ADHD in Adults - What You Need to Know
ADHD is a condition that causes problems with concentration and hyperactivity. It can also lead to issues at school, at work at home, in relationships and at home.
Your healthcare provider will use the most recent version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5 DSM-5) to diagnose ADHD. They will also consider how your symptoms impact your daily life.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD is often thought of as a condition that affects children only. However, it's also common in adults. Many people suffering from ADHD do not seek treatment until their symptoms become more severe and impact their lives. This can cause problems with relationships at work, with family members, and health.
If you or someone close to you suspect that you might have ADHD, it's important to consult an therapist or doctor. They'll be able identify the issue 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, mental, and personal medical history from childhood until today.
This will help the clinician elicit current symptoms accurately. The physician should ask about how the symptoms impact the daily activities of a person, and whether they impact social, school or work performance.
Based on the severity of the symptoms, there are different types of medications that can be prescribed to help treat ADHD. These could include stimulants, like Adderall or Ritalin and non-stimulant drugs.
Other treatments include the use of behavioral therapy and lifestyle changes. This can help you concentrate better, lessen stress and anxiety, and manage hyperactivity.
In addition to a physical exam and a physical exam, your doctor will inquire you about other mental health issues that can produce similar symptoms to those of ADHD. These may include depression, anxiety, and substance abuse disorders like nicotine or alcohol abuse.
You will be asked to do several tasks to help evaluate your concentration, distractibility, and short-term memory. These tasks can be done at home or in the office.
Your doctor will also ask whether you suffer from any other mental health problems that include depression or anxiety. They will also assess your habits with regard to sleep, diet, and other factors to determine if they're contributing to your symptoms.
The results of the test should indicate if you have any of the following symptoms:
If you're experiencing these signs then it's time to seek out an expert. They will be able to diagnose you with ADHD and suggest treatment which may include medication, behavioral therapy, or lifestyle adjustments.
Diagnosis
ADHD is a behavioral disorder which causes problems with behavior, attention and other executive functions. While it can be difficult to diagnose, the condition can be treated by taking medication or undergoing behavioral therapy.
Many people who have symptoms of ADHD will use self-assessment tools before seeing a physician or mental health professional to seek the diagnosis. Some of these tools include a 40-item self-report form as well as an online screening test that can assist you in determining whether you are suffering from ADHD. These tests aren't used to determine if you have ADHD, and aren't intended to replace professional assessments.
A specialist in the field will evaluate you through a combination tests, questionnaires, and interviews to make an accurate diagnosis. This includes a review of your symptoms, a checklist of symptoms and questions on how they affect you in different situations. 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 daily life is being disrupted by the symptoms, for example at work or school as well as with family members or friends as well as in other activities.
Although the symptoms may be new or long-standing however, they must have been present for at least 12 years to qualify for diagnosis. You may be asked to look over old school reports or request your parents to complete an retrospective ADHD profile of 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 have both your doctor will also be looking for other conditions which can trigger similar symptoms to those of ADHD for example, seizures or thyroid issues.
A doctor may also ask you to complete 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 meant to diagnose ADHD, but they can help your healthcare provider determine whether you are suffering from it and the best course of treatment for you.
Treatment
Treatment for ADHD for adults is usually a combination of medicine and behavior strategies, as well as life skills training and therapy. It can take some time to find the best combination that is effective for you.
Medicines are the most popular treatment option for ADHD. These medications are meant to improve brain balance and boost chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They also help improve focus, reduce impulsivity and reduce hyperactivity. They can help you manage your ADHD symptoms and make you feel better.
The most common prescription medications are stimulants, such as methylphenidate or Adderall. Although they work for the majority of people and may cause constipation, side effects such as lower sexual drive and constipation might occur.
Another drug, atomoxetine (Strattera) is the first non-stimulant to be approved specifically for ADHD. Although it's not as effective as stimulants but doesn't come with the exact same adverse effects, it is still extremely effective.
Antidepressants are also an option for patients suffering from ADHD. These medications, such as Bupropion (Wellbutrin) and Fluoxetine (Prozac) are not used to treat the condition but can reduce symptoms. These medicines are often prescribed to treat anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders that result from ADHD.
If you suffer from ADHD and other medical conditions your doctor might suggest you visit a psychiatrist or another mental health professional that specializes in treating ADHD. These doctors can evaluate your medical history, family history and other signs to determine the causes of your problems.
Your doctor may also ask you about any physical or mental health issues, like anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and other physical or mental ailments. These diseases can affect your ability to concentrate or learn, and also be productive at school, at work or in 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 guidebook that the majority of healthcare professionals use to diagnose ADHD.
During the evaluation, your healthcare provider will conduct a series interviews and tests. They will conduct a thorough diagnostic interview as well as DSM-5 symptoms checklists.
Prevention
Early intervention and detection can help to reduce the risk adhd testing adult of ADHD. This can help reduce the severity of symptoms, lessen the effects on school functioning improve normal growth and development, and improve the quality of life for people diagnosed with ADHD.
There are a variety of ways to prevent or reduce the development of ADHD in adulthood. These include psychotherapy, medication, and strategies for managing behavior. Additionally, support from family members within the immediate vicinity can be helpful.
Psychostimulants are the primary treatment for ADHD in adults. These include amphetamine salts, which are marketed under the brand name Adderall and methylphenidate which is sold under names Ritalin, Concerta, Metadate and others.
ADHD patients who can use psychostimulants on a regular basis will often see a significant improvement in their symptoms. In addition, the patient may be able to manage their behavior and improve their relationships with others.
The most effective medications are used in conjunction with an ADHD food plan or brain training program, as well as exercise. These techniques are highly effective for ADHD children and can be transformative for adults.
Adult patients may also benefit from counseling and educational programs. These treatments can help patients improve their coping skills and self-esteem as well as alter bad habits of thinking that cause their behavior problems.
Counseling can help people manage the effects of ADHD and other psychiatric disorders, like depression and substance misuse. Counseling can help people manage anxiety and resentment that are often associated with ADHD.
ADHD sufferers can benefit from other treatments such as diet modifications and physical activity as well as programs to reduce stress. These strategies can aid in improving focus and reduce impulsive and hyperactive behavior.
Yet, many adults suffering from ADHD aren't diagnosed or treated because of racial and ethnic differences in the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. For instance, blacks and Hispanics are significantly less likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than whites, even though 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. Research suggests that this number is much higher.