ADHD in Adults - What You Need to Know
ADHD is a condition which causes issues with focus and hyperactivity. It may also cause problems at work or at school, home life and relationships.
To diagnose ADHD, your healthcare practitioner will follow the guidelines in the most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). They will also examine the way that symptoms impact your daily life.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD is often viewed as a condition which affects only children. However, it is also prevalent for adults. Many people with ADHD go undiagnosed until their symptoms become severe and impact their lives. This can lead to problems with family relationships, work, and health.
If you or a loved one suspect that you suffer from ADHD, it's important to speak to the doctor or therapist. They will be able to diagnose you and suggest treatment.
A thorough clinical history is the first step in diagnosing you. This includes a complete review of your medical, psychiatric and personal medical history from childhood until today.
This will assist the physician identify current symptoms more accurately. The doctor should inquire about a person's everyday activities and whether or not they impact school, work, or social life.
There are many medications that can be prescribed to treat ADHD in accordance with the severity of the symptoms. These include stimulants like Adderall or Ritalin and non-stimulant medications.
You can also consider lifestyle or behavioral therapy. This can help you concentrate better, lessen anxiety and stress, and control hyperactivity.
Your doctor will also conduct a physical exam and ask about any mental health issues that may be causing symptoms similar to ADHD. These include anxiety, depression and substance abuse disorders like alcohol or nicotine abuse.
To determine your attention span as well as your distractibility, short-term memory, and focus, you will be asked to perform a variety of tasks. The tasks can be accomplished at home or in the office.
Your doctor will ask you whether you suffer from any mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression. They will also examine your sleeping habits, your diet and other aspects to determine if they're contributing to your symptoms.
The results of the test will indicate if you have any of the following symptoms:
These symptoms are signs that you need professional help. They may be able to determine ADHD and suggest treatment. This could include medication, therapy for behavioral issues or lifestyle adjustments.
Diagnosis
ADHD is a behavioral disorder that affects behavior, attention, and other executive functions. Although it is difficult to identify, ADHD can be treated by medication or behavioral therapy.
Many people who have symptoms of ADHD will test themselves using self-assessment instruments before visiting a doctor or mental health professional for a diagnosis. These tools include a 40-item self-report form and an electronic screening test to help determine if you suffer from ADHD. These tests can't be used to diagnose ADHD and are not meant to replace expert assessments.
A specialist in the field will evaluate you using a combination of questions, tests and interviews to determine a precise diagnosis. This will include a thorough background, a list of symptoms, and questions on how they affect your life in various scenarios. The clinician may also interview your parents, partner or any other individuals who know you well.
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 life is being disrupted by symptoms, such as at school or at work and with your family or friends as well as in other activities.
The symptoms you're having may be new or have been occurring for a long period of time however they must have been continuously present before the age of 12 in order to meet the criteria for the diagnosis. You may be asked to read your old school reports or request your parents to 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 and your doctor is looking for other conditions that may cause similar symptoms as ADHD.
A doctor may also require you to fill out ADHD questionnaires. These surveys aren't intended to provide a diagnosis, but can provide information about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. These surveys aren't designed to diagnose ADHD however they can help your healthcare professional determine whether you are suffering from it and the best course of treatment for you.
Treatment
Treatment for ADHD for adults is usually comprised of medications behavioral strategies, skills training, and therapy. It may take a bit of time to find the best combination for you.
ADHD medication is the most frequently used treatment option. They are designed to boost and regulate brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. They can also help improve concentration in addition to reducing impulsivity. They can also reduce hyperactivity. They can help you manage your 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 lowered sex drive.
Another drug, atomoxetine or strattera, was approved to treat ADHD. It is not as effective as stimulants, but it doesn't have the same negative side effects.
Many ADHD patients are able to treat themselves with antidepressants. These medications, like Bupropion (Wellbutrin) and Fluoxetine (Prozac) do not treat the condition , but they can alleviate symptoms. They are usually prescribed to treat anxiety, depression or other mental health disorders that are a result of the ADHD.
If you are suffering from ADHD as well as other ailments your doctor may recommend that you see an psychiatrist or another mental health professional with expertise in treating ADHD. These professionals can analyze your medical background, family history, and other symptoms to identify the root cause of your symptoms.
The doctor may also inquire about any other physical or mental health issues you might have like depression, anxiety or substance abuse. These illnesses can interfere with your ability to concentrate and learn, as well as be productive in your work, school or in relationships.
To identify online test for adhd adults will use the Fifth Edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). This is the standard handbook that most healthcare professionals utilize to diagnose ADHD.
During the evaluation your healthcare provider will conduct a series of interviews and tests. These include a comprehensive diagnostic interview as well as DSM-5 symptoms checklists.
Prevention
Early intervention and detection can help to help to prevent ADHD. This can reduce the severity of symptoms, minimize disruption to school functions, enhance normal growth and development, and improve the quality of life for people 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. Support from family members is also beneficial.
Psychostimulants are the main treatment for ADHD in adults. These include amphetamine salts, which are marketed under the brand name Adderall, and methylphenidate, which is sold under names Ritalin, Concerta, Metadate and many others.
ADHD patients who are able to use psychostimulants on a regular basis may notice a significant improvement in their symptoms. The patient may also learn to manage their behavior and improve their relationships with others.
ADHD medication is most effective when it is used in conjunction with a diet plan, brain training, and exercise. These strategies are extremely efficient for ADHD children and can transform adults.
Adult patients may also benefit from educational and counseling programs. These programs can help patients learn coping skills, increase self-esteem and change negative thinking patterns that are contributing to their behavior problems.
Counseling can aid people with ADHD and other psychiatric conditions like addiction to drugs and depression. It can also help them cope with resentment and stress that are often associated with ADHD.
Other approaches, such as eating habits, physical activity and stress reduction programs, are also beneficial to those with ADHD. These strategies can improve focus and decrease impulsive and hyperactive behavior.
Yet, many adults with ADHD are not diagnosed or treated due to racial and ethnic differences in the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. For example, blacks and Hispanics are significantly less likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than whites, even though both groups have the same number of children affected by the disorder.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, ADHD has been diagnosed in more than 4 percent of Americans. However, research suggests that the actual number of adults with this disorder is far greater than this number.