ADHD in Adults - What You Need to Know
ADHD is a condition that causes problems with focus and hyperactivity. It may also cause problems at work or at school family life, and in relationships.
Your healthcare provider will employ the most up-to-date edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5 DSM-5) to diagnose ADHD. They will also consider the way that symptoms impact your life.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD is often viewed as an illness that affects only children, but it's common among adults as well. Many people suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed until their symptoms become more severe and disrupt their lives. This can lead to problems with family relationships, work and health.
If you or someone close to you suspect that you might have ADHD or other disorders, it's crucial to consult an expert or therapist. I Am Psychiatry are able to diagnose and recommend treatment.
A thorough medical history is the first step to diagnosing your symptoms. This includes a thorough review of your medical and psychiatric history from childhood through the present.
This will aid the clinician elicit current symptoms accurately. The physician should inquire how symptoms impact an individual's daily life and if they hinder social, academic or work activities.
There are a variety of medications that can be prescribed to treat ADHD depending on the severity of the symptoms. These can include stimulants such as Adderall or Ritalin, as well as non-stimulant medications.
Other treatments include behavior therapy and lifestyle adjustments. This can help you concentrate better, lessen stress and anxiety, and reduce hyperactivity.
Your doctor will also conduct an examination of your body and inquire about any mental health issues that could be causing the symptoms similar to those of ADHD. These may include anxiety, depression, and disorders of substance abuse such as alcohol or nicotine abuse.
You will be asked to complete a number of tasks to test your concentration, distractibility, and short-term memory. These can be done at the workplace or at home.
The doctor will ask you whether you suffer from mental health problems, like depression or anxiety. They will also take a look at your sleep habits, diet as well as other factors to see if they are contributing to your symptoms.
The test results should show the presence of any symptoms.
If you experience these symptoms It is time to seek advice from a specialist. They can diagnose ADHD and suggest treatment. This could include medication, behavioral therapy or lifestyle changes.
Diagnosis
ADHD is a disorder of the mind that can affect attention, behavior and other executive functions. It can be difficult to diagnose however it can be treated by medication and therapy for behavioral disorders.
Many people with symptoms of ADHD will use self-assessment tools prior to visiting a doctor or mental health professional to seek a diagnosis. Some of these tools include a self-report form with 40 items form as well as an electronic screening test that will assist you in determining whether you have ADHD. These tests aren't used to identify ADHD and aren't intended to replace professional assessments.
A specialist in the field will evaluate you using a combination of tests, interviews and questionnaires to establish a clear diagnosis. This includes a detailed account of your history, a list of symptoms, and a discussion of how they impact your life in various situations. The doctor may also interview your parents, your partner or other people who know you well.
In order to diagnose ADHD, your clinician must see that you have five or more persistent (recurring) symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity that cause significant impairment. This means that your symptoms are interfering with your life for example at your school or work environment; with friends or relatives or in other settings.
The symptoms you're experiencing may be new or have been present for a long time however, they must have been present before age 12 to qualify as the diagnosis. You could be asked to go through old school reports or have your parents complete an retrospective ADHD profile that describes your childhood behavior.
When you meet the criteria for a diagnosis, your clinician will then determine whether you have a combination of both inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity presentations or a single presentation. If you're experiencing a combination of both your doctor will also be looking for other conditions that could cause similar symptoms as those of ADHD and seizures or thyroid issues.
A doctor can also request you to complete ADHD surveys, which do not serve as a diagnostic tool, but can provide background information on your symptoms and how they impact your life. These surveys aren't meant to diagnose ADHD but they could help your healthcare professional determine whether you are suffering from it and the best treatment for you.
Treatment
Treatment for ADHD for adults is typically a combination of medicine, behavior strategies, life skills training, and therapy. It may take a bit of time to find the right combination for you.
ADHD medication is the most widely used treatment option. These medications are intended to regulate and increase brain neurotransmitters. They also aid in improving focus, reduce impulsivity and decrease hyperactivity. They can help you control your ADHD symptoms and make you feel better.
The most popular prescription drugs are stimulants, such as methylphenidate or Adderall. They are effective for most people, however they may have side effects such as constipation and decreased sex drive.
Another drug called Atomoxetine (Strattera) is the first drug that is not stimulant to be specifically approved for ADHD. While it's not as effective as stimulants, but doesn't have the same adverse consequences, it's extremely effective.
Antidepressants are a good option for many patients with ADHD. These drugs, like bupropion (Wellbutrin) and fluoxetine (Prozac) do not address the problem directly, but can help reduce the symptoms. They are often prescribed to treat anxiety, depression or other mental health disorders which have developed as result of ADHD.
If you suffer from ADHD along with other conditions your doctor might suggest you visit an psychiatrist or another mental health professional who is specialized in treating ADHD. These specialists can assess your medical background, family history and other signs to determine the cause of your symptoms.
The doctor will also ask about other mental and physical health problems you might be suffering from, such as anxiety, depression, or substance abuse. These ailments can affect your ability to concentrate, learn, and be productive at work, school, or in relationships.
Your doctor will apply guidelines from the latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to diagnose your symptoms of ADHD. This is the standard handbook used by most health professionals to make a diagnosis.
During the assessment your healthcare professional will conduct a series of interviews and tests. This includes a comprehensive diagnostic interview, DSM-5 symptom checklists and standard behavioral rating scales for ADHD.
Prevention
ADHD can be prevented with early detection and intervention. This can help reduce the severity of the disorder and affect school performance, boost normal growth and development and improve quality of life for people diagnosed with ADHD.
There are a variety of measures that can be employed to delay or stop the effects of adult ADHD, including psychotherapy, medication, and other strategies for managing. Family members' support is also beneficial.
The most popular type of treatment for adults with ADHD is medication known as psychostimulants. They include amphetamine salts which are sold under the brand name Adderall and methylphenidate that is sold under the names Ritalin, Concerta, Metadate and others.
ADHD patients who are able to take psychostimulants on a regular basis are often able to see significant improvement in their symptoms. The patient might also be able to manage their behavior and improve their relationships with others.
ADHD medication is most effective when used in conjunction with a food plan, brain-training, and exercise. These methods are extremely efficient in treating children suffering from ADHD and are likely to have a transformative effect for adults as well.
Adult patients can also benefit from counseling and educational programs. These programs can help individuals develop the skills to cope, boost self-esteem and alter negative thoughts that contribute to their issues with their behavior.
Counseling can be beneficial for people suffering from ADHD and other psychiatric conditions like depression and substance abuse. It can also help them overcome resentment and stress that are often associated with ADHD.
ADHD sufferers may also benefit from other strategies such as diet modifications, physical activity, and stress reduction programs. These strategies can help improve concentration and reduce impulsive or hyperactive behavior.
Many adults with ADHD are not properly diagnosed or treated due to cultural and racial differences in ADHD diagnosis and treatment. For instance that blacks and Hispanics are significantly less likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than whites, even though both groups share the same number of children affected by the disorder.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, ADHD has been diagnosed in more than 4 percent of American. However research suggests that the true amount of people suffering from this disorder is much higher than this figure.