ADHD in Adults - What You Need to Know
ADHD is a condition that causes hyperactivity and focus problems. It can also cause issues at school, at work, home and in relationships.
Your healthcare provider will use the most current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5 DSM-5) to diagnose ADHD. They will also examine the impact of symptoms on your daily life.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD is often viewed as an illness that only affects children, but it is common among adults as well. Many people with ADHD are not diagnosed until their symptoms get severe and impact their lives. This can cause problems in your relationships with your family, work or your health.
If you or someone close to you suspect that you might have ADHD is important to speak with the doctor or therapist. They will be able to diagnose you and suggest treatment.
The first step in the process of diagnosing is to complete a clinical history. This includes a thorough review of your medical, mental, and personal past from childhood up to present.
This will allow the doctor to recognize the present symptoms. The doctor should inquire about the patient's daily routine and whether or not they impact school, work or social activities.
Depending on the severity of the symptoms, there are many different types of medications which can be prescribed to treat ADHD. They include stimulants like Adderall or Ritalin and non-stimulant drugs.
You could also try behavior therapy or lifestyle changes. This will help you improve your focus, reduce stress and anxiety and manage your impulsive and hyperactivity.
Your doctor will also conduct a physical exam and ask about any mental health concerns that could be causing the symptoms resembling those of ADHD. They could be related to anxiety, depression or a substance use disorder such as nicotine or alcohol abuse.
To evaluate your level of concentration as well as your distractibility, short-term memory, and focus, you will be asked to perform a variety of tasks. The tasks can be accomplished at home or in the office.
Your doctor will also inquire whether you suffer from any other mental health problems that include depression or anxiety. Your habits with regard to sleep, diet and other variables will be assessed to determine if they are contributing to.
The results of the test should determine if you are suffering from any of the following symptoms:
If you experience these symptoms then it's time to seek help from a specialist. They can identify you as having ADHD and suggest treatment which may include medication, behavioral therapy, or lifestyle adjustments.
Diagnosis
ADHD is a behavioral disorder that can cause problems with attention, behavior , and other executive functions. It can be difficult to diagnose but it is treated with medication and behavioral therapy.
Many people with ADHD symptoms will first try self-assessment instruments before going to an expert in mental health or a doctor. These tools include a 40-item self-report form and an electronic screening test to help you determine if you suffer from ADHD. These tests can't be used to determine if you have ADHD, and aren't intended to replace professional assessments.
A specialist in the field will evaluate you with a combination of interviews, questionnaires and testing to determine a precise diagnosis. This includes a history of your symptoms, a checklist of symptoms, and a discussion of how they affect you in various situations. The doctor might also interview your parents, partner or other loved ones who know you well.
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 the symptoms are interfering with your life for example at the workplace or at school and with your family or friends or in any other activity.
While the symptoms could be recent or ongoing, they must have been present for at least 12 years in order to be considered a diagnosis. You might be asked to read your old school reports or ask your parents to fill out an retrospective ADHD profile that describes your behavior in childhood.
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 experiencing an amalgamation of both and your physician will look for other conditions that may cause similar symptoms as those of ADHD like thyroid problems or seizure online testing for adhd disorders.
A doctor might also require you to fill out ADHD questionnaires. These questionnaires don't offer the diagnosis, but give background information about your symptoms as well as how they affect your life. These surveys aren't designed to give a diagnosis but can help your healthcare practitioner determine if you're suffering from ADHD and what treatment you need.
Treatment
Treatment for ADHD for adults is typically comprised of medications behaviors, behavioral strategies, life skills training and therapy. It can take some time to find the best combination that is effective for you.
ADHD medication is the most popular treatment option. The meds are designed to boost and balance levels of neurotransmitters that are chemicals in the brain. They also aid in improving focus, reduce impulsivity and reduce hyperactivity. They can help you manage 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, but they do have side effects such as constipation and lower sex drive.
Another drug called Atomoxetine (Strattera) is the first non-stimulant to be specifically approved for ADHD. Although it's not as effective as stimulants, it doesn't suffer the exact same side effects, it's extremely effective.
Antidepressants are also an option for patients suffering from ADHD. These drugs, like bupropion (Wellbutrin) and fluoxetine (Prozac), don't treat the condition directly but can alleviate its symptoms. They are frequently prescribed for depression, anxiety or other mental health conditions that develop as result of ADHD.
Your doctor may suggest to see psychiatrists if you suffer from ADHD or other medical conditions. These professionals can analyze your medical background, family history and other symptoms to identify the causes of your problems.
Your doctor may also ask you about any physical or mental health issues, like depression, anxiety and substance abuse as well as other physical or mental ailments. These ailments can affect your ability to focus or learn, and also be productive at work, school, 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 most commonly used handbook by health professionals to make a diagnosis.
Your healthcare provider will conduct a series interview and test during the evaluation. They will conduct a thorough diagnostic interview, DSM-5 symptom checklists and an standardized scale for rating behavior for ADHD.
Prevention
Early intervention and detection can help to stop ADHD. This can decrease the severity of the disorder and affect school functioning, increase the normal development and growth, and improve the quality of life for those diagnosed with ADHD.
There are many ways to stop or slow the development of ADHD in adulthood. These include medication, psychotherapy, and strategies for managing behavior. Additionally, support from close family members can be helpful.
Psychostimulants are the most common treatment for ADHD in adults. They include amphetamines sodium, that are sold under the brand name Adderall, and methylphenidate which is sold under the brand name Ritalin Concerta Metadate.
If the person suffering from ADHD is able to take psychostimulants regularly and is able to do so, they may notice an impressive improvement in their symptoms. The patient could also learn to manage their behavior and improve their relationships with others.
The most effective medication is used in conjunction with an ADHD food plan, brain training and exercise. These strategies are extremely efficient for ADHD children and can transform adults.
In addition to medications counseling and educational programs can also prove to be efficient for patients of adulthood. These programs can help individuals develop how to manage their emotions, boost self-esteem and alter negative habits of thinking that contribute to their issues with their behavior.
Counseling can assist people suffering from ADHD and other psychiatric conditions like addiction and depression. Counseling can assist people in dealing with anxiety and resentment that are often associated with ADHD.
ADHD sufferers may also benefit from other strategies such as diet changes, physical activity, and programs to reduce stress. These strategies can help improve focus and decrease hyperactive or impulsive behavior.
Yet, many adults with ADHD aren't diagnosed or treated because of racial and ethnic disparities in the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. For example blacks and Hispanics are significantly less likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than whites, even though both groups have the exact same number of children 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 significantly higher.