ADHD Symptoms and Treatment in Adults
Many adults have difficulty keeping up with their daily tasks. They often experience frustration and mood shifts. If you suspect that you have ADHD, consult your primary care physician or an expert in mental health to conduct an evaluation.
The criteria for determining adult ADHD is similar to that for children ADHD: symptoms must be evident for at least 6 months and are not better explained by medical conditions or mood disorders.
Attentive symptoms
Adults with ADHD often have a difficult time to keep up with the workplace, at school or with household chores. They don't attend appointments, fail to pay bills on time and struggle to maintain relationships with friends and family. They are more likely than others to lose possessions, or make a mistake which can result in serious consequences.
If you are having trouble managing your personal or work-related affairs, consider talking to a health care provider. Your primary care provider will assess your situation and recommend you to a mental health specialist when appropriate.
The signs of inattentive ADHD are often misunderstood. People suffering from inattentive ADHD don't always listen when spoken to and tend to forget quickly or are often distracted by irrelevant thoughts. They are unable to stay focused on their work, and can make a mistake or struggle to follow directions. They also struggle to keep their hands from their face or may seem shaky or fidgety.
Inattention to the symptoms could cause a drop in performance at the workplace or at school which can lead to anger and shame for the affected. They can also cause problems in relationships with family, friends and colleagues.
The diagnosis of ADHD is based on a clinical assessment. This includes an interview with the patient and a review of previous behavior. They may require the patient to complete a symptom questionnaire and may conduct medical tests to exclude mental or physical health conditions that share similar symptoms. Symptoms of ADHD must be present consistently before age 12 in order for the diagnosis to be made.
Adults who suffer from inattention ADHD can often benefit from psychotherapy, lifestyle adjustments and other treatments that help to manage their symptoms. These treatments include medications such as behavioral therapy, family therapy and psychoeducation. Psychotherapy is a form of counseling that helps patients develop new attitudes, skills and ways of communicating with others. Behavioral therapy can help reduce impulsive, self-destructive behavior, improve the ability to manage and organize, and boost confidence.
People with inattention ADHD might find it helpful to discuss their struggles with a trusted family member or therapist. They may also seek accommodations from their teachers or supervisors as well as colleagues. Accommodations are tools or changes in the environment that allow the disabled person to perform tasks like others, like using a step stool to help those who are short.
Hyperactive symptoms
Adults can exhibit different symptoms in comparison to children. While children may be agitated, irritable and talkative while adult symptoms tend to be more subtle. They might forget their tasks, get lost or lose place and make careless errors. They also may feel overly energised and struggle to sit still, even when sitting down to a meal or in class. They may interrupt other students or respond to questions prior to being asked to answer a question.
There are many illnesses that can cause these symptoms. To determine the cause of the symptoms and determine the most effective treatment, a full mental health assessment is needed. These include psychotherapy, medication and lifestyle modifications. This could mean a healthier eating plan along with more exercise and better sleeping schedules. They may also require changing school or work assignments and making use of assistive devices like calendars, planners, and smartphone apps.
what happens if adhd is left untreated in adults is important to discuss your concerns with your family doctor or your primary healthcare provider if you suspect you might be suffering from ADHD. There are some tips for speaking with your health care provider about mental health issues on NIMH's How to Talk to Your Health Care Provider fact sheet.
It is important to understand that in order to be diagnosed with ADHD symptoms must be present in more than one setting and seriously interfere with everyday life. To be eligible they must have been present at least six month. Your provider will evaluate you to see if you have the inattentive or hyperactive/impulsive symptoms of ADHD.
In addition to lifestyle changes and accommodations, there are medications that can help manage the symptoms of ADHD. These are referred to as stimulants. They work by reorganizing the brain's signals that affect your mood and attention, as well as your behavior. Your doctor will prescribe the right dosage and will be able to monitor your response. You might be prescribed non-stimulant drugs in the event of side effects or if a stimulant doesn't work. They are also utilized in conjunction with stimulants to boost effectiveness.
Impulsive Symptoms
Everyone loses keys or cellphone from time-to-time However, for those with inattentive ADHD, these little distractions are a bigger issue. Whether it's doodling in class or losing track of the time in a meeting, those with inattentive ADHD are more difficult to follow tasks, organize their materials and complete projects. As adults, this may result in a myriad of tasks that are not completed at the house, including houses that are not cleaned and bills not paid and a vegetable garden that was established but not watered.
The impulse-driven symptoms of ADHD can create issues in a variety of areas of our lives, but specifically when it comes to relationships. People who have an impulsive ADHD tend to be impatient and need instant satisfaction. They can be impulsive and jump into social situations with no preparation or risk-taking, which can have negative consequences. Impulsive people may also overreact to emotional or stressful situations. One can become angry or defensive when fighting with family or friends.
To be diagnosed with one of the two forms of ADHD the health professional who specializes in mental disorders must review a person's medical history and conduct an exam. The doctor will also inquire about how the symptoms affect your home, work and personal relationships. To be diagnosed with either type of ADHD one must show at least six of the nine main symptoms and the symptoms must be interfering with daily functioning for at least 6 months (American Association for Psychiatric Research 2000).
The most effective treatment for ADHD is psychostimulants. These are drugs which target the way that certain chemicals communicate in the brain to regulate behavior. The most well-known stimulant is methylphenidate. It was originally developed to treat ADHD in children. It is important to speak with your physician about your medication if you have other health conditions such as depression or high blood pressure. Psychotherapy can reduce the symptoms of impulsivity and distracting behavior in addition to medication. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) focuses on teaching individuals to identify the automatic or irrational thoughts that could trigger negative behaviors, and develop strategies of self-regulation.
Combination of Symptoms
Adults who were diagnosed with ADHD as children may experience symptoms in adulthood. They can have mild or moderate symptoms that cause problems in their work, school and social interactions. Other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety, may also require treatment. Adults may also experience learning issues, which could make it difficult for them to understand or follow directions in offices and classrooms.
Adults may not be able identify the signs of inattention ADHD however it could be a problem for them to function at work and home. This type of ADHD can make it difficult for people to stay focused in meetings at work or during college lectures. They may also have difficulty keeping up with their work and assignments. They frequently lose the track of their belongings or forget appointments or deadlines. They may also have difficulty following conversations or listening music. They are more prone to being distracted by the people or activities that are going on around them than the majority of 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 American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fourth Edition (DSM-IV TR) has a diagnostic criteria which includes symptoms that manifest before age 12, occur in multiple settings and lead to impairment in a variety of areas, such as at school or in relationships.
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 begun before the age of 12 years old. They must persist at home, at school and in other work and social environments.
Researchers are studying environmental and genetic factors that might be involved in the development of ADHD. According to research, people who suffer from ADHD may have difficulty regulating certain brain chemicals that help control mood, attention and behavior.
If you are experiencing signs of ADHD you should talk to your primary care physician. Your doctor will conduct an examination and recommend you to an expert in mental health care to conduct an assessment. Treatment for ADHD usually involves psychotherapy and medications, such as stimulants that increase the levels of certain chemicals in the brain. Amphetamines and methylphenidate as well as other stimulants are utilized. Inform your doctor about any other medications you are taking including supplements or vitamins. The FDA's medication site has information on approved medications, warnings, and patient information guidelines.