ADHD in Adults - What You Need to Know
ADHD is an illness that causes hyperactivity and focus problems. It can also cause problems at work or at school as well as in relationships at home and at work.
Your healthcare provider will employ the most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5 DSM-5) to diagnose ADHD. They will also examine how symptoms affect your daily life.
The signs
ADHD is often viewed as a condition that affects only children. However, it's also prevalent in adults. Many people with ADHD remain undiagnosed until their symptoms get severe and impact their lives. This can lead to problems in family relationships, work, and health.
If you or someone close to you suspect that you suffer from ADHD is crucial to consult the doctor or therapist. They are able to diagnose and recommend treatment.
The first step in the diagnosis process is to complete a clinical history. This includes a complete review of your medical, personal and psychiatric records from childhood to present.
This will enable the doctor to accurately identify current symptoms. The doctor should inquire about how the symptoms impact an individual's daily life and if they hinder the social, school or work performance.
Depending on the severity of the symptoms, there are many different types of medications that may be prescribed to treat ADHD. They include stimulants like Adderall or Ritalin and non-stimulant drugs.
Other options include behavior therapy and lifestyle adjustments. This will help you improve your focus, reduce stress and anxiety and manage impulse and hyperactivity.
Your doctor will also conduct physical examinations and inquire about any mental health issues that may be causing symptoms similar to ADHD. This could include depression, anxiety or a substance abuse disorder such as smoking or drinking alcohol.
To assess your attention span and distractibility, short-term memory and focus, you will be required to complete a variety of tasks. These tasks can be performed at home or in an office.
Your doctor will ask you whether you have any mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression. you can try these out with regard to sleep, diet and other aspects will be examined to determine if they are contributing.
The test results should reveal whether you are suffering from any symptoms.
If you experience these symptoms then it's time to seek out a specialist. They can identify you as having ADHD and suggest treatment which could include medication, behavioral therapy, or lifestyle adjustments.
Diagnosis
ADHD is a disorder of the mind that affects behavior, attention, and other executive functions. It can be difficult to diagnose however it can be treated with medication and behavioral therapy.
Many people who have ADHD symptoms will first test self-assessment tools, before seeing an expert in mental health or a doctor. These tools include a 40-item self report form and an online screening test that will help you determine if you suffer from ADHD. However, these tests aren't used to make a clinical diagnosis and cannot substitute for an assessment by a professional.
A specialist in the field will examine you with a combination of interviews, questionnaires and testing to make an accurate diagnosis. This includes a review of your symptoms, a list of symptoms and questions about how they affect you in various scenarios. Your parents, your partner or other close friends could be interviewed by the clinician.
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 symptoms are interfering with your life for example, at school or at work as well as with your family members or friends or in any other activity.
The symptoms you're having may be new or happening for a long time however, they must have been consistently present before the age of 12 in order to be eligible for being diagnosed. You may be asked to read your old school reports or request your parents to complete a retrospective ADHD report detailing your behavior in childhood.
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 an amalgamation of both the doctor will be looking for other conditions that can cause similar symptoms to ADHD and thyroid problems or seizure disorders.
A doctor might also require you to fill out ADHD questionnaires. These surveys aren't intended to provide a diagnosis, but can provide background information on your symptoms and how they impact your life. These surveys aren't designed to give diagnoses, but they can assist your healthcare provider determine if you suffer from ADHD and what kind of treatment you'll need.
Treatment
Treatment for ADHD in adults is generally an amalgamation of medication behavioral strategies, skills training and therapy. It could take some time to determine the right combination that is right for you.
Medical treatments are the most frequent treatment option for ADHD. The drugs are designed to increase and balance the levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. They can also help improve concentration as well as reduce impulsivity and reduce hyperactivity. They can help you manage ADHD symptoms and help you feel better.
The most commonly prescribed medications are stimulants such as methylphenidate or Adderall. They are safe for the majority of people, however, they can cause side effects, such as constipation and lower sex drive.
Another drug, atomoxetine (Strattera), is the first nonstimulant drug to be approved specifically for ADHD. While it's not as effective as stimulants but doesn't come with the same adverse consequences, it's very effective.
Many ADHD patients are able to treat themselves with antidepressants. These medications, such as Bupropion (Wellbutrin), and Fluoxetine (Prozac) do not treat the condition , but they do decrease symptoms. These drugs are usually prescribed to treat depression, anxiety and other mental health issues that result from ADHD.
If you have ADHD as well as other ailments your doctor may recommend that you see an psychiatric or mental health professional with expertise in treating ADHD. These professionals can review your medical history, family history, and other signs to determine the source of your symptoms.
The doctor will also ask about any other physical and mental health issues you may have such as anxiety, depression or substance abuse. These diseases can affect your ability to focus or learn, and also be productive at school, work, or in relationships.
Your doctor will follow guidelines from the most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to diagnose your symptoms of ADHD. This is the standard handbook used by most healthcare practitioners to make a diagnosis.
During the evaluation the healthcare provider will conduct a series tests and interviews. These include a comprehensive diagnostic interview, DSM-5 symptom checklists and standard behavioral rating scales for ADHD.
Prevention
Early intervention and detection can help to help to prevent ADHD. This can reduce the severity of the disorder and affect school performance, enhance the normal development and growth, and improve the quality of life for those diagnosed with ADHD.
Many measures can be utilized to deter or delay the development of adult ADHD such as psychotherapy, medication and management strategies. Family members' support is also helpful.
Psychostimulants are the main treatment for ADHD in adults. These include amphetamines salts, which are sold under the brand name Adderall and methylphenidate. It is sold under the brand name Ritalin Concerta Metadate.
ADHD patients who can take psychostimulants regularly on a daily basis usually see significant improvement in their symptoms. In addition, the patient may learn how to control their behavior and improve their relationships with others.
The most effective medication is combined with an ADHD food plan as well as brain training and exercise. These techniques are highly effective for ADHD children and can transform adults.
In addition to medications counseling and education programs, they can also prove to be effective for adult patients. These programs can help individuals develop coping skills, increase self-esteem and alter negative mental patterns that contribute to their issues with their behavior.
Counseling can help people deal with the effects of ADHD and other psychiatric disorders, such as depression and substance misuse. Counseling can help people deal with anger and stress that are commonly associated with ADHD.
Other strategies, like eating habits, physical activity and stress reduction programs, can also be beneficial for people who suffer from ADHD. These strategies can improve concentration and decrease impulsive and hyperactive behaviors.
Yet, many adults suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed or treated due to racial or ethnic differences in the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. Hispanics and blacks are less likely be diagnosed with ADHD than whites, despite having the same amount of children with 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 figure is significantly higher.