ADHD in Adults - What You Need to Know
ADHD is a condition that causes problems with focus and hyperactivity. It can also cause problems at work or in school or at home, as well as relationships.
To determine if you have ADHD your healthcare professional will use the guidelines of the most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). They will also examine how your symptoms affect your everyday life.
The signs
ADHD is often thought of as a disorder that affects only children. However, it is also prevalent in adults. Many people suffering from ADHD remain undiagnosed until their symptoms become severe and impact their lives. This can affect your work, family relationships or your health.
Talking with a therapist or a doctor if it is suspected that you may have ADHD is a good idea. They'll be able diagnose the problem and provide treatment.
A thorough history of your clinical condition is the first step in diagnosing you. This includes a full review of your medical and psychiatric history from childhood to present.
This will assist the physician detect current symptoms in a more accurate manner. The doctor must inquire about the patient's daily activities and whether or not they impact work, school or social life.
Depending on the severity of symptoms, there are many different types of medication that are prescribed to help treat ADHD. These can include stimulants like Adderall or Ritalin and non-stimulant medications.
You can also consider the behavioral therapy or lifestyle change. This can help you focus better, reduce anxiety and stress, and control hyperactivity.
In addition to a physical exam, your doctor will ask you about other mental health issues that may cause similar symptoms as those of ADHD. This could include anxiety, depression, and substance abuse disorders like nicotine or alcohol abuse.
To assess your ability to concentrate in short-term memory, distractibility, and focus, you will be asked to accomplish a variety of tasks. These tasks can be completed at home or in an office.
Your doctor will also ask you if you have any other mental health issues that include depression or anxiety. Your eating habits, sleeping habits and other variables will be assessed to determine if they are contributing.
The results of the test should be able to determine if you have any of the following symptoms:
These symptoms are signs that you need professional help. They can diagnose you with ADHD and recommend treatment, which may include medication, behavioral therapy or lifestyle adjustments.
Diagnosis
ADHD is a disorder of the mind that can cause problems with attention, behavior , and other executive functions. It is difficult to identify, but it can be treated with medications and behavioral therapy.
Many people with ADHD symptoms will first test self-assessment instruments before going to an expert in mental health or a doctor. These tools include a self-report form with 40 items form and an online screening test that can help you determine if you are suffering from ADHD. These tests aren't used to determine if you have ADHD, and aren't meant to replace expert assessments.
To determine your condition accurately, a specialist in the field will use a combination questionnaires, interviews and tests. This includes a history of your symptoms, a list of symptoms and questions on how they impact you in various scenarios. Your parents, spouse or other close friends 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 daily life is being disrupted by the symptoms, like at school or at work, with friends or family, or in other activities.
Although the symptoms may be new or long-standing the symptoms must have been present for at least 12 years to be considered a diagnosis. You may be asked to read your old school reports or ask your parents to fill out a retrospective ADHD profile describing 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 suffering from two of them, your clinician will also examine other conditions that may cause similar symptoms to those associated with ADHD like thyroid problems or seizure disorders.
A doctor may also ask you to fill out ADHD surveys, which do not serve as a diagnostic tool but can provide background information on your symptoms and how they impact your life. They aren't intended to make an assessment, but they can assist your healthcare provider determine if you suffer from ADHD and what type of treatment you'll need.
Treatment
ADHD treatment for adults generally requires a combination of therapy including medication, behavior strategies, life skills training, and therapy. It may take some time to determine the right combination that is right for you.
ADHD medication is the most frequently used treatment option. They are designed to regulate and increase brain neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals. They also aid in improving concentration, decrease impulsivity and reduce hyperactivity. They can help you manage your ADHD symptoms and help you feel better.
The most frequently prescribed prescription medications are stimulants like methylphenidate or Adderall. They are effective for most people, however they may be associated with side effects, like constipation, and lower sex drive.
Another drug, Atomoxetine (Strattera) is the first nonstimulant to be approved specifically for ADHD. While it's not as effective as stimulants, it doesn't suffer the same adverse effects, it is still very effective.
Antidepressants are also an option for many people suffering from ADHD. These drugs, like bupropion (Wellbutrin) and fluoxetine (Prozac) do not treat the condition directly , but can reduce its symptoms. They are usually prescribed for anxiety, depression or other mental health conditions which have developed as a result of the ADHD.
If you are suffering from ADHD along with other conditions Your healthcare provider may recommend that you see a psychiatrist or another mental health professional who is specialized in treating ADHD. They can look over your medical background, family history and other symptoms to determine the root of your problems.
The doctor will also ask about other mental and physical health issues you might have such as anxiety, depression, or substance abuse. These illnesses can affect your ability to focus and learn, as well as be productive at work, school, or in relationships.
Your doctor will follow guidelines from the most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders more info Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to identify your symptoms of ADHD. This is the handbook that most healthcare professionals utilize to diagnose ADHD.
During the exam, your healthcare provider will conduct a series of tests and interviews. They will conduct a thorough diagnostic interview, DSM-5 symptom checklists and standard behavioral rating scales for ADHD.
Prevention
ADHD can be prevented with early detection and intervention. This can lessen the severity of symptoms, minimize disruption to school functions improve the development of children and adolescents, and improve the quality of life for those with ADHD.
There are many ways to reduce or prevent the development of ADHD in adulthood. These include psychotherapy, medication and behavioral management strategies. In addition, the support of immediate family members can help.
The most common type of treatment for adults with ADHD is medications known as psychostimulants. They include amphetamine-based salts, which are sold 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 able to take psychostimulants regularly they are likely to notice an immediate improvement in their symptoms. Additionally, the person might learn to manage their behavior and improve their relationships with other people.
ADHD medication is most effective when used in conjunction with a meal plan, brain training and exercise. These strategies are extremely effective for ADHD children and can transform adults.
In addition to medications counseling and education programs, they can also prove to be efficient for patients of adulthood. These therapies can help people improve their coping abilities, self-esteem, and change negative thinking patterns that contribute to their behavior problems.
Counseling can assist people suffering from ADHD and other mental disorders such as addiction and depression. Counseling can assist people in dealing with stress and resentment often associated with ADHD.
ADHD sufferers may also benefit from other interventions such as diet modifications or physical activity, as well as programs to reduce stress. These strategies can help improve concentration and decrease hyperactive or impulsive behavior.
Many adults suffering from ADHD are not properly diagnosed or treated due to cultural and racial differences in ADHD diagnosis and treatment. For instance the blacks and Hispanics are significantly less likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than whites, despite the fact that 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. However research suggests that the actual number of people suffering from this disorder is much higher than this number.