ADHD Symptoms and Treatment in Adults
Many adults discover that they are struggling to keep up with their daily activities, often experiencing frustration and mood swings. If you suspect you might be suffering from ADHD check with your primary health care provider or mental-health professional for an evaluation.
The criteria for diagnosing adult ADHD is similar to that for children The symptoms must be present over 6 months and not be better explained by other medical disorders or mental health issues.
Inattentive Symptoms
Many people with ADHD find it difficult to complete homework, work or household chores. They frequently miss appointments, fail to pay bills on time, and have difficulty maintaining relationships with their family and friends. They are more likely to lose items or make careless mistakes that can have serious consequences.
If you have problems managing your personal or work-related affairs, consider speaking with your health care provider. Your primary care doctor will assess your situation and possibly refer you to a mental health professional when needed.
Inattentive ADHD is often misunderstood. People suffering from inattentive ADHD do not always listen when they are spoken to, forget easily or are frequently distracted by irrelevant thoughts. They may struggle to stay focused, make careless mistakes, or struggle with following instructions. They may also have difficulty keeping their hands away from their faces, or appear to be shaken.
Inattention to the symptoms can lead to failure at work or school which can lead to frustration and shame for the person suffering. They can also cause problems in relationships with family, friends and co-workers.
The diagnosis of ADHD is based on a clinical assessment. This includes an interview with the patient and a review of past behavior. They may ask the individual to fill out an inventory of symptoms and run medical tests to determine if there are other conditions that have similar symptoms. Symptoms of ADHD must be consistent before age 12 for the diagnosis to be established.
Adults suffering from inattention ADHD might benefit from psychotherapy and lifestyle modifications to ease their symptoms. These treatments include medications as well as behavioral therapy and family psychoeducation. Psychotherapy is a form of counseling that helps patients learn new attitudes, skills and ways of engaging with others. Psychotherapy can help to reduce self-destructive and impulsive behavior, improve the ability to manage and organize, and boost confidence.
It can be beneficial for people with inattentive ADHD to discuss their struggles with a friend, family member, or therapist. They might also be able to seek accommodations from teachers, supervisors and co-workers. Accommodations are the tools and modifications to the environment that allow disabled people to perform tasks as everyone else. For instance an individual who is short may utilize stepstools.
Hyperactive symptoms
Adults can exhibit different symptoms as children. While children may be agitated, irritable and agitated the symptoms of adults tend to be more subtle. They may forget their assignments and lose the time or location and make mistakes that aren't their fault. They might also feel stimulated and have trouble sitting still, even when eating a meal or in class. They may interrupt other students or blurt out answers before they've been asked a question, and struggle to keep their place in games or conversations.
There are many ailments that can trigger these symptoms. To determine the root of symptoms and the most effective treatment, a full psychiatric assessment is required. This includes psychotherapy, medication and lifestyle changes. This could mean a healthier eating plan as well as more exercise and a better sleep schedule. They can also involve changing school or work assignments and using assistive devices like planners, calendars, and smartphones apps.
If you suspect you have ADHD the first step is to discuss your concerns with your family physician or primary care doctor. You can find tips for talking with your health care provider regarding mental health issues on the NIMH's How to Talk to Your Health Care Provider fact sheet.
To be considered to have ADHD the symptoms must be present in at least two environments and have a significant impact on daily life. To be considered a candidate, they must have been present for at least six months. Your provider will evaluate you to see if you have the inattentive or hyperactive/impulsive symptoms of ADHD.
There are medications to assist you in managing your ADHD symptoms, as well as adaptations to your lifestyle and accommodation. These drugs are known as stimulants. doctors that treat adhd in adults function by enhancing the signals in your brain that affect your mood, attention and behavior. Your doctor will determine the best dose of the medication for you and monitor your reaction to treatment. You might be prescribed non-stimulant drugs if you experience side effects or if a stimulant doesn't work. They are also used in combination with stimulants to boost effectiveness.
The symptoms of an impulse
People who are inattentive ADHD are more likely to lose their keys or mobile phones. Whether it's doodling in class or losing track of the time during a meeting, people with inattention ADHD find it harder to follow tasks, organize their materials and complete projects. As adults, the result may be a million unfinished projects around the house, such as unpaid bills, messy homes, and the vegetable garden that was started but never watered.
The symptoms of impulsive ADHD can cause problems in many areas of life, but especially when it comes to relationships. People with ADHD who are impulsive ADHD are often anxious and seek immediate gratification. They may be impulsive and enter social situations without planning ahead, or take risks that can result in negative consequences. In addition, impulsive individuals may react too strongly in emotional or stressful situations. One can become angry or defensive when fighting with family members or friends.
To be diagnosed with one of the two types of ADHD, a health professional who specializes in mental disorders must review a person's medical history and conduct an examination. The doctor will ask you about your symptoms and how they impact your relationships at work, in your family, and at your home. To be diagnosed with any type of ADHD, a person must show at least six of nine major symptoms. The symptoms must hinder daily functioning and last at least six months (American Association for Psychiatric Research, 2000).
Psychostimulants are the most effective treatment for ADHD. They affect the way certain chemicals communicate with one another in the brain to regulate behavior. The most commonly used type of stimulants is methylphenidate, which was first used to treat ADHD in children. It is essential to speak with your doctor regarding your medication if you have other health conditions such as depression or high blood pressure. In addition to medication, psychotherapy may help reduce the symptoms of distraction and impulsivity. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a method of teaching people to recognize Irrational or automatic thinking that may trigger negative behavior and devise strategies for self-regulation.
Combination Symptoms
Adults who experienced ADHD as children may have symptoms that come back in adulthood. They may experience mild, moderate or severe symptoms that affect school, work and social interactions. They also may have other mental health issues like depression or anxiety that require treatment. Adults may also experience learning issues, which could make it difficult for them to comprehend or follow directions in classrooms and offices.
Symptoms of the inattentive type of ADHD aren't as obvious in adults but they do impact how people function at home and work. It's difficult for those with this kind of ADHD to remain calm during college lectures or business meetings, and they could have trouble keeping up with assignments and work tasks. They might forget deadlines or appointments, and may lose track of their belongings. They also have difficulty keeping track of conversations or listening to music. They are more prone to being distracted by people or activities around than most 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 Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV TR) 4th edition of the American Psychiatric Association, includes an assessment criteria to identify the disorder. This includes symptoms that begin before age 12 and are present in a variety of settings and can cause problems in multiple domains.
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 be present before the age of 12 and persist at school, at home, and in other work and social settings.
Researchers are studying genetic and environmental factors which might be responsible for the development of ADHD. Studies suggest that the brains of those with ADHD are unable to regulate certain chemicals, including neurotransmitters which help manage mood, attention and behavior.
Talk to your primary healthcare provider if you show indications of ADHD. Your doctor will conduct an exam of your body and refer you to an expert in mental health to conduct an assessment. Psychotherapy and medication are typically employed to treat ADHD and other disorders, such as stimulants that boost the levels of certain brain chemicals. These include amphetamines and methylphenidate. Tell your doctor about all other medications you take such as vitamins or supplements. The FDA's medication website contains information about approved medications along with warnings and patient guidelines.