ADHD in Adults - What You Need to Know
ADHD is an illness which causes issues with focus and hyperactivity. It can also lead to issues at work, school, home and in relationships.
Your doctor will use the most recent version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5 DSM-5) to diagnose ADHD. They will also take a look at how your symptoms impact your life.
Symptoms
ADHD is often seen as a disorder that is only affecting children. However, it's also common for adults. Many people suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed until their symptoms are severe and interfere with their lives. This can result in problems with your family and work relationships or even your health.
Talking to a therapist or doctor if it is suspected that you might be suffering from ADHD is an excellent idea. They can diagnose you and recommend treatment.
A complete clinical history is the first step to diagnosing your condition. This includes a complete review of your personal, medical and psychiatric history from childhood to the present.
This will enable the doctor to identify the current symptoms. The doctor should inquire about the patient's daily routine and whether or not they affect school, work, or social life.
Depending on the severity of symptoms, there are many different types of medicines that can be prescribed to treat ADHD. These include stimulants such as Adderall or Ritalin and non-stimulant medications.
You can also try behavior therapy or lifestyle changes. This can help you focus better, lessen anxiety and stress, and manage hyperactivity.
Your doctor will also conduct physical examinations and inquire about any mental health issues which could be contributing to symptoms resembling those of ADHD. They could be related to depression, anxiety or a drug use disorder like alcohol or nicotine abuse.
To help assess your ability to concentrate in short-term memory, distractibility and focus, you'll be required to complete a variety of tasks. These can be done at the office or at home.
Your doctor will also ask you if you have any other mental health issues such as depression or anxiety. They will also take a look at your sleep habits, diet and other factors to see if they are contributing to your symptoms.
The results of the test will reveal if you suffer from any of the symptoms listed below:
These symptoms are signs that you should seek professional help. They can identify you as having ADHD and recommend treatment, which could include treatment with medication, behavioral therapy or lifestyle changes.
Diagnosis
ADHD is a mental disorder that affects attention, behavior, and other executive functions. Although it's difficult to diagnose, the condition can be treated by taking medication or undergoing behavioral therapy.
Many people who have symptoms of ADHD will try self-assessment tools before visiting a doctor or mental health professional to seek an assessment. These tools include a self report with 40 items form as well as an electronic screening test that will help you determine if you have ADHD. These tests cannot be used to diagnose ADHD and aren't meant to replace expert assessments.
A specialist in the field will examine you with a combination of tests, interviews and questionnaires to determine a precise diagnosis. This may include a detailed history of your symptoms, a list of symptoms and questions about how they impact you in different situations. Your partner, parents or other close friends may be interviewed by the doctor.
In order to diagnose ADHD, your clinician must see that you have five or more persistent (recurring) symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity that cause significant impairment. This means that the symptoms interfere with your life for example, at your school or work environment and with your family or friends or in any other activity.
The symptoms you're experiencing could be new or have been being present for a while but they must have been consistently present prior to age 12 to qualify as being diagnosed. You might be asked to review old school reports or ask your parents to fill out a retrospective ADHD profile that describes your childhood behavior.
When you meet the criteria for a diagnosis, your clinician will then determine whether you have a combination of both inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity presentations or a single presentation. If you have both the doctor will search for other conditions that might cause similar symptoms to ADHD.
A doctor may also ask you to take ADHD surveys. They don't serve as a diagnostic tool, but can provide background information on your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. These surveys are not intended to diagnose ADHD however they can aid your healthcare provider in determining whether you're suffering from it and the best way to treat it.
Treatment
Treatment for ADHD in adults is generally comprised of medications behavioral strategies, skills training and therapy. It may take time to find the best combination that works for you.
Medications are the most common treatment option for ADHD. These drugs are intended to help balance and boost brain neurotransmitters. They also help improve concentration, decrease impulsivity and reduce hyperactivity. They can help you control your ADHD symptoms and make you feel better.
Stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin) or amphetamine (Adderall) are among the most popular prescription medications. Although they're effective for most people and can cause constipation, side effects like lowered sexual drive and constipation may occur.
Another drug, atomoxetine or strattera was approved for ADHD. Although it's not as effective as stimulants, but doesn't have the same adverse consequences, it's extremely effective.
Antidepressants are also an option for patients suffering from ADHD. These medications, like Bupropion (Wellbutrin) and Fluoxetine (Prozac) do not treat the condition , but they do decrease symptoms. These medicines are often prescribed to treat anxiety, depression and other mental health disorders that result from ADHD.
Your healthcare provider may recommend you visit psychiatrists if you have ADHD and other conditions. These specialists can assess your medical background, family history and other symptoms to determine the root of your difficulties.
The doctor may also inquire about other mental and physical health issues you may have, such as anxiety, depression, or substance abuse. These diseases can affect your ability to focus and learn, as well as be productive at work, school, or in relationships.
Your physician will employ guidelines test adhd in adults from the most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to determine your symptoms of ADHD. This is the typical handbook used by many health professionals to diagnose.
Your healthcare provider will conduct a series interviews and tests during the examination. These include a comprehensive diagnostic interview and DSM-5 checklists of symptoms.
Prevention
ADHD can be prevented with early detection and intervention. This can help reduce the severity and interfere with school functioning, improve normal growth and development, and improve quality of life for those diagnosed with ADHD.
There are a variety of measures that can be employed to prevent or mitigate the onset of adult ADHD such as psychotherapy, medication and behavioral management strategies. Support from family members can also be helpful.
The main type of treatment for adults with ADHD is medication known as psychostimulants. These include amphetamine sodium, which are advertised under the brand name Adderall and methylphenidate which is sold under names Ritalin, Concerta, Metadate and others.
ADHD patients who are able to take psychostimulants on a regular basis will often see a significant improvement in their symptoms. The patient may also learn to control their behavior and improve their relationships with other people.
ADHD medication is most effective when taken in conjunction with a food plan, brain training, and exercise. These strategies are extremely efficient for ADHD children and can be transformative for adults.
Adult patients may also benefit from counseling and educational programs. These treatments can teach individuals the skills to cope, boost self-esteem and change negative habits of thinking that contribute to their behavioral issues.
Counseling can help people manage the effects of ADHD and other mental disorders like depression and substance misuse. Counseling can assist people in dealing with stress and resentment often associated with ADHD.
ADHD sufferers can also benefit from other therapies such as dietary changes, physical activity, and programs for stress reduction. These strategies can help improve focus and reduce impulsive and hyperactive behaviors.
Many adults suffering from ADHD are not properly diagnosed or treated because of racial and cultural differences in ADHD diagnosis and treatment. For example that blacks and Hispanics are significantly less likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than whites, even though both groups have the same number of children who are affected by the disorder.
The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that more than 4 percent of American adults have been diagnosed with ADHD. Research suggests that this number is much higher.