ADHD Symptoms and Treatment in Adults
Many adults discover that they struggle to keep up with daily tasks, often experiencing frustration and mood swings. If you suspect you may have ADHD contact your primary healthcare provider or a mental-health professional for an assessment.
The criteria for diagnosing adult ADHD is the same as that for children ADHD: symptoms must be evident for a period of 6 months and not be better explained by medical conditions or mood disorders.
Inattentional symptoms
Many adults suffering from ADHD find it difficult to keep up with schoolwork, work or household chores. They are late for appointments, don't pay bills on time and have trouble maintaining relationships with family and friends. They are more likely to lose possessions or make careless mistakes that could have grave consequences.
Speak to more information if you are having difficulty keeping track of personal or work issues. Your primary care physician can evaluate your situation and recommend you to a mental health specialist when appropriate.
Symptoms of inattention ADHD are often misunderstood. People suffering from inattentive ADHD don't always listen when they are questioned and are easily distracted or frequently distracted by irrelevant thoughts. They may struggle to stay focused, make erroneous mistakes, or struggle to follow directions. They also have difficulty keeping their hands off their face or appear unstable or fidgety.
Inattentive symptoms can lead to failure at work or school which can lead to frustration and shame for the person affected. They can also cause problems with relationships with friends, family and co-workers.
Health professionals diagnose ADHD through a medical assessment, which includes interviewing the individual and reviewing previous behavior. They may ask the patient to complete an inventory of symptoms and run medical tests in order to determine whether other conditions exhibit similar symptoms. The symptoms of ADHD must be evident consistently prior to 12 years of age for an diagnosis.
Adults suffering from inattention ADHD are often able to benefit from psychotherapy, lifestyle changes and other treatments that help to manage their symptoms. These treatments include medication as well as behavioral therapy and family psychoeducation. Psychotherapy is a form of counseling that helps patients develop new attitudes, skills, and ways to interact with other people. The use of behavioral therapy can help decrease self-destructive and impulsive behavior, increase organizational skills, and increase confidence.
It could be helpful for people with inattentive ADHD to discuss their struggles with a family member or family member therapist. Teachers or supervisors, as well as colleagues might be able to provide accommodations. Accommodations are the tools and modifications to the environment that allow the disabled person to perform tasks as the rest of us. For instance the person who is short can use a step stool.
Hyperactive Signs and symptoms
Adults can exhibit different symptoms than children. While children can fidget, appear restless and agitated the symptoms of adults tend to be more subtle. They might forget about tasks and lose the time or location and make careless mistakes. They may also feel overly energetic and have difficulty sitting still in a class or meal. They might interrupt others or mutter answers before they've had the chance to ask questions, and may struggle to keep their place during games or conversations.
There are a variety of conditions that can cause these symptoms. A thorough psychiatric examination is necessary to determine the cause of the symptoms and determine the most effective treatments. These include psychotherapy, medication and lifestyle modifications. They can be a healthier diet, exercise and sleeping schedules. This can be done by making adjustments to work or school assignments and using aidive tools like calendars and planners, as well as apps for smartphones.
It is important to discuss your concerns with your family doctor or your primary healthcare provider if you suspect you may have ADHD. You can find helpful tips to talk to your health care provider about mental health issues on the NIMH's How to Talk to Your Health Care Provider fact sheet.
It's important to know that to be considered diagnosed with ADHD symptoms must manifest in two or more settings and significantly interfere with everyday life. They must be present for at least six months to be considered to be diagnosed. Your provider will evaluate you to see if you have the inattentive or hyperactive/impulsive symptoms of ADHD.
In addition to lifestyle adjustments and changes, there are medications that can help manage the symptoms of ADHD. These drugs are known as stimulants. They function by reorganizing brain signals that affect your mood, attention and behavior. Your doctor will prescribe the right dose and observe your response. You might be prescribed non-stimulant drugs in the event of side effects or if a stimulant does not work. They can also be combined with stimulants to boost effectiveness.
Impulsive Symptoms
People who are inattentive ADHD are more likely to lose their keys or cellphones. People with inattentive ADHD have a harder task of focusing on tasks, organizing their materials, and completing projects. As adults, the result could be a million half-finished projects around the house: unpaid bills, dirty houses and the vegetable garden that was started but never watered.
Relationships are among the most common areas where the impulsive ADHD symptoms can create problems. People who suffer from an impulsive ADHD are often anxious and seek instant satisfaction. They may be prone to rushing into social situations without preparation or risk-taking, which can have negative consequences. People who are impulsive may also react to stressful or emotional situations. For example, a person might become highly annoyed or defensive during arguments with family members or friends.
To determine if you have one of the two kinds of ADHD, a healthcare professional who is trained in mental disorders must examine a person's medical history and conduct an exam. The doctor will ask you about the symptoms and how they impact your relationships at work, in your family, and at home. To be diagnosed with one or the other form of ADHD, a patient must display at least six of the nine major symptoms. The symptoms must also hinder daily functioning and last for at minimum six months (American Psychiatric Association 2000).
Psychostimulants are the most effective treatment for ADHD. They affect the way that certain chemicals communicate with one another in the brain to regulate behaviour. The most popular type of stimulants is the methylphenidate that was initially used to treat ADHD in children. It is essential to speak with your physician regarding your medication if you suffer from other health issues like depression or high blood pressure. Psychotherapy can reduce impulsive symptoms and distracting behaviors in addition to medication. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), focuses on teaching people to identify the automatic or irrational thoughts that can trigger negative behaviors and devise strategies for self-regulation.
Multiple Symptoms
Adults who were diagnosed with ADHD as children may be affected in later life. They may experience mild, moderate, or severe symptoms that hinder work, school and social interactions. They also may have other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety, which require treatment. Adults may also experience learning issues, which could make it difficult for them to comprehend or follow directions in classrooms and offices.
The symptoms of the inattentive form of ADHD aren't as evident in adults however, they can influence how people perform at home and work. This type of ADHD can make it difficult for people to sit still in business meetings or college lectures. They might also have trouble keeping up with their assignments and work. They may forget deadlines or appointments, and lose track of their belongings. They might also have trouble keeping track of conversations or listening to music. They are more likely to get distracted by activities or people that are happening 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 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 start before age 12 and are present in a variety of settings, causing issues across 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 have begun before the age of 12 years old. They must persist at home, at school, and in other social and work situations.
Researchers are investigating the effects of environmental and genetic factors that could be at play in the development of ADHD. Research suggests that the brains of people who suffer from ADHD have trouble regulating certain chemicals, such as neurotransmitters which help to regulate mood, attention, and behavior.
If you are experiencing signs of ADHD, talk to your primary care physician. Your doctor can perform an examination and refer you for an evaluation by a mental health professional. Psychotherapy and medication are typically used to treat ADHD, including stimulants that raise the levels of certain brain chemicals. These include amphetamines and methylphenidate. You should inform your health care provider about any other medications you take, including supplements and vitamins. The FDA's medication site has information about approved medicines, warnings, and patient information guidelines.