ADHD in Adults - What You Need to Know
ADHD is an illness that causes problems with focus and hyperactivity. It can also cause problems at work or in school family life, and in relationships.
To determine if you have ADHD your healthcare professional will be guided by the most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). They will also take a look at how symptoms affect your daily life.
Symptoms
ADHD is often thought of as a disorder that affects children only. However, it is also common among adults. Many people suffering from ADHD do not seek treatment until their symptoms are severe and disrupt their lives. This can cause problems in family relationships, work and health.
If you or someone close to you suspect that you might have ADHD, it's important to speak with the doctor or therapist. They will be able to diagnose you and suggest treatment.
The first step in the diagnosis process is to complete a clinical history. This includes a complete review of your personal, medical and psychiatric histories from childhood to the present.
This will help the clinician identify current symptoms more accurately. The doctor must inquire about the patient's daily routine and whether or not they impact their school, work, or social life.
Depending on the severity of the symptoms, there are many different types of medications that are prescribed to help treat ADHD. These include stimulants such as Ritalin or Adderall and non-stimulant drugs.
Other options include behavioral therapy and lifestyle changes. This will aid in improving your concentration, decrease anxiety and stress, and control your impulsive and hyperactivity.
In addition to a physical examination Your doctor will also inquire with you about any other mental health issues that could cause similar symptoms as those of ADHD. These may include anxiety, depression and disorders of substance abuse such as alcohol or nicotine abuse.
You are expected to complete several tasks to assess your concentration, distractibility, and short-term memory. These can be done at the workplace or at home.
Your doctor will ask whether you have any mental health problems, like depression or anxiety. They will also assess your sleeping habits, your diet as well as other factors to see if they are contributing to your symptoms.
The results of the test should indicate if you have any of the following symptoms:
These signs indicate that you need professional help. They may be able to determine ADHD and recommend treatment. This could include medication, therapy for behavioral issues or lifestyle adjustments.
Diagnosis
ADHD is a disorder of the mind that affects attention, behavior and other executive functions. It can be difficult to diagnose but it can be treated by medication and therapy for behavioral disorders.
Many people who have ADHD symptoms first attempt self-assessment toolsbefore visiting a mental health professional or doctor. These tools include a 40-item self-report form as well as an electronic screening test that can help you determine if you have ADHD. However, these tests aren't used to determine a clinical diagnosis and don't substitute for an assessment from an expert.
To identify you accurately, an expert in the field will employ a combination questionnaires, interviews, and testing. This will include a thorough background, a list of symptoms, and a discussion of how they affect your life in different situations. Your partner, parents or other close family members could be interviewed by the doctor.
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, for example, at school or at work with family or friends or in other pursuits.
While the symptoms could be long-lasting or new however, they must have been present for at least 12 years to qualify for diagnosis. You may be asked to go through 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 have two of them, your clinician will also look for other illnesses which can trigger similar symptoms to those associated with ADHD and seizures or thyroid issues.
A doctor may also ask you to complete ADHD questionnaires. These surveys do not provide a diagnosis, but can provide information about your symptoms as well as how they impact your daily life. These tests aren't intended to diagnose ADHD but they could aid your healthcare professional in determining whether you're suffering from the condition and the best way to treat it.
Treatment
Treatment for ADHD for adults is usually a combination of medicine, behavior strategies, life skills training and therapy. It could take a while to determine the best combination for you.
Medications are the most common treatment option for ADHD. These medications are intended to help balance and boost brain neurotransmitters. They can also help improve concentration, decrease impulsivity, and reduce hyperactivity. They can help you manage your ADHD symptoms and make you feel better.
The most common prescription medications are stimulants like methylphenidate or Adderall. While they are effective for the majority of people and may cause constipation and other side effects like lowered sexual drive and constipation might occur.
Another drug, Atomoxetine (Strattera), is the first nonstimulant drug to be approved specifically for ADHD. It is not as effective as stimulants, however it doesn't have the same side effects.
Many ADHD patients can choose to take antidepressants. These medications, such as Bupropion (Wellbutrin) and Fluoxetine (Prozac) are not able to treat the condition , but they do reduce symptoms. These medicines are often prescribed to treat anxiety, depression and other mental health issues that are caused by ADHD.
Your doctor may suggest that you consult psychiatrists if you suffer from ADHD and other disorders. They can assess your medical background, family history, and other signs to determine the root cause of your symptoms.
Your doctor will also inquire with you about any mental or physical health issues, like depression, anxiety addiction, substance abuse, and other mental and/or physical conditions. These conditions can affect your ability to concentrate and learn, as well as be productive at your work, school or in relationships.
To determine ADHD symptoms the doctor will refer you to the Fifth Edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). This is the standard handbook most healthcare professionals use to diagnose ADHD.
During the evaluation your healthcare professional will conduct a series interviews and tests. They will conduct a thorough diagnostic interview and DSM-5 symptom checklists.
Prevention
ADHD can be prevented through early detection and intervention. This can reduce the severity and impact on school functioning, improve the normal development and growth, and improve quality of life for those diagnosed with ADHD.
A variety of strategies can be employed to stop or slow the effects of adult ADHD which includes psychotherapy, medication, and other management strategies. Additionally, support from immediate family members can aid.
The primary treatment for adult ADHD is drugs referred to as psychostimulants. These include amphetamines salts, that are sold under the brand name Adderall, and methylphenidate which is sold under the brand name Ritalin Concerta Metadate.
ADHD patients who are able to take psychostimulants on an ongoing basis will often see a significant improvement in their symptoms. The patient might also be able to manage their behavior and improve their relationships with others.
ADHD medication is most effective when taken together with a food plan, brain training and exercise. These strategies are extremely efficient for ADHD children and can be transformative for adults.
Adult patients can also benefit from educational and counseling programs. These programs can help people improve their coping abilities and self-esteem and help them change bad thinking patterns that can lead to their behavior problems.
Counseling can help people with ADHD and other psychiatric disorders like addiction to drugs and depression. Counseling can help people deal click here with stress and resentment often associated with ADHD.
ADHD sufferers can also benefit from other interventions such as diet changes or physical activity, as well as programs for stress reduction. These strategies can help improve focus and decrease hyperactive or impulsive behavior.
Many adults with ADHD are not diagnosed or treated properly due to racial and cultural differences in ADHD diagnosis and treatment. Hispanics and blacks are more likely to be diagnosed as ADHD than whites, despite both having the same number of children with the disorder.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, ADHD has been diagnosed in more than 4 percent of American. Research suggests that this figure is significantly higher.