ADHD Symptoms and Treatment in Adults
Many adults find that they have trouble keeping up with the demands of daily life often expressing frustration and mood swings. If you suspect you be suffering from ADHD take a look at your primary care provider or an expert in mental health for an assessment.
Adult ADHD is diagnosed with the same criteria as it is for children. The symptoms must last at minimum six months and cannot be explained by other medical conditions, mood disorders or other medical conditions.
Inattentive symptoms
Many people with ADHD find it difficult to complete homework, work or household chores. They often miss appointments, fail to pay bills on time, and have difficulty maintaining relationships with friends and family. They are more likely than other people to lose their possessions or make careless errors that could have grave consequences.
Speak to your health care provider if you have difficulty keeping track of personal or work matters. Your primary care doctor will assess your situation and may refer you to a mental health professional when needed.
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. They have difficulty staying focused on tasks, may make mistakes or fail to follow instructions. They also have difficulty keeping their hands off their faces or appearing shaky or fidgety.
Inattentive symptoms can lead to failure at school or work which can lead to frustration and shame for the person suffering. They can also cause issues with relationships with friends, family and co-workers.
Health professionals identify ADHD through a medical assessment, which involves conducting an interview with the patient and reviewing previous behavior. They may ask the individual to complete the symptom checklist and perform tests on the body to determine if there are other conditions that exhibit similar symptoms. The symptoms of ADHD must be present consistently prior to 12 years of age to be able to determine if it is an diagnosis.
Adults suffering from inattentive ADHD are often able to benefit from psychotherapy, lifestyle adjustments and other treatments that help to manage their symptoms. These treatments include behavioral therapy, medication, and family psychoeducation. Psychotherapy is a kind of counseling that helps patients to develop new skills, attitudes and ways of communicating with others. The use of behavioral therapy can help decrease self-destructive, impulsive behavior, improve the ability to manage and organize, and boost confidence.
It may be helpful for those with inattention ADHD to talk about their struggles with a friend or family member, or a therapist. Teachers, supervisors, and co-workers may be able offer accommodations. Accommodations are tools and changes to the working environment that permit a person with disabilities to carry out tasks like all other people. For example an individual who is short may utilize stepstools.
Hyperactive Signs and symptoms
Adults may exhibit different symptoms as children. Adult symptoms are more subtle. While children can seem to be restless and fidget adults are less and less talkative. They might forget their tasks, lose track or get lost and make a few mistakes. They might also feel stimulated and have trouble sitting still, even when sitting down to a meal or in class. They may interrupt others or provide answers prior to being asked an inquiry.
There are a variety of ailments that can trigger these symptoms. To determine the underlying cause of the symptoms and determine the most efficient treatment, a thorough psycho-psychiatric evaluation is required. This could include psychotherapy, medications and lifestyle adjustments. This can include a healthier eating plan, more exercise and a better sleep schedule. This can be done by making adjustments to work or school assignments and making use of aidive tools like calendars, planners, and apps for smartphones.
It is important to discuss your concerns with your family physician or primary healthcare provider if you suspect you might be suffering from ADHD. You can find helpful tips to talk to your health care provider about mental health issues in the NIMH's How to Talk to Your Health Care Provider fact sheet.
It's important to know that in order to be diagnosed with ADHD, symptoms must occur in more than one setting and seriously interfere with daily life. To be eligible they must be 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 ease your symptoms of ADHD. These medications are called stimulants. adhd treatment for older adults work by streamlining the signals in your brain that influence your attention, mood and behavior. Your doctor will give you the right dose and keep track of your response. You may be prescribed non-stimulant medications if you experience side effects or if a stimulant doesn't work. They are also combined with stimulants to boost effectiveness.
Impulsive Symptoms
People with inattentive ADHD are more likely to lose their keys or cellphones. People with inattentive ADHD have a harder time following tasks, organizing their materials and completing their projects. As adults, this can result in a myriad of tasks that are not completed at the house: houses that are not cleaned and bills not paid, as well as the vegetable garden that's been planted but never watered.
The impulsive symptoms of ADHD can cause problems in many areas of our lives, but specifically with relationships. People with an impulsive ADHD tend to be impatient and need instant satisfaction. They may jump into social situations with no planning or taking risks, which can have negative effects. In addition, impulsive people might overreact in stressful or emotional situations. A person may become very angry or defensive when fighting with family or friends.
A medical professional who specializes in mental disorders will examine the medical background of a patient and conduct an examination to diagnose ADHD. The doctor will also inquire about how symptoms affect your home, work and family relationships. To be diagnosed with one of the types of ADHD the patient must show six or more of the nine main symptoms and the symptoms must interfere with daily functioning for at least 6 months (American Psychiatric Association 2000).
The most effective treatment for ADHD is psychostimulants, which are drugs which target the way that certain chemicals interact with the brain to regulate behavior. The most common type of stimulants is the methylphenidate that was initially used to treat ADHD in children. It is important to speak with your physician regarding your medication if you are suffering from other health issues like depression or high blood pressure. In addition to medications, psychotherapy may help reduce the symptoms of distraction and impulsivity. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) focuses on teaching individuals to identify automatic or irrational thoughts that can trigger negative behavior, and develop strategies of self-regulation.
Combination of symptoms
Adults who were diagnosed with ADHD as children can experience symptoms in adulthood. They may experience mild or moderate symptoms that interfere in their work, school, and social interactions. They also may have other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety that require treatment. Adults may also suffer from difficulties with learning, making it difficult to comprehend or follow directions in classrooms and offices.
Adults might not be able to detect the signs of inattention ADHD, but it can be a problem for them to perform at work and home. This kind of ADHD makes it difficult for people to stay focused in business meetings or classes at college. They might also have difficulty keeping up with their work and assignments. They may often lose the track of their belongings or forget deadlines or appointments. They also have difficulty keeping track of conversations or listening to 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 Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV TR), fourth edition of the American Psychiatric Association, includes a criterion to diagnose the disorder. This includes symptoms that start before age 12 and are present 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 age of 12 years old. They must persist at home, at school, as well as in other work and social situations.
There's no known cause of ADHD however, researchers are studying genetic and environmental factors that may have a role to play. Studies suggest that the brains of people who suffer from ADHD have trouble regulating certain chemicals, such as neurotransmitters that help control attention, mood and behavior.
Consult your primary healthcare provider if you show indications of ADHD. Your doctor may conduct an exam of your body and refer you to an expert in mental health care to conduct an assessment. Psychotherapy and medications are usually employed to treat ADHD, including stimulants that raise the levels of certain brain chemicals. Amphetamines and methylphenidate as well as other stimulants are commonly used. Tell your doctor about all other medications you take including supplements or vitamins. The FDA's website for medication contains information about approved medicines along with warnings and information guides.