ADHD Symptoms and Treatment in Adults
Many adults discover that they are struggling to keep up with the demands of daily life often expressing frustration and mood swings. If you suspect that you might be suffering from ADHD consult your primary health care provider or a mental-health professional to conduct an evaluation.
Adult ADHD is diagnosed with the same criteria as it is for children. The symptoms should last at minimum six months and cannot be caused by any other medical condition mood disorders, other medical conditions.
Inattentive Symptoms
Many people with ADHD struggle to complete homework, work or household chores. They are late for appointments, don't pay their bills on time and have difficulty maintaining relationships with friends and family. They are more likely to lose things or make mistakes that can have serious consequences.
If you are having trouble keeping track of your personal or work-related matters, you should talk to a health care provider. Your primary care doctor can evaluate your situation and refer you to a mental health specialist when appropriate.
The symptoms of inattentive ADHD are often misunderstood. People who suffer from inattentive ADHD are not always attentive when spoken to. They forget easily or are distracted by irrelevant thoughts. They may have trouble staying focused, make erroneous mistakes, or struggle with following instructions. They also struggle to keep their hands from their face or appearing unstable or fidgety.
Inattention to the symptoms could cause a drop in performance at school or at work, which can cause anger and shame for the affected. They can also cause problems in relationships with friends, family 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 often request that the person complete a symptom questionnaire and may perform tests for medical reasons to determine if there are mental or physical illnesses that have similar symptoms. Symptoms of ADHD must be consistent before age 12 in order for the diagnosis to be established.
Adults with inattention ADHD are often able to benefit from psychotherapy, lifestyle changes and other treatments to manage their symptoms. These treatments include medications as well as behavioral therapy and family psychoeducation. Psychotherapy is a form of therapy that helps patients develop new skills, attitudes and ways of engaging with other people. The use of behavioral therapy can help decrease impulsive, self-destructive behavior, increase the ability to manage and organize, and boost confidence.
People with inattention ADHD may find it helpful to discuss their struggles with a trusted friend, family member or therapist. They may also seek accommodations from their teachers or supervisors as well as colleagues. Accommodations are the tools or modifications in the environment that allow a person with a disability to carry out tasks just like everyone else, such as having a step stool for someone who is short.
Hyperactive Symptoms
Adults can exhibit different symptoms in comparison to children. Adult symptoms are less obvious. While adhd in adults characterization diagnosis and treatment may seem to be restless and fidget while adults tend to be less talkative. They might forget their tasks, lose track of or get lost and make a few mistakes. They also may feel overly energised and struggle to sit still, even while eating dinner or in class. They may interrupt others or shout out answers before they've had the chance to ask an answer, or struggle to keep their place in conversations or games.
There are many conditions that can cause these symptoms. A comprehensive psychiatric assessment is required to determine the root of the symptoms and determine the most effective treatment. This could include psychotherapy, medications and lifestyle changes. This could mean the use of a healthier diet plan, more exercise and a better sleep schedule. This can be done by adjusting school or work assignments, and utilizing aidive tools like calendars or planners, as well as smartphone apps.
If you suspect that you may have ADHD, your first step is to discuss your concerns with your family physician or primary care physician. The How to Talk to Your Provider factsheet from NIMH provides suggestions on how to speak with your provider regarding mental health issues.
To be considered to have ADHD, the symptoms must appear in at least two settings and have an impact on your everyday life. They must be present for at least six months in order to qualify. Your provider will evaluate you to see if you have the inattentive or hyperactive/impulsive symptoms of ADHD.
There are medications available that can aid in managing your ADHD symptoms in addition to lifestyle modifications and accommodations. These drugs are known as stimulants. They function by reorganizing brain's signals that influence your mood, attention and behavior. Your doctor will prescribe you the right dosage and will be able to observe your response. You might be prescribed non-stimulant medications in the event of side effects or if a stimulant does not work. They are also used in combination with stimulants to increase the effectiveness.
Instinctive Symptoms
People who are inattentive ADHD are more likely to lose their keys or phones. People with inattentive ADHD have a harder time following tasks, arranging their material and completing their projects. As adults, the result may be a million incomplete projects around the house, such as unpaid bills, dirty houses and the vegetable garden that was started but never watered.
Relationships are one of the most prevalent areas where impulsive ADHD symptoms can cause issues. People with hyperactive ADHD often feel impatient and need immediate gratification. They might be quick to enter social situations without planning ahead or take risks that can result in negative consequences. In addition, impulsive people might react in a stressful or emotional situations. A person may become very frustrated or defensive in a dispute with family or friends.
To get diagnosed with one of the two kinds of ADHD the healthcare professional who is trained in mental disorders must review a person's medical history and conduct an exam. The doctor will also ask questions about how the symptoms affect your home, work and personal relationships. To be diagnosed with any type of ADHD, a patient must exhibit at least six of the nine main symptoms. The symptoms must hinder daily functioning and last at least six months (American Psychiatric Association 2000).
The most effective treatment for ADHD is psychostimulants, which are drugs that affect the way certain chemicals interact in the brain to regulate behavior. The most commonly used stimulant is methylphenidate. It was originally developed to treat ADHD among children. The medication may not be appropriate for some people with other health conditions like high blood pressure or depression Therefore, it is essential to discuss your medications with your doctor. Psychotherapy can help decrease the symptoms of impulsivity and distracting behavior in addition to medications. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), focuses on teaching people to identify Irrational or automatic thinking that triggers negative behaviors and devise strategies for self-regulation.
Combined symptoms
Adults who were diagnosed with ADHD as children may develop symptoms into adulthood. They can have mild, moderate, or severe symptoms that hinder school, work, and social interactions. They may also have other mental health problems, such as depression or anxiety, which require treatment. Many adults also suffer from learning difficulties, which can make it difficult for them to comprehend or follow directions in offices and classrooms.
Adults might not be able to identify the signs of inattention ADHD, but it can be affecting their ability to function at home and work. It can be difficult for people with this kind of ADHD to be able to concentrate during college lectures or business meetings, and they may struggle to keep track of assignments and work assignments. They might forget deadlines or appointments, and may lose their possessions. They might also have trouble following conversations or listening music. They are more susceptible to distraction by 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 before age 12and can manifest in multiple settings and cause impairment across multiple domains including school and 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. Symptoms must have started before the person was 12 years old and continue at home, in school, as well as in other social and work situations.
There's no reason for ADHD however, researchers are studying genetic and environmental factors that could have a role to play. Research suggests that the brains of those who suffer from ADHD have difficulty regulating certain chemicals, including neurotransmitters that to regulate mood, attention, and behavior.
Speak to your primary health care provider if you exhibit signs of ADHD. Your doctor can conduct an examination of your body and refer you to an evaluation by a mental health professional. Treatment for ADHD typically involves psychotherapy and medication, such as stimulants that boost levels of certain chemicals in the brain. These include amphetamines and methylphenidate. Inform your doctor of all other medications you are taking, including vitamins or supplements. The FDA's medication website contains information about approved medications along with warnings and information guidelines.