ADHD in Adults - What You Need to Know
ADHD is an illness that causes problems with focus and hyperactivity. It can also cause issues at school, at work at home, in relationships and at home.
To diagnose ADHD your healthcare professional will use the guidelines of the most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). They will also examine how your symptoms affect your everyday life.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD is often viewed as a condition that only affects children, however it is common among adults as well. Many people with ADHD are not diagnosed until their symptoms become more severe and impact their lives. This can lead to problems with relationships at work, with family members and health.
If you or someone close to you suspect that you have ADHD, it's important to talk with an expert or therapist. They will be able to make a diagnosis and prescribe treatment.
The first step in the diagnosis process is to complete a clinical history. This includes a complete review of your medical, psychiatric and personal medical history from childhood until today.
This will aid the clinician elicit current symptoms accurately. The doctor should inquire about the person's everyday activities and whether or not they affect school, work or social interactions.
There are a variety of medications that can be prescribed to treat ADHD according to the severity of the symptoms. These include stimulants like Ritalin or Adderall and non-stimulant medications.
Other options include behavioral therapy and lifestyle modifications. This can help you focus better, lessen stress and anxiety, and reduce hyperactivity.
In addition to a physical examination the doctor will also ask you about any other mental health issues that could cause similar symptoms to those of ADHD. This could include anxiety, depression and substance abuse disorders like nicotine or alcohol abuse.
You will be asked to perform several tasks to test your concentration, distractibility, and short-term memory. These can be done at the office or at home.
Your doctor will also ask if you have any other mental health conditions like depression or anxiety. They will also take a look at your sleep habits, diet as well as other factors to determine if they are contributing to your symptoms.
The results of the test should reveal if you suffer from any of the following symptoms:
If you're experiencing these signs, it is time to seek help from an expert. They can diagnose you with ADHD and recommend treatment, which could include medication, behavioral therapy or lifestyle adjustments.
Diagnosis
ADHD is a behavioral disorder that causes issues with behavior, attention and other executive functions. It isn't easy to diagnose but it can be treated by medication and therapy for behavioral disorders.
Many people with symptoms of ADHD will try self-assessment tools before visiting a doctor or mental health professional to seek an assessment. Some of these tools include a 40-item self-report form as well as an online screening test that can aid in determining if you suffer from ADHD. These tests aren't able to identify ADHD and aren't intended to replace professional assessments.
A specialist in the field will analyze you using a combination of tests, questionnaires, and interviews to get an accurate diagnosis. This may include a detailed medical description of your medical history, a checklist of symptoms, and questions about how they affect your life in different scenarios. Your parents, spouse or other close family members might be questioned by the physician.
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 the symptoms interfere with your daily life, for example in your school or work environment as well as with your family members or friends or in other activities.
The symptoms you're experiencing might be new or have been happening for a long time, but they must have been consistently present before age 12 to qualify for a diagnosis. You may be asked to look over old school reports or have your parents complete a 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 the doctor will search for other conditions that may cause similar symptoms as ADHD.
A doctor can also ask you to take ADHD surveys, which do not serve as a diagnostic tool, but can provide background information about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. adult test for adhd aren't designed to diagnose ADHD however, they could aid your healthcare provider in determining if you have it and the best way to treat it.
Treatment
ADHD treatment for adults typically includes a combination therapy, medication, behavior strategies as well as life skills training and therapy. It could take some time to find the best combination that is right for you.
ADHD medication is the most popular treatment option. These medications are meant to help balance and boost brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They also help improve focus, reduce impulsivity , and decrease hyperactivity. They can help you control your ADHD symptoms and make you feel better.
The most common prescription medications are stimulants like methylphenidate and Adderall. They are effective for most people, but they can have side effects such as constipation and decreased sex drive.
Another drug, atomoxetine (Strattera), is the first nonstimulant drug to be approved specifically for ADHD. It is not as effective as stimulants, however it doesn't have the same negative side consequences.
Many ADHD patients can choose to take antidepressants. These medications, such as Bupropion (Wellbutrin), and Fluoxetine (Prozac) are not able to cure the condition but may help reduce symptoms. These medications are frequently prescribed to treat depression, anxiety and other mental health issues that result from ADHD.
If you have ADHD in addition to other disorders your doctor might suggest that you visit a psychiatrist or other mental health professional who is specialized in treating ADHD. These doctors can evaluate your medical background, family history, and other symptoms to identify the causes of your problems.
Your doctor may also ask you about any mental or physical health issues, such as anxiety, depression and substance abuse as well as other mental and/or physical conditions. These illnesses can affect your ability to focus and learn, as well as be productive at work, school, or in relationships.
To determine ADHD symptoms, your doctor will use the Fifth Edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). This is the most commonly used handbook by medical professionals to determine a diagnosis.
During the assessment your healthcare provider will conduct a series of tests and interviews. This includes a thorough diagnostic interview and DSM-5 checklists for symptoms.
Prevention
ADHD can be prevented through early detection and intervention. This can lessen the severity of symptoms, reduce disruption to school functions as well as enhance normal growth and development, and improve the quality of life for those diagnosed with ADHD.
There are a variety of ways to avoid or limit the development of ADHD in adulthood. These include psychotherapy, medication, and strategies for managing behavior. The support of family members can be beneficial too.
Psychostimulants are a primary treatment for ADHD in adults. These include amphetamines salts, that are sold under the brand name Adderall, and methylphenidate which is sold under the brand name Ritalin Concerta Metadate.
ADHD patients who can take psychostimulants regularly on a daily basis may notice a significant improvement in their symptoms. The patient may also learn to control their behavior and improve their relationships with other people.
ADHD medication is most effective when used in conjunction with a diet program, brain training and exercise. These strategies are highly effective in treating children with ADHD and will likely to transform for adults too.
In addition to medications counseling and educational programs, counseling are also very effective for adult patients. These therapies can help individuals improve their coping abilities, self-esteem, and change negative thinking patterns which contribute to their behavioral problems.
Counseling can assist people suffering from ADHD and other psychiatric disorders like addiction and depression. It can also help them manage stress and resentment that are often associated with ADHD.
ADHD sufferers may also benefit from other therapies such as diet modifications and physical activity as well as stress reduction programs. These strategies can improve focus and reduce impulsive or hyperactive behavior.
Despite this, a lot of adults suffering from ADHD go undiagnosed or undertreated due to racial or ethnic differences in the treatment and diagnosis of ADHD. For instance that blacks and Hispanics are significantly less likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than whites, even though both groups have the same amount of children affected by the disorder.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, ADHD has been diagnosed in more than 4 percent of American. Research suggests that this figure is significantly higher.