How to Cope With ADHD
Determine if you have inattentive symptoms of ADHD., Determine if you have hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms of ADHD., Assess if you have Combined ADHD., Get diagnosed by a mental health professional., Ask your mental health professional about...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Determine if you have inattentive symptoms of ADHD.
In order to qualify for a diagnosis, you must exhibit at least five symptoms (for an adult) or six symptoms (for a child 16 and under) in more than one setting, for at least six months.
Symptoms must be inappropriate for the person’s developmental level and be seen as interrupting normal functioning on the job or in social or school settings.
Symptoms for ADHD (inattentive) include:
Makes careless mistakes, is inattentive to detail Has trouble paying attention (tasks, playing) Doesn’t seem to be paying attention when someone is talking to him Doesn’t follow through (homework, chores, jobs); easily sidetracked Is organizationally challenged Avoids tasks requiring sustained focus (like schoolwork) Can’t keep track of or often loses keys, glasses, papers, tools, etc.
Is easily distracted Is forgetful Has a difficult time finding their personality, or what they like best -
Step 2: Determine if you have hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms of ADHD.
Some symptoms must be at the level of “disruptive” for them to count in a diagnosis.
Track if you have at least five symptoms (for an adult) or six symptoms (for a child 16 and under) in more than one setting, for at least six months:
Fidgety, squirmy; taps hands or feet Feels restless Struggles to play quietly/do quiet activities “On the go” as if “driven by a motor” Excessive talking Blurts out even before questions are asked Struggles to wait for his turn Interrupts others, inserts self into others’ discussions/games , Some people with ADHD present symptoms from both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive criteria.
If you have five symptoms (for adults) or six symptoms (for children 16 and under) from either category, you may have Combined presentation of ADHD. , As you determine your level of ADHD, seek the guidance of a mental health professional to make an official diagnosis.
This person will also be able to determine whether your symptoms can be better explained by or attributable to another psychiatric disorder. , As if having an ADHD diagnosis isn’t challenging enough, one out of every five with ADHD is diagnosed with another serious disorder (depression and bipolar disorder are common partners).
One-third of children with ADHD also have a behavioral disorder (conduct disorder, oppositional defiance disorder).
ADHD tends to pair up with learning disabilities and anxiety, too. -
Step 3: Assess if you have Combined ADHD.
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Step 4: Get diagnosed by a mental health professional.
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Step 5: Ask your mental health professional about other disorders.
Detailed Guide
In order to qualify for a diagnosis, you must exhibit at least five symptoms (for an adult) or six symptoms (for a child 16 and under) in more than one setting, for at least six months.
Symptoms must be inappropriate for the person’s developmental level and be seen as interrupting normal functioning on the job or in social or school settings.
Symptoms for ADHD (inattentive) include:
Makes careless mistakes, is inattentive to detail Has trouble paying attention (tasks, playing) Doesn’t seem to be paying attention when someone is talking to him Doesn’t follow through (homework, chores, jobs); easily sidetracked Is organizationally challenged Avoids tasks requiring sustained focus (like schoolwork) Can’t keep track of or often loses keys, glasses, papers, tools, etc.
Is easily distracted Is forgetful Has a difficult time finding their personality, or what they like best
Some symptoms must be at the level of “disruptive” for them to count in a diagnosis.
Track if you have at least five symptoms (for an adult) or six symptoms (for a child 16 and under) in more than one setting, for at least six months:
Fidgety, squirmy; taps hands or feet Feels restless Struggles to play quietly/do quiet activities “On the go” as if “driven by a motor” Excessive talking Blurts out even before questions are asked Struggles to wait for his turn Interrupts others, inserts self into others’ discussions/games , Some people with ADHD present symptoms from both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive criteria.
If you have five symptoms (for adults) or six symptoms (for children 16 and under) from either category, you may have Combined presentation of ADHD. , As you determine your level of ADHD, seek the guidance of a mental health professional to make an official diagnosis.
This person will also be able to determine whether your symptoms can be better explained by or attributable to another psychiatric disorder. , As if having an ADHD diagnosis isn’t challenging enough, one out of every five with ADHD is diagnosed with another serious disorder (depression and bipolar disorder are common partners).
One-third of children with ADHD also have a behavioral disorder (conduct disorder, oppositional defiance disorder).
ADHD tends to pair up with learning disabilities and anxiety, too.
About the Author
Anna Webb
Brings years of experience writing about DIY projects and related subjects.
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