ADHD Symptoms and Treatment in Adults
Many adults struggle to keep up with their daily tasks. They often experience frustration and mood swings. If you suspect you have ADHD take a look at your primary care doctor or an expert in mental health for an evaluation.
The criteria for diagnosing adult ADHD is similar to that for children: symptoms must be present over 6 months and not be better explained by other medical disorders or conditions.
Inattentive symptoms
Adults suffering from ADHD often have a difficult time to keep up with the workplace, at school or with household chores. They don't attend appointments, fail to pay bills on time and struggle to maintain relationships with family and friends. They are more likely than others to lose their possessions or make a mistake that can have serious consequences.
Speak with long-term effects of untreated adhd in adults if you are having trouble keeping the track of your work or personal issues. Your primary care provider will examine your situation and possibly refer you to a mental specialist when needed.
The symptoms of inattention ADHD are often misunderstood. People suffering from inattentive ADHD don't always listen when they are spoken to and are easily distracted or frequently distracted by irrelevant thoughts. They have difficulty staying focused on tasks, may make careless errors or struggle to follow directions. They may also struggle with keeping their hands off their faces, or appear to be shaken.
Inattentive symptoms may cause a drop in performance at the workplace or at school, which can cause anxiety and guilt for those affected. They can also cause issues with relationships with friends, family and colleagues.
Health professionals diagnose ADHD by conducting a clinical assessment, which includes interviewing the person and analyzing their previous behavior. They may ask the patient to fill out the symptom checklist and perform medical tests to rule out other conditions that have similar symptoms. Symptoms of ADHD must occur consistently since before age 12 for the diagnosis to be made.
Adults with inattention ADHD are often able to benefit from psychotherapy, lifestyle modifications and other treatments to manage their symptoms. These treatments include therapy with medication, behavioral therapy, and family psychoeducation. Psychotherapy is a kind of therapy that helps patients develop new skills, attitudes and ways of communicating with others. The use of behavioral therapy can help decrease self-destructive, impulsive behavior, increase the ability to manage and organize, and boost confidence.
It can be beneficial for people with inattentive ADHD to talk about their struggles with a family member or family member, or a therapist. They may also be able to seek accommodations from teachers or supervisors, as well as coworkers. Accommodations are the tools or modifications in the workplace that permit a person with a disability to do the same tasks as others, like having a step stool for those who are short.
Hyperactive symptoms
The signs of ADHD may look different in adults as compared to children. Adult symptoms are less obvious. While children can seem to be restless and fidget while adults tend to be less talkative. They may forget tasks, lose track of or place and make careless errors. They might also feel stimulated and have trouble sitting still, even while sitting down to a meal or in class. They may interrupt other students, or give answers before being asked a question.
These symptoms can be triggered by a variety of ailments. A comprehensive psychiatric assessment is needed to determine the root of the symptoms as well as determine the most effective treatment options. This includes psychotherapy, medication and lifestyle changes. doctors that treat adhd in adults can be eating a healthy diet, exercising and sleep schedules. This could include changing work or school assignments and using assistive tools like calendars, planners, and smartphone apps.
If you suspect that you may have ADHD the first step is to discuss your concerns with your family physician or primary care provider. The How to Talk to Your Provider factsheet from NIMH offers tips on how to talk with your physician about mental issues.
To be considered to have ADHD, the symptoms must be evident in at least two settings and have an impact on daily life. For them to qualify they must be present at least six month. Your provider will evaluate you to see if you have the inattentive or hyperactive/impulsive symptoms of ADHD.
In addition to lifestyle adjustments and changes, there are medications that can help you manage the symptoms of ADHD. These medications are known as stimulants. They work by enhancing signals in your brain that influence your attention, mood and behavior. Your doctor will determine the best dosage of the medication to you and track your response to treatment. You might be prescribed a non-stimulant medication in the event of a recurring side effects, if a stimulant isn't helping or when combined with stimulants to boost the effectiveness of treatment.
The symptoms of an impulse
Everyone misplaces keys or a cellphone from time to time however for those who suffer from inattentive ADHD the little distractions are more of an issue. People with inattentive ADHD have a tougher task of focusing on tasks, organizing their materials and completing their projects. As adults, the result can be a million half-finished projects around the house: unpaid bills, unkempt houses, and the vegetable garden that was started but never watered.
Relationships are among the most frequent areas in which an impulsive ADHD symptoms can create issues. People with ADHD who are impulsive ADHD tend to be anxious and seek immediate satisfaction. They may jump into social situations without planning or risk taking, which can have negative consequences. People who are easily triggered can also react to stressful or emotional situations. For instance, 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 perform an exam to diagnose ADHD. The doctor will ask you about your symptoms and how they impact your interactions with others, work, and your home. In order to be diagnosed with any type of ADHD one must have six or more of the nine symptoms and the symptoms have to interfere with daily functioning for at least six months (American Psychological Association, 2000).
The most effective treatment for ADHD is psychostimulants. These are drugs that target how certain chemicals interact in the brain to regulate behavior. The most common type of stimulants is the methylphenidate drug, which was originally used to treat ADHD in children. It's important to talk with your physician about your medication if you have other health conditions such as depression or high blood pressure. In addition to medication psychotherapy can aid in reducing the symptoms of impulsivity and distraction. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a method of helping individuals recognize unintentional or irrational thoughts which may trigger negative behaviors, and develop strategies of self-regulation.
Combination of Symptoms
Adults who suffered from ADHD as children could experience symptoms that resurface during adulthood. They may experience mild, moderate or even severe symptoms that affect school, work and social interactions. Other mental health issues, like depression or anxiety, may also require treatment. Some adults may also have learning disabilities that make it difficult to understand or follow directions in offices and classrooms.
Adults may not be able to identify the signs of inattention ADHD however, it can still affect their ability to perform at home and at work. This type of ADHD makes it difficult for people to remain focused during business meetings or college lectures. They may also have difficulty keeping up with their work and assignments. They may forget deadlines or appointments, and may lose track of their belongings. They may also have trouble following conversations or listening music. They are more prone to being distracted by the people or activities 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 Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV TR) Fourth edition of the American Psychiatric Association, includes a criterion to diagnose the disorder. This includes symptoms that begin before age 12 and occur in a variety of settings, causing problems across multiple domains.
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 continue at school, at home, and in other social and work environments.
Researchers are studying genetic and environmental factors which may be at play in the development of ADHD. Studies suggest that the brains of those who suffer from ADHD have trouble regulating certain chemicals, including neurotransmitters that help manage mood, attention and behavior.
Talk to your primary healthcare provider if you show indications of ADHD. Your doctor may conduct an exam of your body and refer you to an expert in mental health to conduct an assessment. Treatment for ADHD usually involves psychotherapy and medication, such as stimulants that increase the levels of certain chemical in the brain. Amphetamines, methylphenidate, and other stimulants are commonly used. You should tell your doctor about any other medication you take, such as supplements and vitamins. The FDA's medication website contains information on approved medications as well as warnings and information guides.