other illnesses that could cause your symptoms. These include mood disorders, sleep disorders, and thyroid problems. They’ll also ask about your family history. Finally, your doctor will evaluate your symptoms using ADHD rating scales or psychological tests.
After you’re diagnosed, the doctor may categorize your ADHD into three types. The possible types are predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, and combined hyperactive-impulsive and inattentive. Knowing which type of ADHD you have can determine your treatment program.
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How ADHD Is Treated
ADHD is usually managed through the use of medication. The most common type of medication that’s prescribed for ADHD is stimulants. These drugs increase the amount of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain.
If stimulants aren’t effective for you or have undesirable side effects, your doctor may opt for non-stimulants instead. Those drugs generally work by increasing the levels of norepinephrine in your brain. Depending on how you react to the medication, it may take some time to settle on a regimen that works for you.
Apart from medication, many people benefit from undergoing therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help you to identify all the ways that ADHD can affect your day-to-day life while giving you the skills to cope. If your symptoms have a negative effect on your relationships, marital counseling or family therapy can help.
As doctors learn more about ADHD, many people with the condition are finally getting a diagnosis. If you have any of the symptoms listed here, you should talk to your doctor immediately about an assessment. Managing your ADHD can make a significant difference in your life.