ADHD Symptoms and Treatment in Adults
Many adults report that they struggle to keep up with daily tasks frequently experiencing anger and mood swings. If you think you may have ADHD check with your primary health care provider or a mental health professional for an assessment.
The criteria used to diagnose adult ADHD is the same as that for children ADHD: symptoms must be evident over 6 months and not be better explained by other medical conditions or mood disorders.
Attentive symptoms
Many adults suffering from ADHD find it difficult to complete schoolwork, work, or household chores. They frequently have trouble keeping appointments and don't pay their bills on time, and have difficulty maintaining relationships with their family and friends. They are more likely than other people to lose things, or make a mistake that could have grave consequences.
If you're having difficulty keeping track of your personal or work-related affairs, consider talking to an expert in health care. Your primary care doctor can evaluate your situation and refer you to a mental health professional when appropriate.
Inattentive ADHD is often misunderstood. People with inattentive ADHD are not always attentive when they are spoken to, forget easily or are frequently distracted by irrelevant thoughts. They are unable to stay focused on tasks, may make careless errors or struggle to follow directions. They may also have trouble keeping their hands off their faces or appear shaken.
Inattention to the symptoms could lead to failure in the workplace or at school which can lead to anger and shame for those affected. They can also cause issues in relationships with friends, family members and co-workers.
Health care providers determine ADHD by conducting a clinical assessment, which involves interviewing the person and analyzing their previous behavior. They might ask the person to complete an inventory of symptoms and run medical tests to determine if there are other conditions that have similar symptoms. The symptoms of ADHD must be present consistently prior to the age of 12 to be able to determine if it is a diagnosis.
Adults with inattention ADHD might benefit from a psychotherapy session and lifestyle changes to manage their symptoms. These treatments include medication, behavioral therapy, and family psychoeducation. Psychotherapy is a type of therapy that assists patients develop new skills, attitudes and ways of communicating with other people. Behavioral therapy can help reduce impulsive, self-destructive behavior, increase the ability to manage and organize, and boost confidence.
People with inattention ADHD might find it helpful to discuss their struggles with a trusted friend, family member or therapist. They may also be able to request accommodations from their teachers or supervisors as well as colleagues. Accommodations are tools or changes in the environment that allow a person with a disability to perform tasks like the rest of us, for example, having a step stool for those who are short.
Hyperactive symptoms
Adults may show different symptoms as children. Adult symptoms are more subtle. While children may fidget and appear restless adults are less and less talkative. They may forget about their tasks, lose track of time or place and make careless mistakes. They may also feel overly energetic and have difficulty sitting still during a meal or in class. They might interrupt others or shout out answers before they've been asked a question, and struggle to keep their place in games or conversations.
There are several ailments that can trigger these symptoms. To determine the root of symptoms and the most effective treatment, a complete psycho-psychiatric evaluation is required. These include psychotherapy, medications and lifestyle adjustments. This could include a healthier eating plan as well as more exercise, and an improved sleep schedule. They may also require changing school or work assignments and using assistive devices like calendars, planners, and smartphone apps.
You should first discuss your concerns with your family doctor or primary healthcare provider if you suspect you might be suffering from ADHD. The How to Talk to Your Provider factsheet from NIMH contains suggestions on how to speak with your physician about mental issues.
To be diagnosed with ADHD symptoms must be present in at least two different settings and have an impact on everyday life. They must have been present for at least six months to qualify. Your provider will evaluate you to see if you have the inattentive or hyperactive/impulsive symptoms of ADHD.
There are a variety of medications available to help you manage your ADHD symptoms, as well as adjustments to your lifestyle and accommodations. These are referred to as stimulants. They work by reorganizing brain signals that affect your mood and attention, as well as your behavior. Your doctor will give you the right dose and monitor your response. You could be prescribed a non-stimulant medicine when you have bothersome side effects, if stimulants aren't working or is used in conjunction with stimulants to boost the effectiveness of treatment.
Impulsive Symptoms
People who are inattentive ADHD are more likely to lose their keys or mobile phones. People with inattentive ADHD have a harder managing their tasks, arranging their materials, and completing projects. As adults, this may lead to a multitude of unfinished projects around the house, including unpaid bills and unkempt homes and the vegetable garden that's been started but never tended to.
Relationships are one of the most frequent areas in which impulsive ADHD symptoms can lead to difficulties. People who have an impulsive ADHD often feel impatient and need immediate satisfaction. They can be impulsive and jump into social situations without planning or taking risks, which can result in negative consequences. Additionally, people who are impulsive may react too strongly in emotionally or stressful situations. A person may become very frustrated or defensive in a dispute with family members or friends.
To be diagnosed with one of the two kinds of ADHD, a healthcare professional who is trained in mental disorders should review the medical history of the patient and conduct an exam. The doctor will also ask questions about how the symptoms affect your work, home and family relationships. To be diagnosed with one of the types of ADHD one must show six or more 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 interact with the brain to regulate behavior. The most popular type of stimulants is methylphenidate, which was first used to treat ADHD in children. The medication may not be suitable for people with other health conditions, such as depression or high blood pressure It is therefore important to discuss your medication with your health care provider. Psychotherapy can help reduce distraction and impulsive symptoms in addition to medication. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a method of helping individuals recognize the automatic or irrational thoughts that can trigger negative behavior and to develop strategies for self-regulation.
Combination symptoms
Adults who were diagnosed with ADHD as children may experience symptoms in adulthood. They can have mild or moderate symptoms that hinder in their work, school, and social interactions. Other mental health issues, like anxiety or depression, might also require treatment. Some adults also have learning difficulties, which can make it difficult for them to comprehend or follow instructions in offices and classrooms.
Adults may not be able recognize the symptoms of inattentive ADHD however, it can still affect their ability to function at work and home. It's difficult for those with this type of ADHD to remain calm during classes or business meetings, and they may be unable to keep up with assignments and work assignments. They frequently lose the track of their belongings or forget appointments or deadlines. They might also have trouble listening to music or following conversations. They are more susceptible to distraction by the activities or people that are going on around them than the majority of people.
Read the Full Article -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 an assessment criteria to identify the disorder. This includes symptoms that start before age 12 and occur in multiple settings and cause problems in 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. Symptoms must have started before the person was 12 years old and persist at home, at school and in social and work situations.
There's no reason for ADHD, but researchers are studying genetic and environmental factors that may be a factor. According to studies, those with ADHD might have trouble regulating certain brain chemicals that help control mood, attention and behavior.
Speak to your primary health care provider if you exhibit symptoms of ADHD. Your doctor can do an exam of your body and refer you to an expert in mental health care to conduct an assessment. Treatment for ADHD usually involves psychotherapy and medications like stimulants that boost levels of certain chemicals in the brain. These include amphetamines and methylphenidate. Inform your doctor about any other medications you take, including vitamins or supplements. The FDA's medication site has information about approved medicines along with warnings and information guides.