ADHD Symptoms and Treatment in Adults
Many adults struggle to keep up with their daily activities. They often experience frustration and mood swings. If you suspect that you may have ADHD contact your primary health care provider or mental health professional for an evaluation.
Adult ADHD is diagnosed using the same criteria as it is for children. The symptoms must last at minimum six months, and cannot be explained by other medical conditions mood disorders or other medical conditions.
Inattentive symptoms
Many adults suffering from ADHD struggle to keep up with homework, work or household chores. They are late for appointments, don't pay bills on time and struggle to maintain relationships with family and friends. They are more likely to lose things or make mistakes that can have serious consequences.
If you have problems managing your personal or professional affairs, consider talking to a health care provider. Your primary care provider can assess your situation and refer you to a mental health professional when appropriate.
Inattentive ADHD is often misunderstood. People suffering from inattentive ADHD aren't always attentive when speaking to. They forget easily or get distracted by irrelevant thoughts. They might have difficulty staying focused, make erroneous mistakes, or struggle to follow directions. They also have difficulty keeping their hands off their faces or appearing unstable or fidgety.
Inattention to the symptoms can lead to failing at school or at work which can lead to anger and shame for the person suffering. They can also cause problems with relationships with family, friends and colleagues.
The diagnosis of ADHD is based on a assessment of the clinical. This includes an interview with the patient as well as an assessment of the previous behavior. They might ask the person to fill out a symptom checklist and conduct medical tests in order to determine if there are other conditions that have similar symptoms. The symptoms of ADHD must be consistent before the age of 12 for a diagnosis to be established.
Adults suffering from inattentive ADHD are often able to benefit from psychotherapy, lifestyle modifications and other treatments that help to manage their symptoms. These treatments include behavioral therapy, medication and family psychoeducation. Psychotherapy is a kind of therapy that assists patients develop new attitudes, skills and ways of interacting with others. treatment for inattentive adhd in adults of behavioral therapy can teach methods that reduce impulsive and self-destructive behaviors, improve organizational skills and boost confidence.
People who have inattention ADHD might find it beneficial to talk about their issues with a trusted family member or therapist. They might also be able to seek accommodations from teachers or supervisors, as well as coworkers. Accommodations are modifications and tools to the environment that enable disabled people to perform tasks as all other people. For example, a short person can use a step stool.
Hyperactive symptoms
The symptoms of this type of ADHD can be different in adults as compared to children. While children might fidget, appear restless and talkative the symptoms of adults tend to be more subtle. They may forget about their tasks, lose track of time or place and make mistakes that aren't their fault. They might also feel excessively energetic and find it difficult to sit still during a meal or class. They may interrupt other students or provide answers prior to being asked an inquiry.
These symptoms could be caused by a variety of conditions. A full psychiatric evaluation is needed to determine the root of the symptoms and determine the most effective treatments. This could include psychotherapy, medications and lifestyle changes. This can include a healthier eating plan as well as more exercise and better sleeping schedules. This can be done by adjusting school or work assignments, and utilizing assistive tools like calendars, planners, and smartphone apps.
If you suspect that you might have ADHD the first step is to discuss your concerns with your family doctor or primary care doctor. The How to Talk to Your Provider factsheet from NIMH provides guidelines on how to communicate with your provider about mental issues.
It's important to know that to be considered diagnosed with ADHD symptoms must manifest in at least two or more environments and seriously interfere with daily life. They must have been present for at least six months in order to be eligible. Your provider will evaluate you to see if you have the inattentive or hyperactive/impulsive symptoms of ADHD.
There are medications available that can help you manage your ADHD symptoms, as well as adjustments to your lifestyle and accommodations. These drugs are known as stimulants. They work by reorganizing brain signals that affect your mood and attention, as well as your behavior. Your doctor will prescribe the right dosage of the medication to you and monitor your response to treatment. You may be prescribed non-stimulant medication if you experience side effects or if a stimulant does not work. They are also combined with stimulants to boost effectiveness.
Impulsive Symptoms
People who are inattentive ADHD are more likely to lose their keys or phones. People with inattentive ADHD have a tougher task of focusing on tasks, organizing their materials, and completing projects. As adults, the result may be a million incomplete projects around the house: unpaid bills, unkempt houses, and the vegetable garden that was started but never watered.
Relationships are one of the most common areas where the impulsive ADHD symptoms can lead to issues. People with hyperactive ADHD tend to be anxious and require immediate gratification. They may be impulsive and enter social situations without thinking ahead or take risks that can cause negative consequences. Impulsive people may also overreact to emotional or stressful situations. One can become angry or defensive when fighting with family or friends.
A health care professional with a specialization in mental disorders will examine the medical history of a patient, and conduct an examination to determine ADHD. The doctor will inquire about your symptoms and how they impact your relationships at work, in your family, and at home. In order to be diagnosed with one of the types of ADHD, a person must show six or more of the nine main symptoms and the symptoms must interfere with daily functioning for at least 6 months (American Association for Psychiatric Research 2000).
The most effective treatment for ADHD is psychostimulants. These are drugs which target the way that certain chemicals communicate in the brain to regulate behavior. The most well-known stimulant is methylphenidate. It was originally developed to treat ADHD among children. The medication might not be appropriate for some people with other health issues, for example, high blood pressure or depression It is therefore essential to discuss your medications with your physician. Psychotherapy can help reduce impulsive symptoms and distracting behaviors in addition to medication. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a method of helping people recognize automatic or irrational thinking that may trigger negative behavior and devise strategies for self-regulation.
Multiple symptoms
Adults who experienced ADHD as children could experience symptoms that resurface during adulthood. They could experience mild or moderate symptoms that interfere with their schoolwork, work and social interactions. They may also have other mental health issues like anxiety or depression, that require treatment. Some adults may also have learning disabilities, which make it difficult to comprehend or follow directions in classrooms and offices.
The symptoms of the inattentive form of ADHD aren't as obvious in adults however, they can affect how people function at home and work. It's hard for people with this kind of ADHD to be able to concentrate during classes or business meetings, and they could struggle to keep track of assignments and work tasks. They often lose track of their belongings and forget deadlines or appointments. They may also have difficulty following conversations or listening to music. They are more susceptible to distraction by people or activities around than most 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) 4th edition of the American Psychiatric Association, includes an assessment criteria to identify the disorder. This includes symptoms that start at the age of 12 and can be seen in a variety of settings and can cause issues in 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 persist at home, in school and in other work and social settings.
Researchers are investigating the effects of environmental and genetic factors that might be responsible for the development of ADHD. According to studies, those with ADHD may have difficulty controlling certain brain chemicals that help control mood, attention and behavior.
If you have signs of ADHD discuss it with your primary care doctor. Your doctor can conduct an examination of your body and refer you for an evaluation by an expert in mental health. Psychotherapy and medication are typically employed to treat ADHD and other disorders, such as stimulants that increase the levels of certain brain chemicals. Amphetamines, methylphenidate, and other stimulants are commonly used. Inform your doctor about any other medications you take including supplements or vitamins. The FDA's website for medications contains information about approved medications along with warnings and patient guides.