ADHD Symptoms and Treatment in Adults
Many adults have difficulty keeping up with their daily activities. They are often frustrated and mood swings. If you suspect you might be suffering from ADHD check with your primary health care provider or mental-health professional to conduct an evaluation.
The criteria for determining adult ADHD is similar to that for children ADHD: symptoms must be evident over 6 months and not be more easily explained by other medical disorders or mental health issues.
Inattentive symptoms
Many people with ADHD find it difficult to keep up with schoolwork, work or household chores. They are late for appointments, don't pay their bills on time and struggle to maintain relationships with friends and family. They are more likely to lose possessions or make mistakes that can have serious consequences.
Speak to your health care provider if are having trouble keeping track of work or personal issues. Your primary care provider will assess your situation and refer you to a mental health professional when appropriate.
Inattentive ADHD is often misunderstood. People with inattentive ADHD are not always attentive when speaking to. They are easily distracted or get distracted by unrelated thoughts. They are unable to stay focused on their tasks, and may make a mistake or struggle to follow directions. They also have trouble keeping their hands off their face or may seem shaky or fidgety.
Inattention to the symptoms can lead to failure at school or work which can lead to anger and shame for the person who is affected. They can also cause problems in relationships with family, friends and colleagues.
Health care professionals determine ADHD based on a clinical assessment, which involves interviewing the individual and reviewing previous behavior. They may request that the person fill out a questionnaire about their symptoms and may also conduct tests to rule out physical or mental illnesses that have similar symptoms. Symptoms of ADHD must occur consistently since before the age of 12 for a diagnosis to be established.
Adults with inattention ADHD typically benefit from psychotherapy, lifestyle modifications and other treatments that help to manage their symptoms. These treatments include therapy with medication, behavioral therapy and family psychoeducation. Psychotherapy is a kind of counseling that helps patients develop new skills, attitudes and ways of interacting with others. The practice of behavioral therapy can teach methods that can reduce self-destructive and impulsive behavior, improve organizational skills and boost confidence.
People with inattention ADHD might find it helpful to discuss their struggles with a trusted friend, family member or therapist. Teachers or supervisors as well as coworkers may be able to offer accommodations. Accommodations are modifications and tools to the working environment that permit a person with disabilities to carry out tasks like all other people. For instance the person who is short can use the step stool.
Hyperactive symptoms
Adults may exhibit different symptoms than children. Adult symptoms are less obvious. While children can fidget and appear restless while adults tend to be less and less talkative. They might forget their tasks, lose track or take a wrong turn and make mistakes. They may also feel overly active and struggle to sit still during a meal or in class. They may interrupt others or blurt out answers before they've had the chance to ask questions, and may have trouble waiting their turn during games or conversations.
These symptoms can be caused by a variety of conditions. A comprehensive psychiatric assessment is necessary to determine the root of the symptoms and identify the most effective treatments. These include psychotherapy, medication and lifestyle modifications. This could include an improved diet, more exercise and better sleeping schedules. These can include making adjustments to work or school assignments, and utilizing aidive tools such as calendars or planners, as well as apps for smartphones.
If you suspect that you might have ADHD the first step is to discuss your concerns with your family physician or primary care physician. You can find tips to talk to your health care provider about mental health issues in the NIMH's How to Talk to Your Health Care Provider fact sheet.
To be diagnosed with ADHD symptoms must be present in at least two environments and have an impact on your daily 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.
In addition to lifestyle changes and accommodations, there are medications that can help you manage the symptoms of ADHD. These medications are referred to as stimulants. They work by reorganizing the brain signals that affect your mood, attention and behavior. Your doctor will give you the appropriate dose and will keep track of your response. You could be prescribed a non-stimulant drug when you experience unpleasant side effects, when the stimulant isn't working, or in combination with stimulants to increase the effectiveness of treatment.
Impulsive Symptoms
People with 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 materials, and completing projects. As adults, this can cause a variety of tasks that are not completed at the house: unpaid bills, unkempt homes, as well as the vegetable garden that was planted but never tended to.
effects of untreated adhd in adults are one of the most common areas where an impulsive ADHD symptoms can create difficulties. People with impulsive ADHD are usually fast-paced and crave immediate gratification. They may jump into social situations with little planning or taking risks, which can have negative consequences. People who are easily triggered can also react to stressful or emotional situations. For example, a person could become extremely annoyed or defensive in arguments with family members or friends.
A health specialist who is specialized in mental disorders will review the medical history of a patient, and conduct an examination to determine ADHD. The doctor will also inquire about how symptoms affect your work, home and personal relationships. To be diagnosed with one or the other form of ADHD, a patient must exhibit six or more of the nine main symptoms. The symptoms must affect everyday functioning and last at minimum 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 communicate in the brain to regulate behavior. adult adhd diagnosis and treatment used type of stimulants is the methylphenidate drug, which was originally used to treat ADHD in children. The medication may not be appropriate for some people with other health conditions, like high blood pressure or depression It is therefore important to discuss your medication with your doctor. Psychotherapy can reduce distraction and impulsive symptoms in addition to medications. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is focused on helping individuals recognize automatic or irrational thoughts that can trigger negative behavior and develop strategies for self-regulation.
Combination of Symptoms
Adults who had ADHD as children might experience symptoms that resurface during adulthood. They can have mild or moderate symptoms that cause problems with their schoolwork, work, and social interactions. Other mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, might also require treatment. Adults may also suffer from learning disabilities that make it difficult to understand or follow instructions in classrooms and offices.
Adults may not be able to identify the signs of inattention ADHD, but it can be affecting their ability to function at work and home. It can be difficult for people with this type of ADHD to sit quietly for college lectures or business meetings, and they may struggle to keep track of assignments and work-related tasks. They may frequently lose the location of their belongings and forget appointments or deadlines. They may also have trouble keeping track of conversations or listening to music. They are more susceptible to distraction by the activities or people that are going on around them than the majority of 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 criterion for diagnosing the disorder that includes symptoms that start before age 12, occur in multiple settings and lead to 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 social and work situations.
Researchers are investigating environmental and genetic factors that may be involved in the development of ADHD. According to research, people with ADHD might have trouble regulating certain chemicals in their brains that help control the way they behave, their mood and attention.
Consult your primary health care provider if you exhibit indications of ADHD. Your doctor will conduct an exam of your body and recommend you to an expert in mental health care to conduct an evaluation. Treatment for ADHD typically involves psychotherapy as well as medications like stimulants that increase the levels of certain chemicals in the brain. These include amphetamines and methylphenidate. You should inform your health care provider about any other medication you take, including vitamins and supplements. The FDA's medication website contains information about approved medications along with warnings and patient guidelines.