ADHD in Adults - What You Need to Know
ADHD is a condition that causes issues with focus and hyperactivity. It can also lead to issues at work, school as well as in relationships.
To diagnose 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 consider how symptoms affect your daily life.
Symptoms
ADHD is often thought of as an illness that only affects children, but it is also common among adults. Many people suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed until their symptoms are severe and affect their lives. This can lead to problems with relationships at work, with family members, and health.
Talking with a therapist or a doctor if it is suspected that you might have ADHD is an excellent idea. They are able to diagnose and recommend treatment.
A thorough history of your clinical condition is the first step to diagnosing your symptoms. Click Home includes a thorough review of your medical, personal and psychiatric history from childhood until the present.
This will allow the doctor to pinpoint current symptoms. The physician should inquire how the symptoms impact the daily activities of a person, and if they hinder social, academic or work activities.
Depending on the severity of the symptoms, there are many different types of medication which can be prescribed to treat ADHD. These include stimulants like Ritalin or Adderall, as well as non-stimulant medications.
Other treatments include the use of behavioral therapy and lifestyle changes. This can help you concentrate better, reduce anxiety and stress, as well as control hyperactivity.
Your doctor will also conduct an examination and inquire about any mental health concerns which could be contributing to symptoms similar to those of ADHD. These can include anxiety, depression or a substance use disorder such as alcohol or nicotine abuse.
To evaluate your attention span 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 at the office.
Your doctor will ask whether you suffer from any mental health problems, like anxiety or depression. Your habits with regard to sleep, diet, and other factors will be assessed to determine if they are contributing to.
The results of the test will indicate if you have any of the symptoms listed below:
These signs are indicators to seek professional assistance. They can diagnose you with ADHD and recommend treatment which could 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 by medication and therapy for behavioral disorders.
Many people who show signs of ADHD will try self-assessment tools before seeing a physician or mental health professional for the diagnosis. These tools include a 40-item self report form as well as an electronic screening test to help you determine if you are suffering from ADHD. But, these tests cannot be used to make a medical diagnosis and don't substitute for an assessment by a professional.
A specialist in the field will analyze you with a combination of tests, questionnaires, and interviews to establish a clear diagnosis. This includes a detailed description of your medical history, a checklist of symptoms, and questions on how they impact your life in various situations. Your parents, spouse, or other close friends may be interviewed 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 daily life for example, at your school or work environment and with your family or friends or in other settings.
The symptoms you're experiencing may be new or have been occurring for a long period of time but they must have been continuously present prior to the age of 12 to qualify for an diagnosis. You could be asked to look over old school reports or have your parents fill out 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're suffering from an amalgamation of both, your clinician will also be looking for other conditions that can cause similar symptoms to those of ADHD for example, seizures or thyroid issues.
A doctor may also require you to fill out ADHD questionnaires. These surveys do not provide any diagnosis, but they can give background information about your symptoms as well as how they affect your life. These surveys aren't designed to diagnose ADHD however, they could help your healthcare professional determine whether you are suffering from it and the best treatment option for you.
Treatment
Treatment for ADHD in adults is generally a combination of medicine and behavior strategies, as well as life skills training and therapy. It may take some time to find the best combination for you.
The most commonly used medication is treatment option for ADHD. They are designed to balance and boost brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They can also improve focus, reduce impulsivity, and reduce hyperactivity. They can help you control your ADHD symptoms and help you feel better.
The most commonly prescribed medications are stimulants such as methylphenidate or Adderall. They work for a majority of people, however they may have side effects such as constipation and decreased 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 is still very effective.
Many ADHD patients are able to treat themselves with antidepressants. These medications, such as Bupropion (Wellbutrin), and Fluoxetine (Prozac), do not treat the condition but can decrease symptoms. They are often prescribed to treat anxiety, depression or other mental health conditions that develop as a result of the ADHD.
Your healthcare provider may recommend to see psychiatrists if you suffer from ADHD or other medical conditions. These doctors can examine your medical history, family history, and other signs to determine the source of your difficulties.
The doctor will also inquire about any other physical and mental health problems you might be suffering from like anxiety, depression, or substance abuse. These diseases can affect your ability to focus and learn, as well as be productive at school, work, or in relationships.
Your doctor will apply guidelines from the latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to determine your symptoms of ADHD. This is the handbook that most healthcare professionals utilize to diagnose ADHD.
During the exam the healthcare provider will conduct a series of tests and interviews. These include a comprehensive diagnostic interview, DSM-5 symptom checklists and the standardized scales for assessing behavior for ADHD.
Prevention
ADHD can be prevented with early detection and intervention. This can decrease the severity of the disorder and affect school performance, enhance the normal development and growth, and improve quality of life for those diagnosed with ADHD.
A variety of strategies can be employed to deter or delay the development of adult ADHD that include psychotherapy, medication and management strategies. Family members' support is also beneficial.
The main type of treatment for adult ADHD is medication known as psychostimulants. They include amphetamine-based salts, which are marketed under the brand name Adderall and methylphenidate which is sold under names Ritalin, Concerta, Metadate and many others.
If the person with ADHD is competent to take psychostimulants on a regular basis and is able to do so, they may notice an immediate improvement in their symptoms. Additionally, the patient may be able to manage their behaviors and improve their relationships with other people.
The most effective medications are utilized in conjunction with an ADHD diet plan along with brain training and exercise. These strategies are highly efficient in treating children suffering from ADHD and are likely to have a transformative effect for adults too.
Adult patients can also benefit from counseling and educational programs. These therapies can help individuals improve their coping skills and self-esteem as well as alter negative thinking patterns which contribute to their behavioral issues.
Counseling can aid people with ADHD and other psychiatric conditions like addiction and depression. Counseling can help people deal with anger and stress that are commonly associated with ADHD.
Other interventions, such as physical activity, dietary changes and stress reduction programs are also beneficial to those with ADHD. These strategies can help improve concentration and decrease hyperactive or impulsive behavior.
Many adults suffering from ADHD aren't properly diagnosed or treated due to racial and cultural differences in ADHD diagnosis and treatment. Hispanics and blacks are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than whites, despite both having the same amount of children with 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.