ADHD Symptoms and Treatment in Adults
Many adults find that they are struggling to keep up with the demands of daily life often expressing frustration and mood swings. If you suspect you might have ADHD contact your primary health care provider or a mental-health professional for an evaluation.
Adult ADHD is diagnosed using the same criteria that it is for children. The symptoms must last for at least six months and cannot be caused by any other medical condition, mood disorders or other medical conditions.
Inattentional symptoms
Many adults with ADHD struggle to keep up with schoolwork, work, or household chores. They don't attend appointments, fail to pay their bills on time and have trouble maintaining relationships with their family and friends. They are more likely than other people to lose possessions, or make a mistake that could have grave consequences.
Speak to your health care provider if are having trouble keeping track of personal or work matters. Your primary care provider will evaluate your situation and may refer you to a mental health professional if necessary.
Inattentive ADHD is often misunderstood. People who suffer from inattentive ADHD aren't always attentive when spoken to. They are easily distracted or get distracted by irrelevant thoughts. They may have trouble staying focused, make careless mistakes, or struggle to follow directions. They may also have trouble keeping their hands from their faces or appear shaken.
Inattention to the symptoms could cause a drop in performance at the workplace or at school, which can cause frustration and shame for those affected. They can also cause problems in relationships with friends, family members and colleagues.
Health care professionals diagnose ADHD based on a clinical assessment that involves conducting an interview with the patient and reviewing past behavior. They may ask the patient to complete a symptom checklist and conduct tests on the body to determine whether other conditions exhibit similar symptoms. The symptoms of ADHD must be present consistently before 12 years of age for a diagnosis.
Adults who suffer from inattentive ADHD are often able to benefit from psychotherapy, lifestyle adjustments and other treatments to manage their symptoms. These treatments include medications such as behavioral therapy, family therapy and psychoeducation. Psychotherapy is a type of counseling that assists patients develop new attitudes, skills and ways of communicating with others. Behavioral therapy can teach techniques that can reduce impulsive and self-destructive behaviors improve organizational skills and build confidence.
People who have inattention ADHD may find it helpful to discuss their struggles with a trusted family member or therapist. Teachers or supervisors, as well as colleagues may be able to offer accommodations. Accommodations are the tools and modifications to the working environment that permit disabled people to complete tasks just like the rest of us. For example the person who is short can utilize a step stool.
Hyperactive symptoms
Adults may show different symptoms than children. While children may be agitated, irritable and agitated, adult symptoms tend to be more subtle. They might forget about tasks or tasks, lose the time or location and make mistakes that aren't their fault. They may also feel stimulated and have trouble sitting still, even when eating a meal or in class. They may interrupt other students or provide answers prior to being asked to answer a question.
These symptoms can be triggered by a myriad of conditions. To determine the cause of symptoms and the most efficient treatment, a thorough psycho-psychiatric evaluation is required. These could include psychotherapy, medications and lifestyle adjustments. This could mean an improved diet along with more exercise and a better sleep schedule. This could include adjusting school or work assignments, and utilizing aidive tools such as calendars and planners, as well as apps for smartphones.
If adhd in adults treatment suspect you have ADHD, your first step should be to discuss your concerns with your family doctor or primary care doctor. You can find helpful tips to talk to your health care provider about mental health issues on the NIMH's How to Talk to Your Health Care Provider fact sheet.
It's important to know that to be considered diagnosed with ADHD, symptoms must occur in two or more settings and seriously interfere with everyday life. To be considered a candidate, they must have been present at least six month. Your provider will evaluate you to see if you have the inattentive or hyperactive/impulsive symptoms of ADHD.
In addition to lifestyle adjustments and changes, there are medications that can help manage your symptoms of ADHD. These drugs are known as stimulants. They function by enhancing the signals in your brain that influence your mood, attention, and behavior. Your doctor will prescribe the appropriate dose and will monitor your response. You might be prescribed a non-stimulant medicine in the event of a recurring side effects, if stimulants aren't working or in combination with stimulants to boost the effectiveness of treatment.
Impulsive Symptoms
Everybody loses keys or a phone from time to time however for those who suffer from inattentive ADHD small distractions are more of an issue. People with inattentive ADHD have a harder task of focusing on tasks, arranging their materials, and completing projects. As adults, this can cause a variety of half-finished tasks around the home: unpaid bills, unkempt homes and the vegetable garden that's been established but never watered.
Relationships are among the most prevalent areas where impulsive ADHD symptoms can lead to problems. People with ADHD who are impulsive ADHD are usually impatient and want instant satisfaction. They might be quick to enter social situations without thinking ahead or take risks that can lead to negative consequences. People who are impulsive may also react to stressful or emotional situations. A person may become very annoyed or defensive when arguing with family or friends.
A medical professional with a specialization in mental disorders will go over the medical history of a patient and conduct an examination to diagnose ADHD. The doctor will inquire about the symptoms and how they affect your relationships, work, and your home. To be diagnosed with any type of ADHD, a patient must display at least six of nine major symptoms. The symptoms must interfere with daily functioning and last at least six months (American Psychological Association, 2000).
Psychostimulants are the most effective treatment for ADHD. These medications target the way that certain chemicals interact with each other in the brain to regulate behaviour. The most common kind of stimulant is the methylphenidate that was initially used to treat ADHD in children. It is important to speak with your doctor regarding your medication if you are suffering from other health issues like depression or high blood pressure. Psychotherapy can help decrease impulsive symptoms and distracting behaviors in addition to medication. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a method of helping people recognize automatic or irrational thoughts that can trigger negative behavior, and develop strategies of self-regulation.
Combination Symptoms
Adults who were diagnosed with ADHD as children may develop symptoms into adulthood. They could experience mild or moderate symptoms that cause problems with their schoolwork, work, and social interactions. Other mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, could also require treatment. Adults may also experience problems with learning, which may make it difficult for them to understand or follow instructions in offices and classrooms.
Symptoms of the inattentive type of ADHD aren't as obvious in adults, but they can still affect how people function at home and work. It can be difficult for people with this kind of ADHD to sit quietly for college lectures or business meetings, and they may have trouble keeping up with assignments and work tasks. They may forget deadlines and appointments, and then lose their possessions. They also have difficulty keeping track of conversations or listening to music. They tend to be more easily distracted by the activities or people that are happening around them than the majority of people.
Hyperactive-impulsive ADHD symptoms are more common in adults than the inattentive type of the disorder, but they can be difficult to diagnose in adults, too. The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition (DSM-IV TR) has a criterion for diagnosing the disorder which includes symptoms that manifest at the age of 12 and occur in multiple settings and cause impairment in multiple domains including school or in relationships.
To qualify for a diagnosis of hyperactive-impulsive ADHD, people must have six or more symptoms that have persisted for at least six months. The symptoms must have started before the age of 12 and continue at school, at home, and in various work and social situations.
There's no reason for ADHD, but researchers are studying environmental and genetic factors that could be a factor. Research suggests that the brains of those who suffer from ADHD have difficulty regulating certain chemicals, including neurotransmitters that help to regulate mood, attention, and behavior.
If you are experiencing signs of ADHD discuss it with your primary care physician. Your doctor will conduct an examination and refer you for an assessment by an expert in mental health. Psychotherapy and medication are typically used to treat ADHD and other disorders, such as stimulants that raise the levels of certain brain chemicals. These include amphetamines and methylphenidate. Inform your doctor of all other medications you are taking such as vitamins or supplements. The FDA's website for medications contains information about approved medications, warnings and patient information guidelines.