ADHD in Adults - What You Need to Know
ADHD is an illness that causes problems with focus and hyperactivity. It can also cause problems in school or work or at home, as well as relationships.
To determine if you have ADHD, your healthcare practitioner will follow the guidelines in the most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). They will also assess the impact of symptoms on your daily life.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD is often seen as a condition that is only affecting children. However, it is also common among adults. Many people suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed until their symptoms are severe and impact their lives. This can cause issues with work, family relationships and health.
If you or someone close to you suspect you may have ADHD is important to speak with an therapist or doctor. They can diagnose you and suggest treatment.
A thorough clinical history is the first step to diagnosing the condition that you are experiencing. This includes a comprehensive review of your medical and psychiatric histories from childhood to the present.
This will allow the doctor to recognize current symptoms. The physician should inquire how the symptoms affect the daily activities of a person, and whether they interfere with social, academic or work functioning.
There are many medications that can be prescribed to treat ADHD according to the severity of the symptoms. These include stimulants like Ritalin or Adderall as well as non-stimulant medications.
Other treatments include behavioral therapy and lifestyle changes. This can help you focus better, reduce anxiety and stress, and reduce hyperactivity.
Your doctor will also conduct physical examinations and inquire about any mental health issues that could be causing ADHD-like symptoms. These can include depression, anxiety or a drug use disorder like nicotine or alcohol abuse.
To help assess your level of concentration and distractibility, short-term memory and focus, you'll be asked to perform a variety of tasks. These tasks can be done at home or in the office.
Your doctor will also inquire whether you suffer from any other mental health issues that include depression or anxiety. They will also assess your sleeping habits, your diet and other factors to determine if they are contributing to your symptoms.
The results of the test should indicate if you have any of the symptoms listed below:
If you're experiencing these signs It is time to seek help from an expert. They may be able to diagnose ADHD and suggest treatment. This could include medication, therapy for behavioral issues or lifestyle adjustments.
Diagnosis
ADHD is a behavioral disorder that affects behavior, attention, and other executive functions. While it can be difficult to diagnose, it can be treated with medication or behavioral therapy.
Many people with symptoms of ADHD will test themselves using self-assessment instruments before going to a doctor or mental health professional for the diagnosis. These tools include a 40-item self report form and an electronic screening test to help you determine if you are suffering from ADHD. These tests cannot be used to determine if you have ADHD, and aren't meant to replace the expertise of a professional.
A specialist in the field will assess you through a combination tests, questionnaires, and interviews to establish a clear diagnosis. This may include a detailed history of your symptoms, a checklist of symptoms, and questions about how they affect you in different situations. Your parents, partner or other close relatives might be questioned by the clinician.
In order to diagnose ADHD, your clinician must see that you have five or more persistent (recurring) symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity that cause significant impairment. This means that your symptoms are interfering with your life such as at your school or work environment and with your family or friends or in other activities.
The symptoms you're having may be new or have been present for a long time however, they must have been present prior to the age of 12 to qualify for an diagnosis. You might be asked to review old school reports or have parents complete a retrospective ADHD profile of your childhood behavior.
When you meet the criteria for a diagnosis, your clinician will then determine whether you have a combination of both inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity presentations or a single presentation. If you are both, your doctor will look for other conditions that could cause similar symptoms to ADHD.
A doctor may also ask you to fill out ADHD surveys, which don't serve as a diagnostic tool but can provide background information on your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. These surveys aren't meant to diagnose ADHD however, they could aid your healthcare professional in determining whether you're suffering from it and the best course of treatment for you.
Treatment
Treatment for ADHD for adults is typically comprised of medications behavioral strategies, skills training, and therapy. It may take time to find the perfect combination that will work for you.
The most commonly used medication is treatment option for ADHD. They are designed to help balance and boost brain neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals. They can also help improve concentration in addition to reducing impulsivity. They can also reduce hyperactivity. They can help you control your ADHD symptoms and help you feel better.
The most common prescription medications are stimulants, such as methylphenidate and Adderall. They are safe for the majority of people, however they may cause side effects, such as constipation and lower sex drive.
Another drug, atomoxetine (Strattera), is the first nonstimulant to be approved specifically for ADHD. Although it isn't as effective as stimulants, it doesn't suffer the same negative side effects, it's extremely effective.
Many ADHD patients can choose to take antidepressants. These medications, like bupropion (Wellbutrin) and fluoxetine (Prozac), don't treat the condition directly , but can ease the symptoms. They are typically prescribed for depression, anxiety or other mental health conditions that have developed as due to ADHD.
Your healthcare provider may recommend you visit psychiatrists if you suffer from ADHD and other conditions. They can more info look over your medical history, family history, and other signs to determine the source of your symptoms.
The doctor will also inquire about any other physical and mental health issues that you may be suffering from like anxiety, depression, or abuse. These diseases can hinder your ability to concentrate and learn, as well as be productive in schools, work or in relationships.
To determine ADHD symptoms your doctor will use the Fifth Edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). This is the handbook that most healthcare professionals utilize to diagnose ADHD.
Your healthcare doctor will conduct a series interviews and tests as part of the assessment. These include a comprehensive diagnostic interview, DSM-5 symptom checklists and standard behavioral rating scales for ADHD.
Prevention
ADHD can be prevented by early detection and intervention. This can lessen the severity of symptoms, decrease the effects on school functioning, enhance the development of children and adolescents, and improve the quality of life for those diagnosed with ADHD.
There are a variety of measures that can be employed to prevent or mitigate the symptoms of adult ADHD such as psychotherapy, medication and behavioral management strategies. In addition, the support of close family members can be helpful.
Psychostimulants are the main treatment for ADHD in adults. They include amphetamine-based salts, which are advertised under the brand name Adderall and methylphenidate which is sold under the names Ritalin, Concerta, Metadate and many others.
If the person suffering from ADHD is competent to take psychostimulants on a regular basis and is able to do so, they may notice an improvement in their symptoms. The patient might also learn to control their behavior and improve their relationships with others.
ADHD medication is most effective when it is used in conjunction with a diet plan, brain training, and exercise. These strategies are highly effective in treating children with ADHD and are likely to have a transformative effect for adults as well.
In addition to medications counseling and educational programs, counseling can also be very beneficial for patients of all ages. These treatments can teach individuals self-esteem, coping skills, and alter negative mental patterns that contribute to their behavioral issues.
Counseling can help individuals manage the effects of ADHD and other psychiatric disorders, like depression and substance misuse. Counseling can help people deal with the stress and resentment commonly associated with ADHD.
Other methods, such as eating habits, physical activity and stress reduction programs, are also beneficial to those who suffer from ADHD. These strategies can improve focus and reduce impulsive and hyperactive behaviors.
Many adults suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed or treated appropriately because of racial and cultural differences in ADHD diagnosis and treatment. For instance blacks and Hispanics are significantly less likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than whites, even though both groups have the same amount of children who are affected by the disorder.
The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that more than 4 percent of American adults have been diagnosed with ADHD. Research suggests that this figure is much higher.