ADHD in Adults - What You Need to Know
ADHD is a condition that causes hyperactivity and problems with focus. It can also lead to difficulties at school, at work at home, and in relationships.
Your healthcare provider will use the most up-to-date version 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.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD is often thought of as a condition that only affects children, however it is common among adults as well. Many people with ADHD are not diagnosed until their symptoms are severe and cause disruption to their lives. This can affect your relationships with your family, work or even your health.
Talking to a therapist or doctor if you think you may have ADHD is a good idea. They will be able to identify the issue and recommend treatment.
The first step in the process of diagnosing is to take a complete clinical history. This includes a full review of your personal, medical and psychiatric records from childhood to the present.
This will allow the doctor to identify the current symptoms. The doctor should inquire about the person's everyday activities and whether or not they affect school, work or social activities.
Based on the severity of the symptoms, there are many different types of medications which can be prescribed to treat ADHD. These can include stimulants like Adderall or Ritalin, as well as non-stimulant medications.
You can also try the behavioral therapy or lifestyle change. This can help you improve your concentration, decrease stress and anxiety and manage hyperactivity and impulsive behavior.
In addition to a physical exam and a physical exam, your doctor will inquire you about any other mental health issues that could cause similar symptoms to those of ADHD. These include depression, anxiety, or a substance use disorder such as nicotine or alcohol abuse.
You will be asked to complete several tasks to help evaluate your concentration, distractibility, and short-term memory. These can be done in the office or at home.
Your doctor will also ask if you have any other mental health problems, including anxiety or depression. Your eating habits, sleeping habits and other aspects will be assessed to determine if they are contributing.
The test results should indicate if you have any symptoms.
If you have these symptoms, it is the time to consult an expert. They can determine ADHD and recommend treatment. This could include medication, therapy for behavioral issues or lifestyle adjustments.
Diagnosis
ADHD is a disorder of the mind that causes problems with behavior, attention and other executive functions. Although it is difficult to identify, ADHD can be treated by medication or behavioral therapy.
Many people who have symptoms of ADHD will try self-assessment tools before seeing a physician or mental health professional to seek a diagnosis. Some of these tools include a 40-item self report form and an electronic screening test that will help you find out whether you have ADHD. These tests cannot be used to diagnose ADHD and aren't intended to replace professional assessments.
A specialist in the field will analyze you using a combination of questions, tests and interviews to establish a clear diagnosis. This will include a description of your symptoms, a list of symptoms, and a discussion of how they affect you in various situations. The clinician may also interview your parents, partner or other loved ones 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 life for example at work or school; with friends or relatives or in other activities.
Although the symptoms may be recent or ongoing but they must be present for at least 12 years in order to be considered to be diagnosed. You might be asked to look over old school reports or have your parents complete an 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 both the doctor will search for other conditions that could cause similar symptoms to ADHD.
A doctor may also ask you to take ADHD surveys. They don't 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, but they can aid your healthcare provider in determining whether you're suffering from it and the best way to treat it.
Treatment
Treatment for ADHD for adults is typically comprised of medications, behavior strategies, life skills training, and therapy. It could take a while to find the best combination for you.
The most commonly used medication is treatment option for ADHD. They are designed to balance and boost brain neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals. They can also help improve focus, reduce impulsivity, and reduce hyperactivity. They can help you manage your ADHD symptoms and help you feel better.
Stimulants, like methylphenidate (Ritalin) or amphetamine (Adderall) are the most popular prescription medications. They are safe for the majority adhd adult test of people, but they can be associated with side effects, like constipation, and lower sex drive.
Another drug, atomoxetine or strattera, has been approved for ADHD. Although it's not as effective as stimulants, it doesn't suffer the same adverse effects, it's very effective.
Antidepressants are also an option for many patients with ADHD. These medications, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) and fluoxetine (Prozac) aren't able to treat the condition in any way, but can reduce its symptoms. These medications are typically prescribed for treating anxiety, depression and other mental health problems that result from ADHD.
If you have ADHD along with other conditions your doctor may recommend that you see a psychiatrist or another mental health professional with expertise in treating ADHD. These professionals can analyze your medical history, family history and other signs to determine the root cause of your problem.
The doctor will also inquire about any other physical and mental health issues you might have, such as depression, anxiety or substance abuse. These diseases can affect your ability to concentrate and learn, as well as be productive at school, at work, or in relationships.
To determine ADHD symptoms your doctor will use the Fifth Edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). This is the most commonly used handbook by medical professionals to determine a diagnosis.
During the exam, your healthcare provider will conduct a series tests and interviews. These include a comprehensive diagnostic interview as well as DSM-5 symptom checklists.
Prevention
Early intervention and detection can help to prevent ADHD. This can decrease the severity and interfere with school performance, enhance normal growth and development and improve quality of life for those diagnosed with ADHD.
There are many ways to prevent or reduce the development of ADHD in adulthood. These include psychotherapy, medications, and strategies for managing behavior. Additionally, support from close family members can be helpful.
Psychostimulants are the most common treatment for ADHD in adults. They include amphetamine-based salts, which are advertised 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 are often able to see significant improvement in their symptoms. The patient might also be able to manage their behavior and improve their relationships with others.
ADHD medication is most effective when taken together with a food plan, brain training and exercise. These methods are extremely efficient in treating children suffering from ADHD and will likely to transform for adults as well.
In addition to medication counseling and educational programs, counseling can be extremely effective for adults. These treatments can teach individuals self-esteem, coping skills, and change negative thinking patterns that are contributing to their issues with their behavior.
Counseling can help people with ADHD and other psychiatric conditions like addiction to drugs and depression. Counseling can help people deal with anxiety and resentment that are often associated with ADHD.
Other interventions, such as eating habits, physical activity and stress reduction programs, are also beneficial for those with ADHD. These strategies can improve focus and reduce impulsive or hyperactive behavior.
Despite this, many people suffering from ADHD aren't diagnosed or treated because of racial and ethnic disparities in the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. Hispanics and blacks are more likely to be diagnosed as ADHD than whites, despite both having the same number of children with the disorder.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, ADHD has been diagnosed in more than 4 percent of American. However research suggests that the actual number of adults with this disorder is much higher than this figure.