen suddenly, or it can develop over time.
Relapses can be difficult to recognize, but recognizing the warning signs can help you prevent them from happening again. Some common ways to prevent relapse are:
* Escape from situations where you might feel stressed, overwhelmed, or distracted (for example, by texting or calling). Sometimes it’s hard to recognize these triggers, so try to plan ahead.