ADHD Symptoms and Treatment in Adults
Many adults find that they have trouble keeping up with their daily activities often expressing frustration and mood swings. If you suspect you may have ADHD contact your primary health care provider or a mental health professional for an assessment.
The criteria used to diagnose adult ADHD is similar to the criteria used for children ADHD: symptoms must be evident over 6 months and not be better explained by other medical disorders or mental health issues.
Attentive symptoms
Many adults with ADHD struggle to keep up with homework, work or household chores. They don't attend appointments, fail to pay bills on time and have difficulty maintaining relationships with friends and family. They are more likely to lose things or make a mistake which can result in serious consequences.
Speak with your health care provider if have difficulty keeping the track of your work or personal issues. Your primary care physician will assess your situation and refer you to a mental health professional when appropriate.
Inattentive ADHD is often misunderstood. People suffering from inattentive ADHD aren't always attentive when speaking to. They are easily distracted or get distracted by unrelated thoughts. adhd symptoms adults treatment struggle to focus on their work, and can make mistakes or fail to follow directions. They also have difficulty keeping their hands off their face or appear unsteady or fidgety.
Inattention to the symptoms could result in a failure at the workplace or at school, which can cause anxiety and guilt for the affected. They can also cause problems in relationships with family, friends and co-workers.
Health care professionals diagnose ADHD based on a clinical assessment, which involves interviewing the person and analyzing their previous behavior. They often request that the person fill out a questionnaire about their symptoms and may also conduct medical tests to rule out physical or mental health conditions that may have similar symptoms. Symptoms of ADHD must occur consistently since before age 12 for the diagnosis to be made.
Adults suffering from inattention ADHD can often benefit from psychotherapy, lifestyle modifications and other treatments to manage their symptoms. These treatments include medications, behavioral therapy and family psychoeducation. Psychotherapy is a kind of therapy that helps patients develop new attitudes, skills and ways of interacting with others. The practice of behavioral therapy can teach methods that will decrease self-destructive and impulsive behaviors as well as improve organizational skills and build confidence.
People who have inattention ADHD might find it helpful to talk about their issues with a trusted family member or therapist. They might also seek accommodations from their teachers or supervisors, as well as coworkers. Accommodations are tools and changes to the environment that allow the disabled person to complete tasks just like everyone else. For instance, a short person can utilize the step stool.
Hyperactive Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of ADHD can be different in adults as compared to children. Adult symptoms are less obvious. While children might seem to be restless and fidget while adults tend to be less talkative. They may forget about their tasks, lose the time or location and make mistakes that aren't their fault. They may also feel overly active and struggle to sit still during a meal or in class. They may interrupt others or shout out answers before they've had the chance to ask questions, and may aren't able to wait their turn during games or conversations.
There are several illnesses that can cause these symptoms. A thorough psychiatric examination is needed to determine the cause of the symptoms and identify the most effective treatment. These could include psychotherapy, medications and lifestyle changes. This could include an improved diet, more exercise and better sleeping schedules. These can include making adjustments to work or school assignments and using aidive tools like calendars and planners, as well as apps for smartphones.
It is recommended to first discuss your concerns with your family physician or your primary healthcare provider if you suspect you may have ADHD. The How to Talk to Your Provider factsheet from NIMH provides suggestions on how to speak with your doctor about mental health issues.
It's important to know that to be diagnosed with ADHD symptoms must be present in more than one setting and have a significant impact on daily life. They must be present for at least six months in order to be eligible. 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 assist you in managing your ADHD symptoms, as well as adjustments to your lifestyle and accommodations. These medications are referred to as stimulants. They function by reorganizing brain's signals that influence your mood, attention and behavior. Your doctor will prescribe the right dosage of the medication for you and monitor your reaction to treatment. You may be prescribed non-stimulant drugs if you experience side effects or if a stimulant does not work. They can also be utilized in conjunction with stimulants to boost effectiveness.
Instinctive Symptoms
Everyone misplaces keys or a cellphone from time to time however for those who suffer from inattentive ADHD small distractions are a bigger issue. People with inattentive ADHD have a difficult managing their tasks, organizing their materials and completing projects. As adults, this can cause a variety of unfinished projects around the house: unpaid bills, unkempt homes, as well as the vegetable garden that's been started but never tended to.
The symptoms of impulsive ADHD can cause issues in a variety of areas of life, but particularly with relationships. People who have an impulsive ADHD often feel impatient and need immediate gratification. They may be prone to rushing into social situations without planning or risk taking which could have negative effects. People who are easily triggered can also react to stressful or emotional situations. For instance, someone could become extremely annoyed or defensive when arguing with family members or friends.
To determine if you have one of the two kinds of ADHD, a health professional who specializes in mental disorders must review the medical history of a patient and conduct an examination. The doctor will also ask questions about how the symptoms impact your home, work, and family relationships. To be diagnosed with either type of ADHD one must exhibit at least six of the nine 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, which are medications that target how certain chemicals communicate in the brain to regulate behavior. The most common type of stimulants is the methylphenidate drug, which was originally used to treat ADHD in children. It's possible that the medication is not suitable for certain people suffering from other health issues, such as high blood pressure or depression, so it's important to discuss your medications with your doctor. In addition to medications psychotherapy can help reduce the symptoms of impulsivity and distraction. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a method of teaching people to recognize Irrational or automatic thinking that triggers negative behaviors and develop strategies for self-regulation.
Combination of Symptoms
Adults who were diagnosed with ADHD as children may experience symptoms in adulthood. They may experience mild, moderate or severe symptoms that interfere with school, work, and social interactions. They also may have other mental health problems, 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 instructions in classrooms and offices.
Adults might not be able to recognize the symptoms of inattentive ADHD however, it can be affecting their ability to perform at home and at work. This kind of ADHD can make it difficult for people to stay focused in business meetings or college lectures. They may also be unable to keep up with their work and assignments. They may forget deadlines and appointments, and then lose their possessions. They also have difficulty keeping track of conversations or listening to music. They are more likely to be distracted by people or activities 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 American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition (DSM-IV TR) has a diagnostic criteria that includes symptoms that start before age 12and can manifest in a variety of settings and result in impairment across multiple domains, 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 person was 12 years old and persist at home, in school, as well as in other work and social environments.
There is no cause for ADHD, but researchers are studying environmental and genetic factors that could play a role. According to studies, people with ADHD might have trouble regulating certain chemicals in their brains that aid in controlling the way they behave, their mood and attention.
If you're experiencing symptoms of ADHD, talk to your primary care physician. Your doctor can perform a physical examination and refer you for an evaluation by a mental health professional. Psychotherapy and medicines are commonly utilized to treat ADHD with stimulants that boost the levels of certain brain chemicals. Amphetamines, methylphenidate, and other stimulants are used. It is important to inform your doctor about any other medication you take, including vitamins and supplements. The FDA's website for medications contains information about approved medications along with warnings and patient guides.