ADHD in Adults - What You Need to Know
ADHD is a condition which causes issues with focus and hyperactivity. It can also lead to difficulties at school, at work as well as in relationships.
To determine if you have ADHD your doctor will use the guidelines of the most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). They will also consider how symptoms affect your life.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD is often viewed as a condition that only affects children, but it is also prevalent among adults. Many people suffering from ADHD remain undiagnosed until their symptoms are severe and interfere with their lives. This can cause problems in your family and work relationships, or health.
Talking to a therapist or doctor if you think you might have ADHD is an excellent idea. They will be able to make a diagnosis and prescribe treatment.
The first step in the diagnosis process is to take a complete clinical history. This includes a complete review of your personal, medical and psychiatric histories from childhood to the present.
This will aid the clinician elicit current symptoms accurately. The doctor should inquire about the person's daily routine and whether or not they impact school, work or social life.
Based on the severity of symptoms, there are different types of medications that may be prescribed to help treat ADHD. These could include stimulants, like Adderall or Ritalin, as well as non-stimulant drugs.
You can also consider behavior therapy or lifestyle changes. This can help you focus better, lessen stress and anxiety, and manage hyperactivity.
Your doctor will also conduct an examination of your body and inquire about any mental health issues that could be causing symptoms similar to those of ADHD. These include anxiety, depression or a drug use disorder, such as nicotine or alcohol abuse.
You are expected to complete a number of tasks to test your ability to concentrate, distractibility, and short-term memory. These can be done at the office or at home.
Your doctor will also inquire whether you suffer from any other mental health problems, including anxiety or depression. They will also examine your sleeping habits, your diet as well as other factors to determine if they're contributing to your symptoms.
The results of the test should be able to determine if you have any of the following symptoms:
If you are experiencing these symptoms If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is time to seek advice from an expert. They may be able to determine ADHD and recommend treatment. This could include medication, behavioral therapy or lifestyle changes.
Diagnosis
ADHD is a behavioral disorder that can cause problems with attention, behavior and other executive functions. It isn't easy to diagnose but it is treated by medication and therapy for behavioral disorders.
Many people with ADHD symptoms will first try self-assessment toolsbefore visiting an occupational therapist or doctor. Some of these tools include a self-report of 40 items form as well as an online screening test that will help you find out whether you have ADHD. These tests cannot be used to diagnose ADHD and are not meant to replace expert assessments.
A specialist in the field will assess you with a combination of tests, interviews and questionnaires to make an accurate diagnosis. adhd testing includes a review of your symptoms, a list of symptoms, and a discussion of how they impact your life in different scenarios. The clinician may also interview your partner, parents or any other person who knows you well.
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 your symptoms are interfering with your daily life such as at your school or work environment as well as with your family members or friends or in any other activity.
The symptoms you're experiencing might be new or have been present for a long time however, they must have been present prior to the age of 12 to qualify for a diagnosis. You might be asked to look over old school reports or have parents complete 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're experiencing an amalgamation of both, your clinician will also examine other conditions that may cause similar symptoms to those of ADHD and seizures or thyroid issues.
A doctor can also ask you to fill out ADHD surveys, which do not serve as a diagnostic tool but can provide information about your symptoms and how they impact your life. These surveys aren't designed to diagnose ADHD however, they could aid your healthcare professional in determining whether you're suffering from it and the best treatment option for you.
Treatment
Treatment for ADHD for adults is usually a combination of medicine, behavior strategies, life skills training, and therapy. It may take time to find the right combination that is effective for you.
The most commonly used medication is treatment option for ADHD. The drugs are designed to boost and balance the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain. They also help improve focus, reduce impulsivity , and reduce hyperactivity. They can help you manage your ADHD symptoms and make you feel better.
Stimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) or amphetamine (Adderall) are among the most popular prescription medications. They are safe for the majority of people, but they do be associated with side effects, like constipation and lower sex drive.
Another medication, atomoxetine, or strattera, has been approved for ADHD. It's not as efficient as stimulants, but it doesn't have the same negative side negative effects.
Antidepressants are also an option for patients suffering from ADHD. These drugs, like bupropion (Wellbutrin) and fluoxetine (Prozac) aren't able to treat the condition in any way, but can reduce its symptoms. These medicines are often prescribed for treating anxiety, depression and other mental health conditions that are caused by ADHD.
If you suffer from ADHD as well as other ailments your doctor might recommend that you see an psychiatric or mental health professional who is specialized in treating ADHD. These specialists can assess your medical history, family history, and other symptoms to determine the root of your problems.
Your doctor will also inquire with you about any mental or physical health concerns, including depression, anxiety and substance abuse as well as other physical and mental illnesses. These conditions can impact your ability to concentrate, learn, and be productive at school, work, or in relationships.
To determine ADHD symptoms your doctor will consult the Fifth Edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). This is the typical handbook used by many health professionals to make a diagnosis.
During the examination the healthcare provider will conduct a series interviews and tests. This includes a comprehensive diagnostic interview, DSM-5 symptom checklists and the standardized scales for assessing behavior for ADHD.
Prevention
Early intervention and detection can aid to help to prevent ADHD. This can reduce the severity of the disorder and affect school functioning, increase normal growth and development, and improve the quality of life for people diagnosed with ADHD.
There are many methods to stop or slow the development of ADHD in adulthood. These include medication, psychotherapy, and behavioral management strategies. In addition, support from immediate family members can help.
Psychostimulants are a primary treatment for ADHD in adults. They include amphetamine-based salts, that are sold under the brand name Adderall and methylphenidate which is sold under the names Ritalin, Concerta, Metadate and others.
ADHD patients who are able to use psychostimulants on a regular basis may notice a significant improvement in their symptoms. Additionally, the person may be able to manage their behaviors and improve their relationships with other people.
ADHD medication is most effective when it is used in conjunction with a meal plan, brain training, and exercise. These strategies are highly efficient in treating children suffering from ADHD and can be transformative for adults too.
Adult patients may also benefit from counseling and educational programs. These treatments can teach individuals coping skills, increase self-esteem and change negative mental patterns that contribute to their issues with their behavior.
Counseling can assist people in managing the effects of ADHD and other mental disorders including depression and substance misuse. Counseling can help people manage stress and resentment often associated with ADHD.
Other methods, such as physical activity, dietary changes and stress reduction programs are also beneficial to those with ADHD. These strategies can help improve focus and decrease hyperactive or impulsive behavior.
However, many adults suffering from ADHD go undiagnosed or undertreated due to racial or ethnic disparities in the treatment and diagnosis of ADHD. For example, blacks and Hispanics are significantly less likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than whites, despite the fact that both groups share the same number of children affected by the disorder.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, ADHD has been diagnosed in more than 4 percent of Americans. However, research suggests that the true number of people suffering from this disorder is much higher than this number.