ADHD in Adults - What You Need to Know
ADHD is an illness that causes issues with focus and hyperactivity. It can also lead to problems at school, work at home, in relationships and at home.
Your healthcare provider will use the most recent version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5 DSM-5) to diagnose ADHD. They will also take a look at the way that symptoms impact your life.
Symptoms
ADHD is often thought of as a disorder that is only affecting children. However, it's also common among adults. Many people suffering from ADHD go undiagnosed until their symptoms are severe and interfere with their lives. This can lead to problems with relationships at work, with family members and health.
If you or a loved one suspect that you have ADHD is important to speak to an therapist or doctor. They can diagnose you and suggest treatment.
A thorough clinical history is the first step to diagnosing your condition. This includes a full review of your medical, personal, and psychiatric history from childhood to the present.
This will help the clinician elicit current symptoms accurately. The doctor should inquire about the impact of the symptoms on the person's daily routine, and whether they affect social, school or work performance.
There are a variety of medications that can be prescribed to treat ADHD according to the severity of the symptoms. These include stimulants such as Ritalin or Adderall, as well as non-stimulant drugs.
You may also try the behavioral therapy or lifestyle change. This can help you concentrate better, lessen anxiety and stress, and control hyperactivity.
In addition to a physical exam, your doctor will ask you about any other mental health issues that could cause similar symptoms as those of ADHD. These can include depression, anxiety or a substance abuse disorder, such as alcohol or nicotine abuse.
You are expected to complete a number of tasks to evaluate your concentration, distractibility, and short-term memory. These can be done in the workplace or at home.
Your doctor will also ask if you have any other mental health issues, including anxiety or depression. Your habits with regard to sleep, diet and other variables will be assessed to determine if they are contributing.
The results of the test should determine if you are suffering from any of the following symptoms:
If you have these symptoms, it is time to seek help from an expert. They will be able to diagnose you with ADHD and recommend treatment, which could include treatment with medication, behavioral therapy or lifestyle modifications.
Diagnosis
ADHD is a disorder of the mind which causes problems with attention, behavior , and other executive functions. It can be difficult to diagnose however it can be treated with medication and behavioral therapy.
Many people with ADHD symptoms will first test self-assessment instruments before going to an occupational therapist or doctor. These tools include a self report with 40 items form as well as an electronic screening test to help you determine if you have ADHD. However, these tests can't be used to make a clinical diagnosis and cannot substitute for an assessment by a professional.
To accurately diagnose you, a specialist in the field will use an amalgamation of interviews, questionnaires and tests. This may include a detailed medical history, a checklist of symptoms, and questions about how they impact your life in different situations. The doctor might 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 daily life for example at the workplace or at school and with your family or friends or in other settings.
The symptoms you're experiencing may be brand new or have been occurring for a long period of time but they must have been present prior to the age of 12 to be eligible for being diagnosed. You may be asked review old school reports or have your parents complete an 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 both the doctor will search for other conditions that may cause similar symptoms as ADHD.
A doctor may also ask you to take ADHD surveys. These don't serve as a diagnostic tool but can provide background information on your symptoms and how they affect your life. These surveys aren't designed to give an assessment, but they can assist your healthcare professional determine if you're suffering from ADHD and the type of treatment you require.
Treatment
Treatment for ADHD for adults is typically comprised of medications, behavior strategies, life skills training, and therapy. It may take a bit of time to find the best combination for you.
Medicines are the most popular treatment option for ADHD. These medications are intended to help balance and boost brain neurotransmitters. They also help improve concentration, decrease impulsivity and reduce hyperactivity. They can aid in managing ADHD symptoms and make it easier to feel better.
Stimulants, like methylphenidate (Ritalin) or amphetamine (Adderall) are among the most commonly prescribed prescription medications. They are safe for the majority of people, however, they can cause side effects, such as constipation and decreased sex drive.
Another drug, atomoxetine or strattera, has been approved for ADHD. It's not as efficient as stimulants, however it does not have the same side effects.
Many ADHD patients are able to treat themselves with antidepressants. These medicines, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) and fluoxetine (Prozac) aren't able to address the problem directly, but can help reduce the symptoms. They are usually prescribed for anxiety, depression or other mental health disorders which have developed as result of ADHD.
Your doctor may suggest you visit an Psychologist if you suffer from ADHD or other medical conditions. These professionals can analyze your medical background, family history, and other symptoms to identify the causes of your problems.
Your doctor may also ask you about any mental or physical health concerns, including anxiety, depression or substance abuse, as well as other physical and mental conditions. These conditions can impact your ability to focus or learn, and also be productive at work, school, 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 determine your symptoms of ADHD. This is the standard handbook used by most healthcare practitioners to determine a diagnosis.
During the examination the healthcare provider will conduct a series of tests and interviews. These include a thorough diagnostic interview, DSM-5 symptom checklists and standardized behavioral rating scales for ADHD.
Prevention
Early intervention and detection may help to reduce the risk of ADHD. This can decrease the severity of the condition and hinder school performance, enhance normal growth and development, test for adhd in adults and improve the quality of life for people diagnosed with ADHD.
There are many methods to avoid or limit the development of ADHD in adulthood. These include medication, psychotherapy, and strategies for managing behavior. In addition, support from immediate family members can help.
The most common type of treatment for adults with ADHD is medications known as psychostimulants. They include amphetamines salts that are sold under the brand Adderall and methylphenidate. It is sold under the brand name Ritalin Concerta Metadate.
If a person suffering from ADHD is in a position to regularly take psychostimulants they are likely to notice an improvement in their symptoms. The patient might also be able to manage their behavior and improve their relationships with others.
ADHD medication is most effective if used in conjunction with a diet 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.
In addition to medications, counseling and educational programs can be extremely effective for adult patients. These therapies can help people improve their coping skills and self-esteem as well as alter bad thinking patterns that can lead to their behavior issues.
Counseling can help people deal with the effects of ADHD and other psychiatric disorders, including depression and substance misuse. Counseling can assist people in dealing with the stress and resentment commonly associated with ADHD.
ADHD sufferers can also benefit from other therapies such as diet changes and physical activity as well as programs to reduce stress. These strategies can help improve concentration and reduce impulsive or hyperactive behavior.
Many adults with ADHD are not diagnosed or treated appropriately due to cultural and racial differences in ADHD diagnosis and treatment. Hispanics and blacks are less likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than whites, despite having the same amount of children with 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 number is much higher.