ADHD Symptoms and Treatment in Adults
Many adults have difficulty keeping up with their daily activities. more.. may experience stress and mood shifts. If you think you may have ADHD consult your primary health care provider or a mental health professional for an assessment.
The criteria for diagnosing adult ADHD is similar to the criteria used for children ADHD: symptoms must be evident for a period of 6 months and not be more easily explained by other medical disorders or mental health issues.
Inattentional symptoms
Many adults suffering from ADHD struggle to keep up with homework, work or household chores. They are late for appointments, don't pay their bills on time and struggle to maintain relationships with their family and friends. They are more likely than other people to lose things, or make mistakes which can result in serious consequences.
Talk to your health care provider if you have difficulty keeping track of work or personal issues. Your primary care doctor can assess your situation and recommend you to a mental health professional if appropriate.
The signs of inattentive ADHD are often misunderstood. People suffering from inattentive ADHD are not always attentive when they are spoken to. They are easily distracted or get distracted by irrelevant thoughts. They may have trouble staying focused, make careless mistakes, or struggle to follow directions. They also have trouble keeping their hands from their face or appear shaky or fidgety.
Inattention to symptoms can cause a drop in performance at school or at work, which can cause anxiety and guilt for those affected. They can also cause problems in relationships with friends, family members and co-workers.
Health professionals identify ADHD through a medical assessment that involves interviewing the individual and reviewing past behavior. They may ask the patient to fill out a symptom checklist and conduct medical tests to rule out other conditions that have similar symptoms. The symptoms of ADHD must be evident consistently prior to the age of 12 to be able to determine if it is a diagnosis.
adhd in adult women treatment suffering from inattention ADHD are often able to benefit from psychotherapy, lifestyle modifications and other treatments that help to manage their symptoms. These treatments include behavioral therapy, medication and psychoeducation for families. Psychotherapy is a form of therapy that helps patients learn new skills, attitudes and ways of engaging with others. Behavioral therapy can teach techniques that will reduce self-destructive and impulsive behavior improve organizational skills and boost confidence.
People with inattention ADHD may find it helpful to talk about their issues with a trusted family member or therapist. Teachers, supervisors, and co-workers might be able to provide accommodations. Accommodations are modifications and tools to the environment that enable disabled people to perform tasks as the rest of us. For example an individual who is short may use stepstools.
Hyperactive symptoms
The signs and symptoms of ADHD might be different in adults as compared to children. Adult symptoms are less obvious. While children might be agitated and tense while adults tend to be less active. They might forget their tasks, get lost or lose take a wrong turn and make mistakes. They might also be overly energetic and find it difficult to sit still during a meal or class. They may interrupt others or provide answers prior to being asked a question.
There are a variety of conditions that can cause these symptoms. A full psychiatric evaluation is necessary to determine the root of the symptoms as well as determine the most effective treatment options. This includes psychotherapy, medication and lifestyle adjustments. This can include the use of a healthier diet plan, more exercise and an improved sleep schedule. They may also require making adjustments to school or work assignments and making use of aidive devices such as calendars, planners and smartphone apps.
It is recommended to first discuss your concerns with your family physician or your primary healthcare provider if you suspect you might have ADHD. There are some tips for speaking with your health care provider about mental health issues on the NIMH's How to Talk to Your Health Care Provider fact sheet.
It's crucial to know that in order to be diagnosed with ADHD, symptoms must occur in at least two or more environments and significantly interfere with daily life. To be eligible they must have been present at least six month. Your provider will evaluate you to see if you have the inattentive or hyperactive/impulsive symptoms of ADHD.
There are medications that can assist you in managing your ADHD symptoms, as well as adaptations to your lifestyle and accommodation. These drugs are known as stimulants. They work by reorganizing the brain's signals that affect your mood, attention and behavior. Your doctor will determine the best dosage of the medication for you and track your reaction to treatment. You could be prescribed a non-stimulant drug in the event of a recurring adverse effects, or when a stimulant isn't helping or is used in conjunction with stimulants to enhance the effectiveness of treatment.
Impulsive Symptoms
Everybody loses keys or a cellphone from time-to-time However, for those with inattention ADHD, these little distractions are more of an issue. People with inattentive ADHD have a tougher time following tasks, arranging their material and completing projects. As adults, the result can be a million incomplete projects around the house, such as unpaid bills, unkempt houses and the vegetable garden that was started but never watered.
Relationships are among the most frequent areas in which the impulsive ADHD symptoms can lead to problems. People who have an impulsive ADHD often feel anxious and require immediate satisfaction. They may jump into social situations with no preparation or risk-taking, which can have negative consequences. Impulsive people may also overreact to emotional or stressful situations. For instance, someone could become extremely annoyed or defensive in arguments with family or friends.
To determine if you have one of the two kinds of ADHD A healthcare professional who is trained in mental disorders must review the medical history of a patient and conduct an examination. The doctor will also inquire about how symptoms affect your home, work and personal relationships. To be diagnosed with either form of ADHD the patient must display six or more of the nine major symptoms. The symptoms must also interfere with daily functioning and last for at least six months (American Association for Psychiatric Research, 2000).
Psychostimulants are the most effective treatment for ADHD. These medications target the way that certain chemicals communicate with one another in the brain to regulate behavior. The most commonly used stimulant is methylphenidate. It was initially used to treat ADHD in children. It is important to speak with your physician about your medication if are suffering from other health issues like depression or high blood pressure. In addition to medication psychotherapy can aid in reducing impulsive and distracting symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is focused on helping people recognize the automatic or irrational thoughts that may trigger negative behavior and to develop strategies for self-regulation.
Combination of Symptoms
Adults who suffered from ADHD as children might experience symptoms that come back in adulthood. They may experience mild or moderate symptoms that interfere with their schoolwork, work as well as social interactions. They could also be suffering from other mental health issues like depression or anxiety that require treatment. Adults may also suffer from learning disabilities that make it difficult to understand or follow directions in classrooms and offices.
The symptoms of the inattentive form of ADHD aren't as easy to see in adults but they do impact how people function at home and work. This type of ADHD makes it difficult for people to sit still during business meetings or college lectures. They might also be unable to keep up with their work and assignments. They may forget deadlines or appointments, and lose track of their belongings. They may also have difficulty keeping track of conversations or listening to music. They are more likely to get distracted by people or activities surrounding them than other 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 criterion for diagnosing the disorder which includes symptoms that manifest before age 12, occur in multiple settings and cause impairment across multiple domains including 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 age of 12 and continue to manifest at home, in school and in other work and social settings.
Researchers are studying the effects of environmental and genetic factors that could be at play in the development of ADHD. According to studies, those with ADHD may have difficulty controlling certain chemicals in their brains that aid in controlling the mood, attention and behavior.
Talk to your primary health care provider if you exhibit symptoms of ADHD. Your doctor can perform a physical examination and refer you for an evaluation by a mental health professional. Psychotherapy and medication are typically used to treat ADHD and other disorders, such as stimulants that raise the levels of certain brain chemicals. These include amphetamines and methylphenidate. Tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking including supplements or vitamins. The FDA's medication website contains information on approved medicines as well as patient information and warnings guides.