ADHD Symptoms and Treatment in Adults
Many adults have difficulty keeping up with their everyday tasks. They often experience frustration and mood shifts. If you suspect that you have ADHD take a look at your primary care doctor or an expert in mental health to conduct an evaluation.
The criteria for determining adult ADHD is the same as that for children: symptoms must be present for at least 6 months and are not better explained by other medical disorders or conditions.
Attentive symptoms
Adults with ADHD typically have difficulty to keep up with school, at work or with household chores. They often miss appointments and fail to pay their bills on time, and have difficulty maintaining relationships with their family and friends. They are more likely than other people to lose possessions, or make a mistake which can result in serious consequences.
Speak with your health care provider if you have difficulty keeping track of work or personal matters. Your primary care provider will assess your situation and recommend you to a mental health specialist if appropriate.
The symptoms of inattention ADHD are often misunderstood. People suffering from inattentive ADHD are not always attentive when spoken to. They forget easily or get distracted by unrelated thoughts. They may have trouble staying on task, make mistakes, or struggle with following instructions. They also have trouble keeping their hands off their faces or appear shaky or fidgety.
Inattentive symptoms may cause a drop in performance at school or at work, which can cause frustration and shame for those affected. They can also cause problems in relationships with family, friends and co-workers.
The diagnosis of ADHD is based on a clinical assessment. This involves an interview with the patient and an assessment of the past behavior. More suggestions request that the person answer a symptom questionnaire, and may conduct medical tests to determine if there are mental or physical health conditions that share similar symptoms. The symptoms of ADHD must be present consistently prior to the age of 12 to be able to determine if it is an assessment.
Adults with inattention ADHD typically benefit from psychotherapy, lifestyle adjustments and other treatments that help to manage their symptoms. These treatments include medications, behavioral therapy and family psychoeducation. Psychotherapy is a kind of therapy that assists patients develop new skills, attitudes, and ways to interact with others. Behavioral therapy can help reduce self-destructive, impulsive behavior, improve the ability to manage and organize, and boost confidence.
People with inattentive ADHD might find it beneficial to discuss their struggles with a trusted family member or therapist. Teachers, supervisors, and co-workers may be able offer accommodations. Accommodations are tools and changes to the environment that enable the disabled person to carry out tasks like all other people. For example an individual who is short may utilize a step stool.
Hyperactive symptoms
Adults may show different symptoms as children. While children might be agitated, irritable and talkative 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 be overly active and struggle to sit still in a class or meal. They may interrupt other students or provide answers prior to being asked an inquiry.
These symptoms could be caused by a variety of conditions. To determine the root of the symptoms and determine the most efficient treatment, a thorough psychiatric assessment is required. These can include psychotherapy, medications and lifestyle adjustments. This could mean a healthier eating plan along with more exercise and better sleeping schedules. They can also involve adjusting work or school assignments, and using assistive devices like planners, calendars, and smartphones apps.
If you suspect that you may have ADHD The first step should be to discuss your concerns with your family doctor or primary care doctor. The How to Talk to Your Provider factsheet from NIMH contains tips on how to talk with your physician about mental health issues.
It is important to understand that in order to be diagnosed with ADHD, symptoms must occur in two or more settings and significantly interfere with everyday life. To be eligible 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 modifications and accommodations There are also medications that can help manage the symptoms of ADHD. These are known as stimulants. They work by reorganizing brain's signals that influence your mood and attention, as well as your behavior. Your doctor will prescribe you the right dose and monitor your response. You may be prescribed non-stimulant medications when you experience adverse reactions or if a stimulant does not work. They are also used in combination with stimulants to boost effectiveness.
Impulsive Symptoms
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 in a meeting, those with inattentive ADHD find it harder to follow tasks, organize their materials and complete their 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 started but never watered.
The impulsive symptoms of ADHD can create issues in a variety of areas of life, but particularly in relationships. People who have hyperactive ADHD often feel impatient and need instant gratification. They might jump into social situations without thinking ahead or take risks that can lead to negative consequences. People who are impulsive may also react to stressful or emotional situations. For instance, someone might become highly annoyed or defensive in arguments with family members or friends.
To be diagnosed with one of the two kinds of ADHD the healthcare professional who is trained in mental disorders should review a person's medical history and conduct an examination. The doctor will also ask questions about how the symptoms affect your home, work and personal relationships. In order to be diagnosed with one of the types of ADHD one must have at least six of the nine main symptoms and the symptoms must interfere with daily functioning for at least six months (American Association for Psychiatric Research 2000).
The most effective treatment for ADHD is psychostimulants. These are drugs which target the way that certain chemicals interact with the brain to regulate behavior. The most common type of stimulant is methylphenidate, which was first used to treat ADHD in children. It is essential to speak with your doctor about your medication if are suffering from other health issues like depression or high blood pressure. In addition to medicines psychotherapy can help reduce the symptoms of distraction and impulsivity. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is focused on helping people recognize Irrational or automatic thinking that can trigger negative behaviors and devise strategies for self-regulation.
Combination of Symptoms
Adults who were diagnosed with ADHD as children can develop symptoms into adulthood. They can have mild, moderate, or severe symptoms that interfere with school, work and social interactions. They also may have other mental health issues like depression or anxiety that require treatment. Some adults also have problems with learning, which may make it difficult for them to understand or follow directions in classrooms and offices.
The symptoms of the inattentive form of ADHD aren't as obvious in adults, but they can still influence how people perform at home and work. This kind of ADHD can make it difficult for people to sit still during business meetings or college lectures. They may also have trouble keeping up with their work and assignments. They often lose track of their belongings and forget appointments or deadlines. They also have trouble following conversations or listening to music. They are more susceptible to distraction by the 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), fourth edition of the American Psychiatric Association, includes a criterion to diagnose the disorder. This includes symptoms that start at the age of 12 and can be seen in a variety of settings and can cause problems in a variety of 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. Symptoms must have started before the person was 12 years old. They must persist at home, in school, as well as in social and work settings.
Researchers are studying the effects of environmental and genetic factors that may be responsible for the development of ADHD. According to research, people with ADHD may have difficulty regulating certain brain chemicals, including neurotransmitters which aid in controlling the mood, attention and behavior.
If you are experiencing signs of ADHD you should talk to your primary care provider. Your doctor may conduct a physical exam and recommend you to an expert in mental health care to conduct an assessment. Psychotherapy and medicines are commonly used to treat ADHD with stimulants that raise the levels of certain brain chemicals. These include amphetamines and methylphenidate. Tell adhd treatment in adults about all other medications you are taking such as vitamins or supplements. The FDA's medication website contains information about approved medicines along with warnings and information guides.