ADHD in Adults - What You Need to Know
ADHD is a condition which causes issues with focus and hyperactivity. It can also cause problems at work or in school, home life and relationships.
Your healthcare provider will use the most recent version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5 DSM-5) to diagnose ADHD. They will also look at how the symptoms impact your daily life.
The signs
ADHD is often seen as a disorder that is only affecting children. However, it's also prevalent for adults. Many people with ADHD are not diagnosed until their symptoms become severe and affect their lives. This can lead to problems in your work, family relationships or even your health.
If you or a loved one suspect that you might have ADHD is important to speak with an therapist or doctor. They are able to diagnose and recommend treatment.
The first step in the diagnosis process is to take a complete clinical history. This includes a thorough examination of your medical, psychiatric and personal background from childhood to the present.
This will assist the physician identify current symptoms more accurately. The doctor should inquire about how the symptoms affect the person's daily routine, and if they hinder social, academic or work performance.
Based on the severity of symptoms, there are different types of medication that are prescribed to help treat ADHD. These can include stimulants such as Adderall or Ritalin and non-stimulant medications.
Other options include behavioral therapy and lifestyle changes. This will help you improve your focus, reduce anxiety and stress, and control hyperactivity and impulsive behavior.
In addition to a physical exam and a physical exam, your doctor will inquire you about other mental health problems that could cause similar symptoms to those of ADHD. These could include anxiety, depression, and other addiction disorders like alcohol or nicotine abuse.
You will be asked to complete various tasks to help evaluate your focus, distractibility and short-term memory. These can be done at the office or at home.
Your doctor will also ask you whether you suffer from any other mental health problems, including anxiety or depression. They will also look at your sleeping habits, your diet and other factors to determine if they're contributing to your symptoms.
The test results should reveal if you have any symptoms.
If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is time to seek advice from an expert. They can identify you as having ADHD and suggest treatment which may include medication, behavioral therapy, or lifestyle modifications.
Diagnosis
ADHD is a disorder of the mind that can cause problems with behavior, attention and other executive functions. It isn't easy to diagnose but it is treated with medications and behavioral therapy.
Many people who have ADHD symptoms will first test self-assessment toolsbefore visiting a mental health professional or doctor. Some of these tools include a 40-item self report form as well as an electronic screening test that will assist you in determining whether you have ADHD. However, these tests aren't used to make a medical diagnosis and can't replace an evaluation by an expert.
A specialist in the field will assess you with a combination of tests, interviews and questionnaires to get an accurate diagnosis. This may include a detailed medical history, a checklist of symptoms, and questions on how they impact your life in various scenarios. Your parents, your partner or other close family members might be questioned by the doctor.
In adhd testing for adults 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 impacted by the symptoms, like at school or work as well as with family members or friends, or in other activities.
The symptoms you're having may be brand new or have been occurring for a long period of time but they must have been present before age 12 to be eligible for being diagnosed. You might be asked to read your old school reports or ask your parents to fill out a retrospective ADHD profile describing your behavior in childhood.
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're suffering from two of them your doctor will also look for other illnesses that could cause similar symptoms to ADHD, such as seizures or thyroid problems.
A doctor can also ask you to complete ADHD surveys, which do not serve as a diagnostic tool, but can provide background information about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They're not intended to provide an assessment, but they can help your healthcare practitioner determine if you have ADHD and what type of treatment you'll need.
Treatment
Treatment for ADHD for adults is typically comprised of medications and behavior strategies, as well as life skills training and therapy. It could take a while to find the best combination for you.
Medications are the most common treatment option for ADHD. These medications are intended to help balance and boost brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They also help improve focus, reduce impulsivity and decrease hyperactivity. They can help you manage your ADHD symptoms and help you feel better.
Stimulants, such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) or amphetamine (Adderall), are the most sought-after prescription drugs. They are safe for the majority of people, but they can cause side effects like constipation and lowered sex drive.
Another drug, atomoxetine or strattera was approved for ADHD. It's not as effective as stimulants, however it doesn't have the same side effects.
Antidepressants are a good option for patients suffering from ADHD. These medications, like Bupropion (Wellbutrin) and Fluoxetine (Prozac), do not cure the condition but may alleviate symptoms. These drugs are usually prescribed to treat depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders that are caused by ADHD.
If you suffer from ADHD along with other conditions your doctor might suggest you visit a psychiatrist or another mental health professional with expertise in treating ADHD. They can assess your medical background, family history, and other signs to determine the root cause of your symptoms.
Your doctor may also ask you about any mental or physical health issues, such as anxiety, depression addiction, substance abuse, and other physical and mental illnesses. These illnesses can affect your ability to focus and learn and be productive at work, school or in relationships.
Your physician will employ guidelines from the most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to identify your symptoms of ADHD. This is the standard handbook most healthcare professionals use to diagnose ADHD.
Your healthcare provider will conduct a series interview and test during the evaluation. They will conduct a thorough diagnostic interview and DSM-5 checklists of symptoms.
Prevention
Early intervention and detection could help to prevent ADHD. This can help reduce the severity of symptoms, minimize disruption to school functions improve the normal development and growth, and improve the quality of life for those diagnosed with ADHD.
There are many methods to stop or slow the development of ADHD in adulthood. These include psychotherapy, medication, and strategies for managing behavior. In addition, the support of family members within the immediate vicinity can be helpful.
The primary treatment for adults with ADHD is medication known as psychostimulants. They include amphetamine-based salts, which are marketed under the brand name Adderall, and methylphenidate, which is available under the names Ritalin, Concerta, Metadate and many others.
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 others.
ADHD medication is most effective if used together with a food plan, brain-training, and exercise. These strategies are highly effective in treating children with ADHD and are likely to be transformative for adults too.
In addition to medication counseling and educational programs, counseling are also very beneficial for patients of all ages. These therapies can help people improve their coping abilities and self-esteem, as well as change bad habits of thinking that contribute to their behavior problems.
Counseling can assist people in managing the effects of ADHD and other mental disorders including depression and substance misuse. Counseling can assist people in dealing with the stress and resentment commonly associated with ADHD.
Other interventions, such as physical activity, dietary changes and stress reduction programs are also helpful for those with ADHD. These strategies can help improve concentration and decrease hyperactive or impulsive behavior.
Yet, many people suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed or treated because of racial and ethnic differences in the treatment and diagnosis 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 amount of children who are 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 true amount of people suffering from this disorder is much higher than this number.