ADHD in Adults - What You Need to Know
ADHD is a condition that can cause hyperactivity and focus problems. It may also cause problems in school or work as well as in relationships at home and at work.
To determine if you have ADHD your healthcare professional will follow guidelines from the most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). They will also consider how your symptoms affect your everyday life.
Symptoms
ADHD is often thought of as a disorder that affects children only. However, it's also common among adults. Many people suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed until their symptoms are severe and affect their lives. This can affect your work, family relationships or your health.
If you or someone close to you suspect you may have ADHD, it's important to talk with the doctor or therapist. They will be able to diagnose the problem and provide treatment.
The first step in the process of diagnosing is to take a complete clinical history. This includes a thorough examination of your medical, psychiatric, and personal past from childhood up to present.
This will assist the physician elicit current symptoms accurately. The doctor should inquire about how the symptoms impact an individual's daily life and if they hinder the social, school or work performance.
Based on the severity of symptoms, there are many different types of medications that can be prescribed to treat ADHD. These include stimulants like Adderall or Ritalin, as well as non-stimulant drugs.
Other options include behavioral therapy and lifestyle changes. This will aid in improving your concentration, decrease anxiety and stress, and control the impulsive and hyperactive behavior.
In addition to a physical exam the doctor will also ask you about any other mental health problems that could produce similar symptoms to those of ADHD. This could include anxiety, depression, and other addiction disorders like alcohol or nicotine abuse.
To evaluate your ability to concentrate and distractibility, short-term memory and focus, you'll be asked to complete a variety of tasks. These tasks can be completed at home or in an office.
Your doctor will also inquire whether you suffer from any other mental health issues like depression or anxiety. Your habits with regard to sleep, diet and other variables will be examined to determine if they are contributing.
The results of the test should be able to determine if you have any of the following symptoms:
If you are experiencing these symptoms It is time to seek out a specialist. They will be able to diagnose you with ADHD and recommend treatment which may include medication, behavioral therapy or lifestyle adjustments.
Diagnosis
ADHD is a behavioral disorder that affects 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 first try self-assessment toolsbefore visiting an expert in mental health or a doctor. Some of these tools include a 40-item self report form and an electronic screening test that can assist you in determining whether you have ADHD. These tests cannot be used to diagnose ADHD and aren't intended to replace professional assessments.
To determine your condition accurately, a specialist in the field will utilize an amalgamation of interviews, questionnaires, and testing. This includes a thorough medical account of your history, a list of symptoms, as well as questions about how they affect your life in various situations. The clinician might also talk to your parents, friends, or any other individuals 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 interfere with your life such as at the workplace or at school as well as with your family members or friends or in other settings.
Although the symptoms may be new or persistent but they must be present for at least 12 years to be eligible for diagnosis. You may be asked to go through old school reports or have your parents complete an 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 both or both, your doctor will check for other conditions that might cause similar symptoms to ADHD.
A doctor may also require you to fill out ADHD questionnaires. These surveys aren't intended to provide the diagnosis, but provide background information on your symptoms as well as 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 what type of treatment you require.
Treatment
Treatment for ADHD for adults is typically an amalgamation of medication, behavior strategies, life skills training, and therapy. It could take a while to find the best combination for you.
Medications are the most common treatment option for ADHD. These medications are meant to regulate and increase brain neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals. They also help improve focus, reduce impulsivity and decrease hyperactivity. They can aid in managing ADHD symptoms and help you feel better.
Stimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) or amphetamine (Adderall), are the most popular prescription medications. They are safe for the majority of people, but they do cause side effects like constipation and lower sex drive.
Another drug, atomoxetine (Strattera), is the first drug that is not stimulant to be approved specifically for ADHD. Although it's not as efficient as stimulants but doesn't come with the same negative side negative effects, it's very effective.
Antidepressants are a good option for many patients with ADHD. These medications, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) and fluoxetine (Prozac) do not treat the condition in any way, but can alleviate its symptoms. They are usually prescribed to treat anxiety, depression or other mental health conditions which have developed as result of ADHD.
If you are suffering from ADHD and other medical conditions your doctor might suggest you visit an psychiatrist or another mental health professional who is specialized in treating ADHD. They can look over your medical history, family history and other symptoms to determine the source of your symptoms.
Your doctor will also inquire with you about any mental or physical health concerns, including depression, anxiety or substance abuse, as well as other mental and/or physical conditions. These ailments can affect your ability to concentrate and learn and be productive at work, school or in relationships.
To determine ADHD symptoms your doctor will consult the Fifth Edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). This is the typical handbook used by many health professionals to determine a diagnosis.
During the exam your healthcare provider will conduct a series interviews and tests. These include a comprehensive diagnostic interview and DSM-5 checklists of symptoms.
Prevention
ADHD can be prevented with early detection and intervention. This can lessen the severity of symptoms, minimize the effects on school functioning improve the development of children and adolescents, and improve the quality of life for those diagnosed with ADHD.
There are a variety of ways to avoid or limit the risk of developing ADHD in adulthood. These include psychotherapy, medication and strategies for managing behavior. In addition, support from family members within the immediate vicinity can be helpful.
Psychostimulants are the most common treatment for ADHD in adults. They include amphetamine salts which are marketed under the brand name Adderall and methylphenidate which is sold under the names Ritalin, Concerta, Metadate and many others.
If a person suffering from ADHD is able to take psychostimulants regularly they'll often see an impressive improvement in their symptoms. In addition, the patient might learn to attention deficit disorder online test manage their behavior and improve their relationships with other people.
The most effective medication is utilized in conjunction with an ADHD diet or brain training program, as well as exercise. These strategies are extremely efficient for ADHD children and can transform adults.
Adult patients may also benefit from counseling and educational programs. These programs can help individuals develop the skills to cope, boost self-esteem and change negative thinking patterns that are contributing to their behavior problems.
Counseling can help people deal with the effects of ADHD and other psychiatric disorders, such as depression and drug misuse. Counseling can help people deal with stress and resentment often associated with ADHD.
ADHD sufferers can also benefit from other interventions such as diet modifications, physical activity, and stress reduction programs. These strategies can help improve concentration and decrease impulsive and hyperactive behaviors.
However, many adults suffering from ADHD aren't treated or diagnosed due to racial or ethnic differences in the treatment and diagnosis of ADHD. For instance, blacks and Hispanics are significantly less likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than whites, despite the fact that both groups share the same number of children 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 true number of people suffering from this disorder is much greater than this figure.