Managing an ADHD diagnosis
So you’ve finally secured an appointment with a psychiatrist and been diagnosed with ADHD. What now?
A new diagnosis of anything can be worrying, even if you’ve suspected it for a while. With a recent spotlight in the media, Awareness of ADHD has increased and it feels that more and more adults are recognising their symptoms, but how well are they managing them?
For the unfamilliar, attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that affects learning and behaviour, usually diagnosed in childhood. There are three types of ADHD - hyperactive, inattentive and combined.
Adults who are undiagnosed generally learn coping skills to manage their symptoms but having the condition can cause problems with impulse control, concentration, relationships and time management. There are a number of controlled medications that can help with focus and restlessness and can assist in improving life quality. The medications work instantly and there is no requirement to be medicated unless desired.
Remedy Therapy Canberra has worked with a number of clients with ADHD, and some of the ways therapy can help is by recognising a person’s strengths and resources and which symptoms can be worked on holistically. It’s important to note that ADHD can be managed without medication and by learning coping skills with a trained professional.
Here’s a quick list of things to consider with a diagnosis:
Do you need reasonable adjustments made, for example, in the workplace?
Who are you comfortable telling about your condition?
Is medication required? If so, daily or ad hoc?
What do I feel capable of doing now I understand how my mind works?
What does a diagnosis mean to me, what will it change?
If you feel that you would benefit from support processing your diagnosis, or you would like a little help managing your symptoms, then Remedy Therapy Canberra specialises in managing ADHD and can allocate you to a professional with either lived experience or trained in neurodiversity.
