ADHD Symptoms and Treatment in Adults
Many adults report that they have trouble keeping up with daily tasks often expressing frustration and mood swings. If you think you might be suffering from ADHD consult your primary health care provider or mental health professional for an assessment.
Full Write-up is diagnosed with the same criteria as it is for children. The symptoms must last at minimum six months and cannot be explained by other medical conditions mood disorders or other medical conditions.
Attentive symptoms
Adults with ADHD often find it difficult to keep up with school, at work or with household chores. They frequently have trouble keeping appointments and fail to pay their bills on time, and have difficulty maintaining relationships with their family and friends. They are more likely to lose things or make a mistake that can have serious consequences.
If you have problems managing your personal or professional matters, you should talk to an expert in health care. Your primary care physician will assess your situation and recommend you to a mental health professional when appropriate.
Symptoms of inattention ADHD are often misunderstood. People with inattentive ADHD do not always listen when they are questioned, forget easily or are frequently distracted by irrelevant thoughts. They are unable to stay focused on their work, and can make a mistake or struggle to follow directions. They also have difficulty keeping their hands off their faces or may seem unstable or fidgety.
Inattention to the symptoms could lead to failure in the workplace or at school and can result in anger and shame for those affected. They can also cause problems with relationships with friends, family and co-workers.
The diagnosis of ADHD is based on a clinical assessment. This involves an interview with the patient as well as an examination of their past behavior. They often ask the person to fill out a questionnaire about their symptoms and may perform tests to determine if there are mental or physical illnesses that have similar symptoms. The symptoms of ADHD must be present consistently before the age of 12 for an diagnosis.
Adults suffering from inattention ADHD are often able to benefit from psychotherapy, lifestyle changes and other treatments that help to manage their symptoms. These treatments include medication as well as behavioral therapy and family psychoeducation. Psychotherapy is a type of counseling that assists patients learn new attitudes, skills and ways of engaging with others. Psychotherapy can help to reduce self-destructive, impulsive behavior, improve the ability to manage and organize, and boost confidence.
It may be helpful for people suffering from inattention ADHD to discuss their struggles with a friend or family member a therapist. Teachers, supervisors, and co-workers may be able offer accommodations. Accommodations are a way of making changes in the environment that allow the disabled person to perform tasks like others, like using a step stool to help those who are short.
Hyperactive Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of ADHD might be different in adults than children. Adult symptoms are more subtle. While children may be agitated and tense, adults tend to be less talkative. They may forget their assignments and lose track of time or place and make a few erroneous mistakes. They might also feel excessively active and find it difficult to sit still in a class or meal. They may interrupt other students or mutter answers before they've had the chance to ask questions, and may struggle to keep their place in conversations or games.
These symptoms can be triggered by a variety of ailments. To determine the cause of the symptoms and determine the most effective treatment, a complete mental health assessment is needed. These could include psychotherapy, medication and lifestyle adjustments. These could include an improved diet, exercise and sleep schedules. They may also require adjusting work or school assignments and making use of assistive devices like planners, calendars, and smartphones apps.
If you suspect that you have ADHD the first step is to discuss your concerns with your family physician or primary care doctor. The How to Talk to Your Provider factsheet from NIMH offers guidelines on how to communicate with your physician about mental health issues.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, the symptoms must be evident in at least two different settings and have a significant impact on everyday life. They must have been 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.
Alongside lifestyle adjustments and changes, there are medications that can help you manage the symptoms of ADHD. These medications are referred to as stimulants. They work by streamlining the signals in your brain that influence your attention, mood and behavior. Your doctor will prescribe the appropriate dose and will keep track of your response. You could be prescribed a non-stimulant medication in the event of a recurring side effects, if a stimulant isn't helping or is used in conjunction with stimulants to enhance the effectiveness of treatment.
The symptoms of an impulse
People who are inattentive ADHD are more likely to lose their keys or phones. People with inattentive ADHD have a difficult task of focusing on tasks, arranging their material, and completing projects. As adults, this may cause a variety of unfinished projects around the house, including unpaid bills, unkempt homes and a vegetable garden that was established but never tended to.
Relationships are one of the most prevalent areas where the impulsive ADHD symptoms can cause difficulties. People with hyperactive ADHD often feel anxious and require instant gratification. They may be impulsive and enter social situations without thinking ahead or take risks that can result in negative consequences. People who are impulsive may also react to emotional or stressful situations. A person may become very angry or defensive when fighting with family members or friends.
A health professional who specializes in mental disorders will go over the medical history of a patient and conduct an examination to determine ADHD. The doctor will ask you about the symptoms and how they impact your relationships, work, and home. To be diagnosed with either form of ADHD, a person must show at least six of nine major symptoms. The symptoms must hinder everyday functioning and last at least six months (American Association for Psychiatric Research, 2000).
Psychostimulants are the most effective treatment for ADHD. These medications target the way certain chemicals interact with each other in the brain to regulate behavior. The most well-known stimulant is methylphenidate. It was initially used to treat ADHD among children. It's important to talk with your physician about your medication if you are suffering from other health issues such as depression or high blood pressure. Psychotherapy can help decrease the symptoms of impulsivity and distracting behavior in addition to medication. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is focused on teaching people to identify automatic or irrational thinking that may trigger negative behavior and to develop strategies for self-regulation.
Combination of symptoms
Adults who were diagnosed with ADHD as children may be affected in later life. They can have mild, moderate or severe symptoms that interfere with school, work and social interactions. Other mental health issues, like anxiety or depression, might also require treatment. A few adults may also have learning disabilities that make it difficult to comprehend or follow instructions in classrooms and offices.
Adults may not be able to recognize the symptoms of inattentive ADHD however, it can be affecting their ability to function at home and work. It's hard for people who suffer from this type of ADHD to remain calm during classes or business meetings, and they could be unable to keep up with assignments and work tasks. They may forget deadlines and appointments, and then lose the track of their belongings. They might also have trouble listening to music or following conversations. They are more prone to being distracted 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 which includes symptoms that manifest at the age of 12 and occur in a variety of settings and result in impairment across multiple domains, such as at 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 persist at school, at home as well as in other work and social environments.
Researchers are investigating environmental and genetic factors that may be at play in the development of ADHD. According to studies, those with ADHD may have difficulty controlling certain brain chemicals, including neurotransmitters which help control mood, attention and behavior.
Speak to your primary health care provider if you exhibit signs of ADHD. Your doctor may conduct an exam of your body and recommend you to an expert in mental health to do an evaluation. Treatment for ADHD typically involves psychotherapy and medication like stimulants that increase the levels of certain chemicals in the brain. These include amphetamines and methylphenidate. Inform your doctor about any other medications you take, including vitamins or supplements. The FDA's medication website contains information on approved medications, warnings, and patient information guidelines.