ADHD in Adults - What You Need to Know
ADHD is a condition that causes excessive focus and hyperactivity. It can also cause issues at work, school, home and in relationships.
To diagnose ADHD your doctor will follow the guidelines in the most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). They will also consider the impact of symptoms on your daily life.
The signs
ADHD is often viewed as an illness that is only affecting children, however it is also prevalent among adults. Many people suffering from ADHD go undiagnosed until their symptoms become severe and disrupt their lives. This can result in problems with your family and work relationships or even your health.
If you or a loved one suspect that you suffer from ADHD, it's important to talk with an therapist or doctor. They can diagnose you and suggest treatment.
The first step in the process of diagnosing is to take a complete clinical history. This includes a comprehensive review of your medical, personal, and psychiatric history from childhood to the present.
This will assist the physician detect current symptoms in a more accurate manner. The physician should ask about how the symptoms impact an individual's daily life and whether they impact the social, school or work performance.
There are many 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 medications.
Other treatments include the use of behavioral therapy and lifestyle changes. This can help you concentrate better, lessen anxiety and stress, and control hyperactivity.
Your doctor will also conduct an examination of your body and inquire about any mental health concerns that could be causing the symptoms similar to those of ADHD. These could include anxiety, depression and addiction disorders such as alcohol or nicotine abuse.
To determine your concentration as well as your distractibility, short-term memory and focus, you will be required to perform a variety of tasks. These tasks can be performed at home or in an 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 determine if they're contributing to your symptoms.
The results of the test will indicate if you have any of the symptoms listed below:
These signs indicate to seek professional help. They will be able to diagnose you with ADHD and recommend treatment, which could include medication, behavioral therapy, or lifestyle changes.
Diagnosis
ADHD is a behavioral disorder that causes issues with behavior, attention and other executive functions. Although it's difficult to diagnose, the condition can be treated with medication or therapy for behavioral disorders.
Many people who have ADHD symptoms first attempt self-assessment toolsbefore visiting an expert in mental health or a doctor. Some of these tools include a self-report of 40 items form and an electronic screening test that will assist you in determining whether you have ADHD. These tests aren't able to identify ADHD and aren't meant to replace the expertise of a professional.
To identify you accurately, specialists in the field will use an assortment of questionnaires, interviews, and testing. This includes a thorough medical history, a checklist of symptoms, and questions on how they affect your life in different scenarios. The clinician 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 interfere with your life such as at your school or work environment; with friends or relatives or in other settings.
Although the symptoms may be recent or ongoing but they must be present for at least 12 years in order to be considered a diagnosis. You may be asked to read your old school reports or have your parents fill out an retrospective ADHD report detailing 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 a combination of both, your clinician will also be looking for other conditions that can cause similar symptoms as those of ADHD, such as seizures or thyroid issues.
A doctor may also require you to fill out ADHD questionnaires. These surveys don't provide an answer to a diagnosis, but they do provide background information on your symptoms as well as how they affect your daily life. These surveys aren't meant to diagnose ADHD but they could aid your healthcare provider in determining if you have it and the best treatment option for you.
Treatment
Treatment for ADHD for adults is usually consisting of medication behaviors, behavioral strategies, life skills training, and therapy. It may take some time to find the best combination for you.
ADHD medication is the most popular treatment option. The medications are designed to increase and balance levels of neurotransmitters that are chemicals in the brain. They also help improve concentration, decrease impulsivity and reduce hyperactivity. They can assist you in managing ADHD symptoms and make it easier to feel better.
Stimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) or amphetamine (Adderall) are among the most commonly prescribed prescription medications. Although they are effective for the majority of people, they can cause constipation, adverse effects such as lower sexual drive and constipation could occur.
Another drug, atomoxetine or strattera, was approved to treat ADHD. It's not as effective as stimulants, however it does not have the same side effects.
Antidepressants can also be a solution for many people suffering from ADHD. These medicines, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) and fluoxetine (Prozac) aren't able to treat the condition directly , but can reduce its symptoms. They are typically prescribed for anxiety, depression or other mental health issues which have developed as due to ADHD.
If you suffer from ADHD and other medical conditions your doctor might suggest you visit an psychiatrist or another mental health professional who specializes in treating ADHD. These specialists can examine your medical background, family history and other symptoms to identify the root cause of your symptoms.
Your doctor may also ask you about any physical or mental health issues, like depression, anxiety or substance abuse, as well as other physical and mental illnesses. These conditions can affect your ability to concentrate and learn and be productive at schools, work or in relationships.
Your physician will employ guidelines from the most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to diagnose your symptoms of ADHD. This is the standard handbook used by most healthcare practitioners to diagnose.
During the exam the healthcare provider will conduct a series of tests and interviews. These include a comprehensive diagnostic interview, DSM-5 symptom checklists and standardized behavioral rating scales for ADHD.
Prevention
ADHD can be prevented through early detection and intervention. This can help reduce the severity of symptoms, reduce the effects on school functioning, enhance normal growth and development and improve the quality of life for those with ADHD.
Many measures can be utilized to stop or slow the symptoms of adult ADHD that include psychotherapy, medication and behavioral strategies for managing. In addition, support from immediate family members can aid.
Psychostimulants are the most common treatment for ADHD in adults. These include amphetamines salts, which are sold under the brand name Adderall, and methylphenidate which is sold under the brand name Ritalin Concerta Metadate.
ADHD patients who can take psychostimulants regularly on a daily basis will often see a significant improvement in their symptoms. The patient may also learn to manage their behavior and improve their relationships with other people.
They are most effective when taken in conjunction with an ADHD diet or brain training program, as well as exercise. These methods are extremely efficient for ADHD children and can be transformative for adults.
Adult patients can also benefit from counseling and educational programs. These treatments can teach individuals how to manage their emotions, boost self-esteem and change negative thoughts that contribute to their issues with their behavior.
Counseling can help people with ADHD and other mental disorders such as addiction to drugs and depression. Counseling can assist people in dealing with stress and resentment often associated with ADHD.
how to get tested for add or adhd , such as physical activity, dietary changes and stress reduction programs, are also beneficial for those who suffer from ADHD. These strategies can improve focus and decrease hyperactive or impulsive behavior.
Many adults with ADHD are not diagnosed or treated appropriately because of racial and cultural 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 have 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. Research suggests that this number is much higher.