ADHD Symptoms and Treatment in Adults
Many adults find that they have trouble keeping up with the demands of daily life frequently experiencing anger and mood swings. If you suspect that you may have ADHD consult your primary healthcare provider or a mental health professional for an evaluation.
Adult ADHD is diagnosed using the same criteria as it is for children. The symptoms should last at minimum six months, and cannot be caused by any other medical condition mood disorders or other medical conditions.
Inattentional symptoms
Adults with ADHD often find it difficult to keep up with school, at work, or with 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 to lose things or make mistakes that could have grave consequences.
If you have problems managing your personal or professional matters, you should talk to a health care provider. Your primary care doctor can evaluate your situation and recommend you to a mental health professional should it be necessary.
Inattentive ADHD is often misunderstood. People with inattentive ADHD don't always listen when spoken to and tend to forget quickly or are frequently distracted by irrelevant thoughts. They may have trouble staying focused, make careless mistakes, or struggle with following instructions. They may also have trouble keeping their hands away from their faces or appear shaky.
Inattention to the symptoms can lead to failing at school or at work and can cause feelings of shame and frustration for the person who is affected. They can also cause issues in relationships with friends, family members and colleagues.
Health care professionals diagnose ADHD by conducting a clinical assessment, which involves interviewing the individual and reviewing the behavior of the past. They will often request that the person complete a symptom questionnaire and may conduct medical tests to determine if there are mental or physical health conditions that may have similar symptoms. The symptoms of ADHD should be present continuously before 12 years old to make a diagnosis.
Adults who suffer from inattention ADHD are often able to benefit from psychotherapy, lifestyle changes and other treatments to manage their symptoms. These treatments include therapy with medication, behavioral therapy, and family psychoeducation. Psychotherapy is a kind of therapy that helps patients learn new attitudes, skills and ways of engaging with other people. Psychotherapy can teach strategies that will reduce impulsive and self-destructive behaviors, improve organizational skills and build confidence.
It could be helpful for people with inattentive ADHD to talk about their issues with a friend or family member, or a therapist. They might also be able to seek accommodations from their teachers or supervisors as well as colleagues. Accommodations are the tools or modifications in the workplace that permit disabled people to do the same tasks as everyone else, such as using a step stool for someone who is short.
Hyperactive symptoms
Adults may show different symptoms in comparison to children. Adult symptoms are more subtle. While children might fidget and appear restless, adults tend to be less and less talkative. They may forget their assignments, lose the track of time or location and make careless mistakes. They might also feel stimulated and have trouble sitting still, even when eating a meal or in class. They may interrupt other students, or give answers before being asked an inquiry.
These symptoms can be triggered by a variety of ailments. A full psychiatric evaluation is required to determine the cause of the symptoms and identify the most effective treatments. These include psychotherapy, medication and lifestyle adjustments. This could mean the use of a healthier diet plan along with more exercise, and better sleeping schedules. This could include adjusting school or work assignments and using aidive tools like calendars and planners, as well as smartphone apps.
If you suspect that you might have ADHD the first step should be to discuss your concerns with your family doctor or primary care doctor. The How to Talk to Your Provider factsheet from NIMH offers suggestions on how to speak with your physician regarding mental health issues.
To be considered to have ADHD symptoms must appear in at least two environments and have an impact on your daily life. To be eligible they must be present for at least six months. Your provider will evaluate you to see if you have the inattentive or hyperactive/impulsive symptoms of ADHD.
There are medications that can help you manage your ADHD symptoms in addition to adaptations to your lifestyle and accommodation. These are referred to as stimulants. They function by enhancing the signals within your brain, which affect your attention, mood and behavior. Your doctor will prescribe the right dose and observe your response. You may be prescribed non-stimulant drugs in the event of side effects or if a stimulant doesn't work. They are also used in combination with stimulants for increased effectiveness.
Impulsive Symptoms
Everyone loses keys or cellphone from time-to-time however for those who suffer from inattention ADHD, these little distractions can become an issue. People with inattentive ADHD have a difficult managing their tasks, arranging their materials and completing their projects. As adults, this can cause a variety of tasks that are not completed at the house: unpaid bills and unkempt homes, as well as the vegetable garden that's been planted but never tended to.
what happens if adhd is left untreated in adults -driven symptoms of ADHD can create problems in many areas of life, but particularly when it comes to relationships. People who suffer from impulsive ADHD are often impatient and want instant satisfaction. They may jump into social situations without preparation or risk-taking, which can result in negative consequences. In addition, impulsive individuals might overreact in emotionally or stressful situations. One can become angry or defensive when fighting with family or friends.
A health care professional with a specialization in mental disorders will examine the medical background of a patient and perform an exam to diagnose ADHD. The doctor will ask you about the symptoms and how they impact your relationships, work, and your home. To be diagnosed with any type of ADHD, a person must show six or more of the nine main symptoms and the symptoms have to interfere with daily functioning for at least 6 months (American Psychiatric Association 2000).
The most effective treatment for ADHD is psychostimulants, which are medications that affect the way certain chemicals communicate in the brain to regulate behavior. The most well-known stimulant is methylphenidate. It was originally developed to treat ADHD in children. The medication may not be suitable for certain people suffering from other health issues, for example, high blood pressure or depression, so it's essential to discuss your medications with your health care provider. In addition to medications psychotherapy can help reduce the symptoms of distraction and impulsivity. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is focused on teaching people to recognize the automatic or irrational thoughts that can trigger negative behaviors and to develop strategies for self-regulation.
Combination of Symptoms
Adults who were diagnosed with ADHD as children can be affected in later life. They may experience mild, moderate, or severe symptoms that hinder work, school and social interactions. Other mental health issues, like anxiety or depression, could also require treatment. Adults may also suffer from learning disabilities, which make it difficult to understand or follow instructions in offices and classrooms.
Symptoms of the inattentive type of ADHD aren't as evident in adults however, they can affect how people function at home and work. It's hard for people with this kind of ADHD to be able to concentrate during college lectures or business meetings, and they could have trouble keeping up with assignments and work tasks. They may forget deadlines and appointments, and may lose their possessions. They might also have trouble listening to music or following conversations. They are more likely to be 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 American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fourth Edition (DSM-IV TR) has a criteria for diagnosing the disorder that includes symptoms that begin at the age of 12 and occur in a variety of settings and result in impairment in multiple domains including school and 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. Symptoms must have started before the age of 12 years old. They must persist at home, at school, and in other work and social environments.
There is no cause for ADHD, but researchers are studying environmental and genetic factors that may be a factor. Research suggests that the brains of people with ADHD have difficulty regulating certain chemicals, including neurotransmitters which help control attention, mood and behavior.
Speak to your primary healthcare provider if you show signs of ADHD. Your doctor can do an examination and refer you to an expert in mental health care to conduct an evaluation. Psychotherapy and medicines are commonly used to treat ADHD, including stimulants that increase the levels of certain brain chemicals. These include amphetamines and methylphenidate. You should inform your health care provider about any other medicines you take, such as supplements and vitamins. The FDA's website for medication contains information about approved medicines along with warnings and information guides.