ADHD in Adults - What You Need to Know
ADHD is an illness that can cause hyperactivity and problems with focus. It can also lead to issues at work, school as well as in relationships.
To determine 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 look at the impact of symptoms on your daily life.
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ADHD is often thought of as a condition that only affects children, however it is also prevalent among adults. Many people with ADHD are not diagnosed until their symptoms become severe and cause disruption to their lives. This can lead to problems with relationships at work, with family members and health.
Talking with a therapist or a doctor if you suspect you may have ADHD is a good idea. They will be able to determine the cause and prescribe treatment.
The first step in the process of diagnosing is to complete a clinical history. This includes a thorough examination of your medical, mental, and personal past from childhood up to present.
This will assist the physician determine the current symptoms with precision. The physician should inquire the impact of the symptoms on the person's daily routine, and if they hinder the person's social, educational or work performance.
There are a variety of medications that can be prescribed to treat ADHD dependent on the severity of the symptoms. These include stimulants like Ritalin or Adderall and non-stimulant drugs.
You could also try lifestyle or behavioral therapy. This can help you concentrate better, lessen stress and anxiety, and manage hyperactivity.
Your doctor will also conduct physical examinations and inquire about any mental health issues that could be causing the ADHD-like symptoms. These can include depression, anxiety or a drug use disorder, such as alcohol or nicotine abuse.
You will be asked to complete several tasks to evaluate your focus, distractibility and short-term memory. These tasks can be completed at home or at the office.
Your doctor will also ask whether you suffer from any other mental health conditions that include depression or anxiety. They will also look at your habits with regard to sleep, diet, and other factors to see if they are contributing to your symptoms.
The test results will show whether you have any signs.
These signs indicate that you should seek professional help. They may be able to diagnose ADHD and recommend treatment. This could include medication, therapy for behavioral issues or lifestyle changes.
Diagnosis
ADHD is a disorder of the mind that affects behavior, attention, and other executive functions. Although it's difficult to identify, ADHD can be treated with medication or behavioral therapy.
Many people who exhibit symptoms of ADHD will use self-assessment tools before seeing a physician or mental health professional to seek an assessment. These tools include a 40-item self report form as well as an electronic screening test to help you determine if you suffer from ADHD. These tests aren't able to diagnose ADHD and aren't meant to replace the expertise of a professional.
To accurately diagnose you, a specialist in the field will use an assortment of questionnaires, interviews, and testing. This includes a review of your symptoms, a checklist of symptoms, and a discussion of how they affect you in various situations. The doctor may also interview your parents, your 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 in your school or work environment as well as with your family members or friends; or in other activities.
The symptoms you're experiencing could be new or happening for a long time, but they must have been present prior to age 12 to be eligible for a diagnosis. You may be asked examine old school records or have parents complete a retrospective ADHD profile that outlines 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 and your physician will look for other conditions that could cause similar symptoms to those associated with ADHD and thyroid problems or seizure disorders.
A doctor might also ask you to complete ADHD questionnaires. These surveys do not provide the diagnosis, but provide information about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They aren't intended to make an assessment, but they can assist your healthcare professional determine if you have ADHD and what type of treatment you need.
Treatment
Treatment for ADHD in adults is generally a combination of medicine, behavior strategies, life skills training and therapy. It may take time to determine the right combination that works for you.
The most commonly used medication is treatment option for ADHD. These medications are intended to improve brain balance and boost neurotransmitters. They can also help improve focus, decrease impulsivity, and decrease hyperactivity. They can help you control your ADHD symptoms and help you feel better.
The most common prescription medications are stimulants such as methylphenidate or Adderall. They work for a majority of people, however they may cause side effects like constipation and lower sex drive.
Another drug called Atomoxetine (Strattera) is the first nonstimulant drug to be specifically approved for ADHD. It is not as effective as stimulants, but it does not have the same side consequences.
Many ADHD patients have the option of taking antidepressants. These medicines, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) and fluoxetine (Prozac) do not treat the condition directly but can alleviate its symptoms. These medicines are often prescribed to treat depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues that result from ADHD.
If you suffer from ADHD as well as other ailments your doctor might suggest you visit an psychiatric or mental health professional that specializes in treating ADHD. These professionals can review your medical background, family history and other signs to determine the cause of your difficulties.
The doctor will also ask about any other physical and mental health issues you may have such as anxiety, depression or substance abuse. These ailments can impact your ability to focus, learn and be productive in schools, work or in relationships.
To identify ADHD symptoms, your doctor will use the Fifth Edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). This is the typical handbook used by many medical professionals to determine a diagnosis.
Your healthcare doctor will conduct a series interview and test during the assessment. They will conduct a thorough diagnostic interview as well as DSM-5 checklists for symptoms.
Prevention
ADHD can be prevented by early detection and intervention. This can help reduce the severity of symptoms, lessen interference with school functioning to promote normal growth and development, and improve the quality of life for those with ADHD.
There are a variety of measures that can be employed to stop or slow the symptoms of adult ADHD which includes psychotherapy, medication and management strategies. In addition, the support of close family members can be helpful.
Psychostimulants are the most common treatment for ADHD in adults. These include amphetamine salts, which are advertised under the brand name Adderall, and methylphenidate, which is sold under names Ritalin, Concerta, Metadate and many others.
If the person with ADHD is able to take psychostimulants regularly 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 other people.
ADHD medication is most effective when taken in conjunction with a food plan, brain training and exercise. These methods are highly effective in treating children with ADHD and are likely to be transformative for adults as well.
Adult patients can also benefit from counseling and educational programs. These therapies can help individuals learn how to manage their emotions, boost self-esteem and alter negative habits of thinking that contribute to their behavioral issues.
Counseling can assist people in managing the effects of ADHD and other psychiatric disorders, like depression and substance misuse. It can also help them manage stress and resentment that are often associated with ADHD.
ADHD sufferers may benefit from other treatments like dietary changes, physical activity, and programs for stress reduction. These strategies can help improve focus and reduce impulsive or hyperactive behavior.
Many adults suffering from ADHD aren't diagnosed or treated appropriately due to cultural and racial 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 share the 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.