Frequently Asked Questions About ADHD
When a person experiences the signs and symptoms related to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), it is a standard operating procedure to consult a professional mental health care such as psychologist or psychiatrist in order to identify whether a person will be diagnosed with ADHD or to identify if it just normal for his or her age that he or she experienced. Being inattentive, hyperactive and impulsive does not alone describe an ADHD person but it is also important to take into account that inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity can impair two or more of a person’s social life.
In consulting the symptoms of ADHD, the doctor usually asks the questions during an exam or an interview but the client can also participate respectfully and proactively. Asking the right questions can have a great impact in the way a person manages ADHD. It is important to inquire about the things that are relevant to the condition. A client’s health is important for both the doctor and the client, so do not hesitate to asks questions about ADHD, regarding the medications that will be prescribed to a person with ADHD, curiosity about any complementary or alternative treatment for ADHD besides medication or concerns about the person’s emotional health, financial and any other concerns that could affect the person with ADHD later on his or her life.
In engaging in a conversation with the doctor can actually help educate the person having the condition and the people that surround him or her about ADHD and the different ADHD treatments that are currently available and attainable for the client’s fitting. In this way, the patient, the carer and the doctor will be able to achieve the best treatment plan for an ADHD person’s individual needs. But during a consultation, it is important to prepare the questions ahead of the consultation hour because the time with the doctor is limited. Before formulating the questions it is significant to get a better understanding of ADHD in order for the client or client’s family to be prepared and ready to discuss ADHD.
Through researching and gathering data about ADHD, one may able to answer some of the intriguing questions about ADHD. It is also important to keep records in order to share any relevant information regarding on the changes in behaviour or the effectiveness of the medication or therapy and any other important observations. When a person is diagnosed with ADHD, one will be able to draw some questions and concerns about the diagnosis and how can this disorder affect the patient’s health and life. Consider these following questions as a guide in asking a doctor or mental health care professional.
Frequently asked questions about ADHD in general includes:
- What is the difference between ADD and ADHD?
- What are the types of treatment that are used for a child having an ADHD? Or an adult has ADHD? Which treatment is better?
- Which of these treatments are best for a child or to an adult?
- Does ADHD change as age increases?
- How will ADHD affect the child or adult over the long term?
- Is there a key component to successfully manage the challenges that may arise because of the disorder?
Another important matter that is needed to be considered is when prescription of medications will be discussed during the consultation. It is important to know the prescription considerations in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the medication that a child or an adult will be taking and in order to know if t is the right medication for the client.
Clients often asked these questions about medication:
- Does a person with ADHD really need medication? Or can he or she be treated effectively without taking any?
- How long will a person having the condition need to take the medication?
- Is there a medication that a person can take just because he needed it such as when he or she needs to focus or concentrate?
- How will the medication affect the person and how do we know if the medication is working?
- What to do if a person taking the medication experience side effects?
- When is it okay to stop taking the medication?
- If a medication will not be taken regularly, what will happen to the person having the condition? Is there a risk of skipping the medication?
- Is there a generic version of the medication that would be more affordable? Or is there any other medication that has an equal effect yet affordable?
- About how much will the medication cost?
Others also asked about the alternative treatments and doctors usually advised clients to undergo therapy and also take medications.
Clients commonly asked these questions regarding therapeutic treatment:
As ADHD can affect a person’s emotional health and relationship, the doctor can help the person and his family in finding ways to cope with the emotional stress brought by ADHD, manage the symptoms and handle the impact of ADHD in one’s family and the person’s relationship to others especially at school or at work.
These following questions are regularly asked regarding the emotional challenges and environmental problems in having and coping up with ADHD:
- How does the condition affect his or her relationship with others? How can a family help to improve those relationships?
- How can ADHD affect a person’s emotional well-being?
- How do other parents deal with behavioural problems at school?
- Are there any laws that accommodate and protect children or adults with ADHD?
- What are the most effective discipline techniques for children with ADHD? For adults?
It is important to be informed and be aware of the questions regarding the nature of ADHD in order for the person who has the disorder and those people around him or her to be prepared and be ready for the possible outcome when being diagnosed with ADHD.
