ADHD Symptoms and Treatment in Adults
Many adults report that they are struggling to keep up with their daily activities frequently experiencing anger and mood swings. If you suspect you be suffering from ADHD, consult your primary care doctor or a mental health professional to conduct an evaluation.
Adult ADHD is diagnosed using the same criteria that it is for children. The symptoms must last at minimum six months, and cannot be caused by any other medical condition mood disorders or other medical conditions.
Inattentive symptoms
Many adults suffering from ADHD have difficulty keep up with schoolwork, work or household chores. They miss appointments, don't pay bills on time and struggle to maintain relationships with their family and friends. They are more likely than others to lose things, or make a mistake that could have grave consequences.
If you have problems managing your work or personal matters, you should talk to your health care provider. Your primary care physician will examine your situation and may refer you to a mental specialist should it be necessary.
The symptoms of inattentive ADHD are often misunderstood. People suffering from inattentive ADHD don't always listen when spoken to, forget easily or are often distracted by irrelevant thoughts. They may struggle to stay focused, make careless mistakes, or struggle with following instructions. They may also struggle with keeping their hands away from their faces or appear shaken.
Inattention to symptoms can cause a drop in performance at the workplace or at school and can result in anxiety and guilt for the affected. They can also cause issues in relationships with friends, family members and colleagues.
Health care professionals identify ADHD by conducting a clinical assessment that involves interviewing the person and analyzing their past behavior. They often request that the person complete a symptom questionnaire and may also conduct tests to rule out physical or mental health conditions that may have similar symptoms. The symptoms of ADHD should be present continuously before 12 years old to make a diagnosis.
Adults who suffer from inattention ADHD typically benefit from psychotherapy, lifestyle adjustments and other treatments that help to manage their symptoms. These treatments include therapy with medication, behavioral therapy and psychoeducation for families. Psychotherapy is a type of therapy that assists patients develop new attitudes, skills and ways of interacting with other people. Psychotherapy can teach strategies that will reduce self-destructive and impulsive behavior, improve organizational skills and build confidence.
It can be beneficial for people with inattentive ADHD to talk about their issues with a friend or family member, or a therapist. Teachers or supervisors, as well as colleagues might be able to provide accommodations. Accommodations are tools and changes to the environment that allow disabled people to carry out tasks like the rest of us. For example an individual who is short may use stepstools.
Hyperactive Symptoms
The symptoms of this type of ADHD might be different in adults than children. While children may be agitated, irritable and talkative the symptoms of adults tend to be more subtle. They might forget their tasks, lose track or place and make careless errors. They may also feel energetic and find it difficult to sit still, even while eating dinner or in class. They may interrupt other students or shout out answers before they've had the chance to ask an answer, or aren't able to wait their turn in conversations or games.
These symptoms can be caused by a variety of conditions. A thorough psychiatric examination is required to determine the cause of the symptoms and determine the most effective treatment options. These include psychotherapy, medication and lifestyle modifications. These could include an improved diet, exercise and sleep schedules. They could also include making adjustments to school or work assignments and using assistive devices like planners, calendars, and smartphones apps.
If you suspect that you may have ADHD, your first step should be to discuss your concerns with your family physician or primary care physician. You can find tips to talk to your health care provider regarding mental health issues on the NIMH's How to Talk to Your Health Care Provider fact sheet.
It's important to know that in order to be diagnosed with ADHD symptoms must be present in two or more settings and significantly interfere with everyday life. For them to qualify, 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.
In addition to lifestyle adjustments and changes There are also medications that can ease your symptoms of ADHD. These drugs are known as stimulants. They work by reorganizing the brain's signals that affect your mood, attention and behavior. Your doctor will prescribe you the right dosage and will be able to monitor your response. You might be prescribed a non-stimulant medication in the event of a recurring adverse effects, or when stimulants aren't working or is used in conjunction with stimulants to increase the effectiveness of treatment.
Impulsive Symptoms
Everyone loses keys or phone from time to time However, for those with inattentive ADHD the little distractions are more of an issue. People with inattentive ADHD have a tougher time following tasks, arranging their materials and completing their projects. As adults, this can result in a myriad of half-finished tasks around the house: unpaid bills and unkempt homes, as well as the vegetable garden that's been established but not watered.
Relationships are among the most common areas where impulsive ADHD symptoms can create difficulties. People with ADHD who are impulsive ADHD are often impatient and want immediate satisfaction. They may be prone to rushing into social situations without planning or taking risks, which can result in negative consequences. In addition, impulsive people may react too strongly in emotionally or stressful situations. For instance, a person might become highly annoyed or defensive in arguments with family members or friends.
A health care professional with a specialization in mental disorders will go over the medical background of a patient and perform an exam to diagnose ADHD. The doctor will inquire about your symptoms and how they affect your relationships, work, and your home. To be diagnosed with one of the types of ADHD, a person must have six or more of the nine major symptoms and the symptoms must interfere with daily functioning for at least six months (American Psychiatric Association 2000).
The most effective treatment for ADHD is psychostimulants, which are medications which target the way that certain chemicals interact with the brain to regulate behavior. The most well-known stimulant is methylphenidate. It was originally developed to treat ADHD in children. The medication may not be suitable for certain people suffering from other health issues, such as depression or high blood pressure Therefore, it is important to discuss your medication with your physician. In addition to medication, psychotherapy may help reduce the symptoms of distraction and impulsivity. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), focuses on teaching people to recognize Irrational or automatic thinking that triggers negative behaviors and to develop strategies for self-regulation.
Combination of Symptoms
Adults who suffered from ADHD as children may have symptoms that resurface during adulthood. They can have mild, moderate or severe symptoms that affect school, work, and social interactions. They could also be suffering from other mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, that require treatment. Adults may also experience learning issues, which could make it difficult for them to comprehend or follow instructions in classrooms and offices.
Symptoms of the inattentive type of ADHD aren't as easy to see in adults however, they can affect how people function at home and at work. It can be difficult for people with this kind of ADHD to be able to concentrate during classes or business meetings, and they might have trouble keeping up with assignments and work-related tasks. They may frequently lose track of their belongings and forget deadlines or appointments. They may also have difficulty following conversations or listening to music. adhd in adults symptoms and treatment are more susceptible to distraction by the activities or people 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 Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV TR) Fourth edition of the American Psychiatric Association, includes an assessment criteria to identify the disorder. This includes symptoms that start before age 12 and occur in multiple settings and cause issues across 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 have started before the age of 12 and persist at home, in school and in various work and social settings.
There's no reason for ADHD however, researchers are studying environmental and genetic factors that may have a role to play. According to research, people who suffer from ADHD may have difficulty regulating certain brain chemicals and brains, such as neurotransmitters that help control the mood, attention and behavior.
If you're experiencing symptoms of ADHD, talk to your primary care physician. Your doctor will conduct an examination and refer you to an expert in mental health to conduct an assessment. Treatment for ADHD usually involves psychotherapy and medications, such as stimulants that increase the levels of certain chemical in the brain. Amphetamines and methylphenidate as well as other stimulants are used. Inform your doctor of all other medications you take, including vitamins or supplements. The FDA's website for medications contains information about approved medications along with warnings and patient guides.