ADHD in Adults - What You Need to Know
ADHD is a condition that causes problems with concentration and hyperactivity. It can also cause issues at work, school, home and in relationships.
To determine if you have ADHD your doctor will be guided by the most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). They will also examine the way that symptoms impact your life.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD is often thought of as an illness that affects only children, but it's common among adults as well. Many people with ADHD are not diagnosed until their symptoms become more severe and cause disruption to their lives. This can cause issues in family relationships, work and health.
Talking to a therapist or doctor if it is suspected that you might have ADHD is an excellent idea. They are able to diagnose and recommend treatment.
The first step in the diagnosis process is to take a complete clinical history. This includes a complete review of your medical and psychiatric history from childhood to the present.
This will enable the doctor to identify the present symptoms. The physician should ask about how the symptoms impact the daily activities of a person, and whether they impact social, academic or work activities.
There are many medications that can be prescribed to treat ADHD depending on the severity of the symptoms. They include stimulants like Adderall or Ritalin, as well as non-stimulant drugs.
Other options include behavioral therapy and lifestyle changes. This can help you focus better, reduce anxiety and stress, and manage hyperactivity.
In addition to a physical examination the doctor will also ask you about other mental health issues that may result in similar symptoms of ADHD. These include anxiety, depression, or a substance use disorder like smoking or drinking alcohol.
To determine your ability to concentrate, distractibility, short-term memory, and focus, you'll be required to accomplish a variety tasks. They can be completed in the office or at home.
Your doctor will ask you whether you have any mental health issues like depression or anxiety. They will also take a look at your sleeping habits, diet and other aspects to determine if these are contributing to your symptoms.
The results of the test will determine if you are suffering from any of the following symptoms:
If you are experiencing these symptoms then it's the time to consult a specialist. They may be able to determine 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. It is difficult to identify however it can be treated with medication and behavioral therapy.
Many people with symptoms of ADHD are able to test their self-assessment skills before going to a doctor or mental health professional to seek an assessment. Some of these tools include a 40-item self report form as well as an online screening test that can aid in determining if you are suffering from ADHD. These tests aren't used to diagnose ADHD and are not intended to replace professional assessments.
A specialist in the field will analyze your condition using a combination of questions, tests and interviews to make an accurate diagnosis. This may include a detailed history of your symptoms, a list of symptoms, and a discussion of how they impact you in various scenarios. Your partner, parents, or other close friends might be interviewed by the physician.
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 the workplace or at school as well as with your family members or friends or in other settings.
The symptoms you're having may be new or occurring for a long period of time, but they must have been consistently present before the age of 12 in order to qualify for an diagnosis. You might be asked to examine old school records or have your parents complete a retrospective ADHD profile that describes 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 a combination of both and your physician will examine other conditions that can cause similar symptoms as those of ADHD and seizures or thyroid issues.
A doctor may also ask you to complete ADHD questionnaires. These questionnaires don't offer any diagnosis, but they can provide information about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They're not designed to make diagnoses but can help your healthcare practitioner determine whether you have ADHD and the type of treatment you require.
Treatment
Treatment for ADHD for adults is typically an amalgamation of medication and behavior strategies, as well as life skills training and therapy. It could take a while to find the right combination for you.
Medications are the most common treatment option for ADHD. The medications are designed to boost and regulate neurotransmitters in the brain. They also help improve concentration, decrease impulsivity and decrease hyperactivity. They can help you manage ADHD symptoms and help you feel better.
The most frequently prescribed prescription medications are stimulants, such as methylphenidate or Adderall. They are safe for the majority of people, however, they can cause side effects, such as constipation, and lower sex drive.
Another drug, Atomoxetine (Strattera) is the first nonstimulant to be specifically approved for ADHD. It is not as effective as stimulants, however it doesn't have the same negative side negative effects.
Many ADHD patients have the option of taking antidepressants. These drugs, such as Bupropion (Wellbutrin), and Fluoxetine (Prozac) do not treat the condition , but they can help reduce symptoms. They are often prescribed to treat anxiety, depression or other mental health issues which have developed as an outcome of ADHD.
If you have ADHD in addition to other disorders your doctor may recommend that you see an 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 source of your symptoms.
Your doctor will also ask you about any mental or physical health concerns, including depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and other physical and mental illnesses. These ailments can affect your ability to focus and learn and be productive at school, 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 more info the standard guidebook that the majority of healthcare professionals use to diagnose ADHD.
During the evaluation, your healthcare provider will conduct a series tests and interviews. These include 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, lessen the effects on school functioning, enhance normal growth and development, and improve the quality of life for those with ADHD.
There are a variety of ways to reduce or prevent the risk of developing ADHD in adulthood. These include psychotherapy, medication and behavioral management strategies. Support from family members is also helpful.
The most popular type of treatment for adults with ADHD is medications known as psychostimulants. 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.
ADHD patients who can use psychostimulants on a regular 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.
Medications are most effective when utilized in conjunction with an ADHD diet plan or brain training program, as well as exercise. These techniques are highly effective for ADHD children and can transform adults.
In addition to medication counseling and educational programs, counseling can be extremely effective for adult patients. These therapies can help individuals improve their coping abilities, self-esteem, and change bad habits of thinking which contribute to their behavioral issues.
Counseling can help people deal with the effects of ADHD and other psychiatric disorders, including depression and substance misuse. Counseling can help individuals deal with anxiety and resentment that are often associated with ADHD.
Other approaches, such as physical activity, dietary changes and stress reduction programs, are also beneficial to those who suffer from ADHD. These strategies can help improve focus and decrease hyperactive or impulsive behavior.
However, many adults suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed or treated due to racial and ethnic differences in the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. For instance that blacks and Hispanics are significantly less likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than whites, despite the fact that both groups have the same number of children who are affected by the disorder.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, ADHD has been diagnosed in more than 4 percent of Americans. However research suggests that the real number of people suffering from this disorder is much higher than this figure.