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 be suffering from ADHD, consult your primary care provider or an expert in mental health for an assessment.
The criteria for diagnosing adult ADHD is similar to the criteria used for children The symptoms must be present for at least 6 months and are not be more easily explained by other medical conditions or mood disorders.
Attention-deficit Signs and symptoms
Adults with ADHD typically have difficulty to keep up with school, at work or with household chores. They are late for appointments, don't pay their bills on time and have difficulty maintaining relationships with their family and friends. They are more likely than other people to lose things, or make mistakes that could have grave consequences.
Speak with your health care provider if you have difficulty keeping track of personal or work issues. Your primary care provider will assess your situation and recommend you to a mental health specialist when appropriate.
Inattentive ADHD is often misunderstood. People suffering from inattentive ADHD do not always listen when they are spoken to and are easily distracted or frequently distracted by irrelevant thoughts. They have difficulty staying focused on tasks, may make careless errors or struggle to follow directions. They may also have difficulty keeping their hands away from their faces or appear shaky.
Inattention to the symptoms could cause a drop in performance at the workplace or at school which can lead to frustration and shame for those affected. They can also cause problems in relationships with friends, family and colleagues.
The diagnosis of ADHD is based on the clinical assessment. This involves an interview with the patient as well as an examination of their previous behavior. They will often require the patient to fill out a questionnaire about their symptoms and may conduct tests for medical reasons to rule out physical or mental health conditions that share similar symptoms. The symptoms of ADHD must be present consistently before age 12 for the diagnosis to be established.
Adults with inattentive ADHD might benefit from a psychotherapy session and lifestyle changes to help manage their symptoms. These treatments include medication, behavioral therapy and psychoeducation for families. Psychotherapy is a kind of counseling that helps patients develop new attitudes, skills and ways of interacting with other people. The practice of behavioral therapy can teach methods that will reduce impulsive and self-destructive behaviors as well as improve organizational skills and increase confidence.
People who have inattention ADHD might find it beneficial to talk about their issues with a trusted friend, family member or therapist. Teachers or supervisors as well as coworkers may be able to offer accommodations. Accommodations are tools or changes in the environment that allow a person with a disability to do the same tasks as others, like having a step stool for those who are short.
Hyperactive symptoms
The signs and symptoms of ADHD can be different in adults as compared to children. While children might fidget, appear restless and talkative while adult symptoms tend to be more subtle. They might forget to complete tasks, get lost or lose place and make careless errors. They also may feel overly energetic and find it difficult to sit still, even while eating a meal or in class. They might interrupt others or blurt out answers before they've been asked questions, and may have trouble waiting their turn during games or conversations.
These symptoms could be caused by a myriad of conditions. To determine the cause of the symptoms and determine the most effective treatment, a full psychiatric assessment is required. These include psychotherapy, medications and lifestyle changes. These could include an improved diet, exercise and sleep schedules. These can include adjusting school or work assignments and using assistive tools like calendars and planners, as well as apps for smartphones.
If you suspect you may have ADHD The first step should be to discuss your concerns with your family doctor or primary care physician. The How to Talk to Your Provider factsheet from NIMH provides suggestions on how to speak with your physician regarding mental health issues.
To be considered to have ADHD symptoms must be evident in at least two different settings and have an impact on your everyday life. They must be present for at least six months in order to be eligible. Your provider will evaluate you to see if you have the inattentive or hyperactive/impulsive symptoms of ADHD.
There are a variety of medications available that can assist you in managing your ADHD symptoms, as well as lifestyle modifications and accommodations. These medications are referred to as stimulants. They function by enhancing the signals in your brain that influence your attention, mood and behavior. Your doctor will determine the best dose of the medication for you and track your reaction to treatment. adhd treatment for adults without medication could be prescribed a non-stimulant drug when you have bothersome side effects, when the stimulant isn't working, or when combined with stimulants to boost the effectiveness of treatment.
Impulsive Symptoms
People with inattentive ADHD are more likely to lose their keys or mobile phones. People with inattentive ADHD have a difficult managing their tasks, organizing their materials and completing projects. As adults, the result may be a million half-finished projects around the house, such as unpaid bills, messy homes, and the vegetable garden that was planted but never watered.
The impulsive symptoms of ADHD can cause issues in a variety of areas of life, but especially in relationships. People who suffer from impulsive ADHD are usually fast-paced and crave immediate gratification. They may be impulsive and enter social situations without thinking ahead, or take risks that could lead to negative consequences. People who are impulsive may also react to stressful or emotional situations. One can become frustrated or defensive in a dispute with family or friends.
A medical professional who specializes in mental disorders will review the medical history of a patient, and conduct an examination to determine ADHD. The doctor will also inquire about how the symptoms affect your work, home and relationships. To be diagnosed with one of the types of ADHD, a person must exhibit six or more of the nine main symptoms and the symptoms must be interfering with daily functioning for at least six months (American Psychiatric Association 2000).
The most effective treatment for ADHD is psychostimulants, which are drugs which target the way that certain chemicals interact in the brain to regulate behavior. The most commonly used type of stimulant is methylphenidate, which was first used to treat ADHD in children. It's important to talk with your doctor about your medication if are suffering from other health issues like depression or high blood pressure. In addition to medicines, psychotherapy may help reduce impulsive and distracting symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is focused on helping people recognize unintentional or irrational thoughts which can trigger negative behavior, and develop strategies of self-regulation.
Combination symptoms
Adults who were diagnosed with ADHD as children can be affected in later life. They can have mild, moderate, or severe symptoms that hinder work, school and social interactions. Other mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, could also require treatment. Some adults may also have learning disabilities, which make it difficult to comprehend or follow instructions in classrooms and offices.
Adults may not be able to detect the signs of inattention ADHD however, it can be affecting their ability to function at work and home. It's difficult for those who suffer from this type of ADHD to sit quietly for classes or business meetings, and they could struggle to keep track of assignments and work assignments. They often lose track of their belongings and forget appointments or deadlines. They may also have difficulty following conversations or listening to music. They are more prone to being distracted by the people or activities in the vicinity 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 American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fourth Edition (DSM-IV TR) has a diagnostic criteria that includes symptoms that start at the age of 12 and occur in multiple settings and cause impairment in a variety of areas like 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 be present before the age of 12 and continue at home, in school, and in other social and work environments.
There's no known cause of ADHD however, researchers are studying environmental and genetic factors that may have a role to play. Research suggests that the brains of those who suffer from ADHD have trouble regulating certain chemicals, such as neurotransmitters that control attention, mood and behavior.
Consult your primary healthcare provider if there are symptoms of ADHD. Your doctor may conduct an examination and recommend you to a mental health professional to do an evaluation. Treatment for ADHD usually involves psychotherapy as well as medications including stimulants, which increase the levels of certain chemical in the brain. These include amphetamines and methylphenidate. You should tell your doctor about any other medicines you take, such as supplements and vitamins. The FDA's medication website has information on approved medicines along with warnings and patient guides.