ADHD Symptoms and Treatment in Adults
Many adults find that they are struggling to keep up with their daily activities often expressing frustration and mood swings. If you suspect you have ADHD you should consult your primary care provider or a mental health professional for an assessment.
The criteria for diagnosing adult ADHD is similar to that for children ADHD: symptoms must be evident for at least 6 months and are not be better explained by other medical conditions or mood disorders.
Inattentive symptoms
Many adults suffering from ADHD find it difficult to complete homework, work or household chores. They frequently skip appointments and fail to pay their bills on time, and have difficulty maintaining relationships with friends and family. They are more likely than others to lose their possessions or make careless errors that could have grave consequences.
If you are having trouble managing your personal or work-related matters, you should talk to your health care provider. Your primary care provider can assess your situation and recommend you to a mental health professional when appropriate.
The symptoms of inattention ADHD are often misunderstood. People who suffer from inattentive ADHD aren't always attentive when speaking to. They are easily distracted or get distracted by irrelevant thoughts. They struggle to focus on their tasks, and may make mistakes or fail to follow instructions. They also have trouble keeping their hands from their face or appearing unsteady or fidgety.
Inattention to symptoms can result in failure at school or work which can lead to feelings of shame and frustration for the person affected. They can also cause issues with relationships with friends, family and colleagues.
Health professionals determine ADHD by conducting a clinical assessment that involves interviewing the person and analyzing their previous behavior. They may require the patient to fill out a questionnaire about their symptoms and may conduct medical tests to rule out physical or mental health conditions that may have similar symptoms. The symptoms of ADHD must occur consistently since before age 12 in order for the diagnosis to be made.
Adults with inattention ADHD are often able to benefit from psychotherapy, lifestyle changes and other treatments that help to manage their symptoms. These treatments include therapy with medication, behavioral therapy, and family psychoeducation. Psychotherapy is a form of counseling which helps patients to develop new skills, attitudes and ways of interacting with other people. Psychotherapy can teach strategies that will decrease self-destructive and impulsive behaviors improve organizational skills and build confidence.
It may be helpful for people with inattentive ADHD to discuss their struggles with a family member or family member, or therapist. Teachers or supervisors, as well as colleagues may be able offer accommodations. Accommodations are the tools or modifications in the work environment that allow a person with a disability to perform tasks like everyone else, such as having a step stool for those who are short.
Hyperactive Symptoms
Adults may show different symptoms as children. While children can fidget, appear restless and talkative, adult symptoms tend to be more subtle. They might forget to complete tasks, lose track or take a wrong turn and make mistakes. They might also be overly energetic and find it difficult to sit still in a class or meal. They might interrupt others or mutter answers before being asked a question, and have trouble waiting their turn in conversations or games.
There are a variety of illnesses that can cause these symptoms. To determine the root of symptoms and the most effective treatment, a complete mental health assessment is needed. These include psychotherapy, medication and lifestyle adjustments. These can include an improved diet, exercise and sleeping schedules. These can include adjusting school or work assignments, and utilizing assistive tools like calendars and planners, as well as smartphone apps.
If you suspect you might have ADHD The first step should be to discuss your concerns with your family doctor or primary care doctor. You can find helpful tips to talk to your health care provider about mental health issues on the NIMH's How to Talk to Your Health Care Provider fact sheet.
It's important to know that to be diagnosed with ADHD symptoms must be present in at least two or more environments and have a significant impact on daily life. To be considered a candidate they must be present for at least six months. Your provider will evaluate you to see if you have the inattentive or hyperactive/impulsive symptoms of ADHD.
Alongside lifestyle changes and accommodations, there are medications that can ease your symptoms of ADHD. These medications are called stimulants. They work by streamlining the signals in your brain that affect your mood, attention, and behavior. Your doctor will give you the right dosage and will be able to keep track of your response. You might be prescribed a non-stimulant drug when you have bothersome side effects, when a stimulant isn't helping or is used in conjunction with stimulants to enhance the effectiveness of treatment.
Impulsive Symptoms
Everyone loses keys or phone from time to time, but for people with inattention ADHD, these little distractions are a bigger issue. People with inattentive ADHD have a difficult task of focusing on tasks, arranging their material and completing their projects. As adults, this can cause a variety of half-finished tasks around the house, including unpaid bills, unkempt homes and the vegetable garden that's been planted but never watered.
The impulse-driven symptoms of ADHD can cause difficulties in a variety of aspects of life, but particularly when it comes to relationships. People with an impulsive ADHD are usually anxious and seek instant satisfaction. alternative adhd treatment for adults might be quick to enter social situations without thinking ahead, or take risks that could lead to negative consequences. Impulsive people may also overreact to emotional or stressful situations. Someone could become angry or defensive when fighting with family members or friends.
A health professional who specializes in mental disorders will review the medical background of a patient and conduct an examination to diagnose ADHD. The doctor will ask you about the symptoms and how they impact your relationships, work, and your home. To be diagnosed with either type of ADHD the patient must show at least six of the nine main symptoms and the symptoms must interfere with daily functioning for at least 6 months (American Psychiatric Association 2000).
Psychostimulants are the most effective treatment for ADHD. They target the way that certain chemicals interact with each other in the brain to regulate behaviour. The most common stimulant is methylphenidate. It was initially used to treat ADHD among children. It's important to talk with your doctor about your medication if you have other health conditions such as depression or high blood pressure. In addition to medication, psychotherapy may help reduce the symptoms of distraction and impulsivity. treat adhd without medication adults (CBT), focuses on teaching people to recognize automatic or irrational thinking that may trigger negative behavior and to develop strategies for self-regulation.
Combination of symptoms
Adults who were diagnosed with ADHD as children may be affected in later life. They may experience mild, moderate or even severe symptoms that affect work, school and social interactions. They could also be suffering from other mental health issues like depression or anxiety, which require treatment. Adults may also experience problems with learning, which may make it difficult for them to understand or follow instructions in offices and classrooms.
Adults may not be able to detect the signs of inattention ADHD however, it can be a problem for them to perform at work and home. This kind of ADHD makes it difficult for people to stay focused during business meetings or college lectures. They may also be unable to keep up with their work and assignments. They frequently lose track of their belongings and forget appointments or deadlines. They also have difficulty keeping track of conversations or listening to music. They are more prone to being distracted by the people or activities in the vicinity 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 begin at the age of 12 and can be seen in multiple settings and cause problems in a variety of 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 have manifested before the person was 12 years old and continue at home, in school, and in other work and social environments.
There's no known cause of ADHD, but researchers are studying genetic and environmental factors that could have a role to play. According to research, people with ADHD might have trouble regulating certain brain chemicals, including neurotransmitters which can regulate the 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 medications are usually used to treat ADHD, including stimulants that boost the levels of certain brain chemicals. These include amphetamines and methylphenidate. Inform your doctor of all other medications you take including supplements or vitamins. The FDA's website for medications contains information on approved medicines, warnings and patient information guides.