ADHD in Adults - What You Need to Know
ADHD is an illness that can cause excessive focus and hyperactivity. It can also lead to problems at work or school, home life and relationships.
Your healthcare provider will use the most up-to-date edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5 DSM-5) to diagnose ADHD. They will also look at how the symptoms impact your life.
Symptoms
ADHD is often viewed as an illness that affects only children, but it's also prevalent among adults. Many people with ADHD are not diagnosed until their symptoms become severe and affect their lives. This can lead to issues with family relationships, work and health.
If you or someone close to you suspect that you might have ADHD is important to speak with an expert or therapist. They are able to diagnose and recommend treatment.
The first step in the diagnosis process is to take a thorough clinical history. This includes a thorough review of your medical, personal and psychiatric histories from childhood until the present.
This will help the clinician elicit current symptoms accurately. The doctor should inquire about how the symptoms affect the person's daily routine, and if they hinder social, school or work performance.
Based on the severity of symptoms, there are many different kinds of drugs which can be prescribed to treat ADHD. These include stimulants like Adderall or Ritalin, as well as non-stimulant medications.
Other treatments include the use of behavioral therapy and lifestyle changes. This can aid in improving your concentration, decrease stress and anxiety and manage your impulsive and hyperactivity.
In addition to a physical exam Your doctor will also inquire with you about other mental health issues that may produce similar symptoms to those of ADHD. This could include anxiety, depression or a drug use disorder like nicotine or alcohol abuse.
To determine your level of concentration, distractibility, short-term memory, and focus, you'll be required to accomplish a variety tasks. The tasks can be accomplished at home or in the office.
Your doctor will also ask whether you suffer from any other mental health problems, including anxiety or depression. Your eating habits, sleeping habits and other variables will be examined to determine if they are contributing.
The results of the test should determine if you are suffering from any of the following symptoms:
These signs are indicators that you should seek professional help. They will be able to diagnose you with ADHD and suggest treatment which may include medications, behavioral therapy, or lifestyle adjustments.
Diagnosis
ADHD is a disorder of the mind that affects attention, behavior and other executive functions. Although it's difficult to diagnose, the condition can be treated with medication or therapy for behavioral disorders.
Many people who have ADHD symptoms will first test self-assessment instruments before going to an expert in mental health or a doctor. These tools include a 40-item self-report form and an electronic screening test that can help you determine if you have ADHD. These tests aren't used to determine if you have ADHD, and aren't meant to replace expert assessments.
To diagnose you accurately, specialists in the field will utilize an amalgamation of interviews, questionnaires and tests. This will include a description of your symptoms, a list of symptoms, and a discussion of how they affect you in different situations. The clinician may also interview your parents, your partner or other people who know 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 the symptoms interfere with your daily life, for example in work or school and with your family or friends or in any other activity.
While the symptoms could be new or long-standing the symptoms must have been present for at least 12 years to be considered to be diagnosed. You may be asked look over old school reports or have parents complete a retrospective ADHD profile that outlines 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 are suffering from an amalgamation of both and your physician will look for other illnesses that could cause similar symptoms as those of ADHD like seizures or thyroid problems.
A doctor may also request you to complete ADHD surveys, which do not serve as a diagnostic tool, but can provide background information about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. These tests aren't intended to diagnose ADHD but they could aid your healthcare professional in determining whether you're suffering from the condition and the best treatment option for you.
Treatment
ADHD treatment for adults typically involves a combination of therapy and medication, behavioral strategies life skills training and therapy. It could take some time to determine the right combination that is right for you.
Medicines are the most popular treatment option for ADHD. These medications are intended to balance and boost brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They can also help improve focus, decrease impulsivity, and decrease 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 sought-after prescription drugs. They are beneficial for the majority of people, but they do be associated with side effects, like constipation and lowered sex drive.
Another drug called Atomoxetine (Strattera), is the first drug that is not stimulant to be specifically approved for ADHD. Although it's not as efficient as stimulants, but doesn't have the same negative side consequences, it's very effective.
Antidepressants are also an option for patients suffering from ADHD. These medications, like bupropion (Wellbutrin) and fluoxetine (Prozac) aren't able to address the problem directly, but can ease the symptoms. These medicines are often prescribed to treat depression, anxiety and other mental health conditions that result from ADHD.
If you suffer from ADHD in addition to other disorders, your healthcare practitioner might suggest you visit an psychiatric or mental health professional that specializes in treating ADHD. These doctors can evaluate your medical background, family history and other symptoms to identify the causes of your problems.
Your doctor will also ask you about any physical or mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression or substance abuse, as well as other physical and mental illnesses. These illnesses can interfere with your ability to concentrate and learn and be productive at the workplace, at school or in your relationships.
Your doctor will follow guidelines from the latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to determine your symptoms of ADHD. This is the standard handbook that most healthcare professionals utilize to diagnose ADHD.
During the assessment your healthcare provider will conduct a series of interviews and tests. This includes a thorough diagnostic interview and DSM-5 symptom checklists.
Prevention
ADHD is preventable through early detection and intervention. This can help reduce the severity of symptoms, minimize the effects on school functioning, enhance normal growth and development and improve the quality of life for those with ADHD.
Many measures can be utilized to stop or slow the symptoms of adult ADHD which includes psychotherapy, medication, and other management strategies. In addition, support from immediate family members can help.
The primary treatment for adult ADHD is the use of medications referred to as psychostimulants. These include amphetamine sodium, which are marketed under the brand name Adderall, and methylphenidate, which is sold under names Ritalin, Concerta, Metadate and others.
If the person suffering from ADHD is in a position to regularly take psychostimulants they are likely to notice a dramatic improvement in their symptoms. The patient could also learn to control their behavior and improve their relationships with other people.
Medications are most effective when utilized in conjunction with an ADHD diet plan or brain training program, as well as exercise. These methods are extremely effective in treating children with ADHD and are likely to be transformative for adults too.
In addition to medication, counseling and educational programs are also very beneficial for patients of all ages. These programs can help patients learn coping skills, increase self-esteem and alter negative mental patterns that contribute to their problems with behavior.
Counseling can assist people in managing the effects of ADHD and other psychiatric disorders, like depression and substance misuse. Counseling can assist people in dealing with the stress and resentment commonly associated with ADHD.
Other methods, such as physical activity, dietary changes and stress reduction programs are also beneficial for those who suffer from ADHD. These strategies can improve focus and reduce impulsive or hyperactive behavior.
Many adults suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed adult adhd testing or treated appropriately due to 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, despite the fact that 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 significantly higher.