ADHD Symptoms and Treatment in Adults
Many adults struggle to keep up with their daily tasks. They often experience frustration and mood shifts. If you suspect that you be suffering from ADHD take a look at your primary care doctor or an expert in mental health for an evaluation.
Adult ADHD is diagnosed with the same criteria that it is for children. The symptoms must last at minimum six months, and cannot be caused by any other medical condition mood disorders or other medical conditions.
Inattentional symptoms
Many adults with ADHD have difficulty complete schoolwork, work or household chores. They often skip appointments, fail to pay bills on time, and have difficulty maintaining relationships with their family and friends. They are more likely than other people to lose their possessions or make a mistake which can result in serious consequences.
Speak to your health care provider if are having trouble keeping the track of your work or personal matters. Your primary care physician can assess your situation and refer you to a mental health specialist if appropriate.
Symptoms of inattention ADHD are often misunderstood. People suffering from inattentive ADHD do not always listen when they are spoken to and are easily distracted or frequently distracted by irrelevant thoughts. They may struggle to stay focused, make careless mistakes, or struggle with following directions. They also have difficulty keeping their hands from their face or may seem shaky or fidgety.
Inattentive symptoms may result in a failure at the workplace or at school and can result in anxiety and guilt for those affected. They can also cause issues in relationships with friends, family and co-workers.
The diagnosis of ADHD is based on a assessment of the clinical. This involves an interview with the patient and a review of previous behavior. They might ask the person to fill out an inventory of symptoms and run medical tests to rule out other conditions that exhibit similar symptoms. The symptoms of ADHD must be consistent before age 12 in order for the diagnosis to be made.
Adults with inattention ADHD may benefit from a psychotherapy session and lifestyle changes to manage their symptoms. These treatments include behavioral therapy, medication, and family psychoeducation. Psychotherapy is a kind of therapy that assists patients to develop new skills, attitudes and ways of communicating with others. The use of behavioral therapy can help decrease impulsive, self-destructive behavior, increase organizational skills, and increase confidence.
People with inattention ADHD may find it helpful to discuss their struggles with a trusted friend, family member or therapist. Teachers, supervisors, and co-workers may be able to offer accommodations. Accommodations are the tools or modifications in the work environment that allow the disabled person to do the same tasks as the rest of us, for example, using a step stool for those who are short.
Hyperactive Signs and symptoms
The signs of ADHD might be different in adults as compared to children. While children can be agitated, irritable and talkative while adult symptoms tend to be more subtle. They may forget their assignments and lose the time or location and make careless mistakes. They might also be overly active and struggle to sit still during a meal or class. They may interrupt others or provide answers prior to being asked to answer a question.
These symptoms can be triggered by a variety of ailments. A full psychiatric evaluation is necessary to determine the root of the symptoms and determine the most effective treatment. This includes psychotherapy, medication and lifestyle modifications. This could include an improved diet along with more exercise, and an improved sleep schedule. They may also require adjusting work or school assignments and making use of aidive devices such as calendars, planners and smartphone apps.
It is important to discuss your concerns with your family doctor or primary healthcare provider if you suspect that you may have ADHD. The How to Talk to Your Provider factsheet from NIMH provides tips on how to talk with your physician regarding mental health issues.
It's important to know that in order to be considered diagnosed with ADHD, symptoms must occur in more than one setting and seriously interfere with daily life. To be eligible 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 the symptoms of ADHD. These are known as stimulants. They function by enhancing the signals within your brain, which affect your mood, attention, and behavior. Your doctor will prescribe the appropriate dosage of the medication for you and will monitor your response to treatment. You may be prescribed non-stimulant medication if you experience side effects or if a stimulant doesn't work. They can also be combined with stimulants for increased effectiveness.
Impulsive Symptoms
Everyone misplaces keys or a phone from time to time, but for people with inattentive ADHD small distractions are a bigger issue. People with inattentive ADHD have a harder managing their tasks, arranging their materials, and completing projects. As adults, this may cause a variety of unfinished projects around the house: unpaid bills, unkempt homes and a vegetable garden that has been started but never watered.
The impulse-driven symptoms of ADHD can create difficulties in a variety of aspects of our lives, but specifically when it comes to relationships. People with an impulsive ADHD are usually anxious and seek instant satisfaction. They may jump into social situations without preparation or risk-taking which could have negative consequences. People who are easily triggered can also react to stressful or emotional situations. For instance, someone may become extremely angry or defensive when arguing with friends or family.
To determine if you have one of the two types of ADHD the healthcare professional who is trained in mental disorders should review a person's medical history and conduct an examination. The doctor will inquire about the symptoms and how they impact your interactions with others, work, and your home. To be diagnosed with either type of ADHD the patient must have six or more of the nine main symptoms and the symptoms must interfere with daily functioning for at least 6 months (American Psychiatric Association 2000).
The most effective treatment for ADHD is psychostimulants. These are drugs that affect the way certain chemicals interact with the brain to regulate behavior. The most popular type of stimulant is methylphenidate, which was first used to treat ADHD in children. The medication might not be suitable for people with other health issues, for example, depression or high blood pressure It is therefore essential to discuss your medications with your doctor. Psychotherapy can help reduce impulsive symptoms and distracting behaviors in addition to medications. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), focuses on helping people recognize Irrational or automatic thinking that triggers negative behaviors and devise strategies for self-regulation.
Combination Symptoms
Adults who were diagnosed with ADHD as children can experience symptoms in adulthood. They may experience mild, moderate or severe symptoms that affect work, school and social interactions. Other mental health issues, like anxiety or depression, might also 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.
effects of untreated adhd in adults of the inattentive type of ADHD aren't as obvious in adults, but they can still impact how people function at home and at work. This type of ADHD can make it difficult for people to remain focused in business meetings or classes at college. They may also have difficulty keeping up with their assignments and work. They might forget deadlines or appointments, and then lose their possessions. They may also have trouble following conversations or listening music. They are more prone to being distracted 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), fourth edition of the American Psychiatric Association, includes the criteria for diagnosing the disorder. This includes symptoms that appear before age 12 and are present 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 continue to manifest at school, at home as well as in various work and social situations.
Researchers are studying the effects of environmental and genetic factors that might be at play in the development of ADHD. Studies suggest that the brains of people who suffer from ADHD are unable to regulate certain chemicals, including neurotransmitters that manage mood, attention and behavior.
If you have signs of ADHD you should talk to your primary care provider. Your doctor may conduct an examination and refer you to an expert in mental health to conduct an evaluation. Treatment for ADHD typically involves psychotherapy and medication, such as stimulants that boost levels of certain chemicals in the brain. These include amphetamines and methylphenidate. Tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking, including vitamins or supplements. The FDA's website for medications contains information on approved medicines along with warnings and patient guides.