ADHD in Adults - What You Need to Know

ADHD is an illness that causes problems with focus and hyperactivity. It can also lead to problems at school, work, home and in relationships.

To determine ADHD your healthcare professional will use the guidelines of the most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). They will also take a look at the way that symptoms impact your daily life.

Symptoms

ADHD is often thought of as a disorder which affects only children. However, it's also prevalent among adults. Many people with ADHD are not diagnosed until their symptoms become severe and disrupt their lives. This can cause problems with work, family relationships and health.

Talking to a therapist or doctor if you suspect you may have ADHD is a good idea. They are able to diagnose and recommend treatment.

A complete clinical history is the first step to diagnosing your symptoms. This includes a thorough review of your personal, medical and psychiatric history from childhood to present.

This will enable the doctor to pinpoint current symptoms. The doctor should inquire about the impact of the symptoms on an individual's daily life and whether they impact the social, school or work-related functioning.

There are many medications that can be prescribed to treat ADHD dependent on the severity of the symptoms. These include stimulants such as Ritalin or Adderall, as well as non-stimulant drugs.

You could also try the behavioral therapy or lifestyle change. This can help you concentrate better, reduce anxiety and stress, and manage hyperactivity.

In addition to a physical examination the doctor will also ask you about any other mental health issues that can cause similar symptoms as those of ADHD. These could include anxiety, depression, and substance abuse disorders like alcohol or nicotine abuse.

To assess your attention span as well as your distractibility, short-term memory and focus, you'll be required to complete a variety of tasks. These tasks can be completed at home or in an office.

Your doctor will also ask whether you suffer from any other mental health problems such as depression or anxiety. Your habits with regard to sleep, diet and other aspects will be assessed to determine if they are contributing.

The test results should reveal if you have any symptoms.

These symptoms are signs to seek professional assistance. They can diagnose you with ADHD and suggest treatment which may include treatment with medication, behavioral therapy or lifestyle modifications.

Diagnosis

ADHD is a behavioral disorder which causes problems with attention, behavior and other executive functions. It can be difficult to recognize however it can be treated with medication and behavioral therapy.

Many people who have symptoms of ADHD will test themselves using self-assessment instruments prior to visiting a doctor or mental health professional to seek a diagnosis. Some of these tools include a 40-item self-report form and an electronic screening test that will assist you in determining whether you are suffering from ADHD. These tests can't be used to diagnose ADHD and aren't meant to replace the expertise of a professional.

To diagnose you accurately, specialists in the field will employ a combination questionnaires, interviews and tests. This will include a description of your symptoms, a checklist of symptoms and questions on how they impact you in different situations. Your partner, parents or other close family members could be interviewed by the physician.

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 life is being affected by the symptoms, for example, at school or work as well as with family members or friends, or in other activities.

While the symptoms could be new or persistent the symptoms must have been present for at least 12 years to be considered a diagnosis. You may be asked to review old school reports or ask your parents to fill out a 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 suffering from both the doctor will be looking for other conditions that can cause similar symptoms as those of ADHD and seizures or thyroid problems.

A doctor may also request you to complete ADHD surveys, which don't serve as a diagnostic tool but can provide information about your symptoms and how they impact your life. These surveys aren't designed to give diagnoses but can assist your healthcare provider determine if you suffer from ADHD and the type of treatment you'll require.

Treatment

ADHD treatment for adults typically involves a combination therapy medications, behavior strategies and life skills training and therapy. It can take some time to determine the right combination that works for you.

ADHD medication is the most popular treatment option. These medications are intended to help balance and boost brain neurotransmitters. They also help improve focus, reduce impulsivity and decrease hyperactivity. They can aid in managing ADHD symptoms and help you feel better.

The most commonly prescribed medications are stimulants such as methylphenidate or Adderall. While they are effective for the majority of people and may cause constipation, negative effects such as lowered sexual drive and constipation might occur.

Another drug, atomoxetine or strattera was approved for ADHD. It's not as potent as stimulants, but it doesn't have the same negative side effects.

Many ADHD patients can choose to take antidepressants. These medications, such as Bupropion (Wellbutrin), and Fluoxetine (Prozac) do not cure the condition but may decrease symptoms. They are usually prescribed for anxiety, depression or other mental health disorders that have developed as an outcome of ADHD.

Your doctor may suggest you get more info visit psychiatrists if you have ADHD or other medical conditions. These doctors can examine your medical background, family history and other signs to determine the source of your difficulties.

The doctor will also inquire about other mental and physical health problems you might be suffering from like anxiety, depression or substance abuse. These conditions can impact your ability to concentrate or learn, and also be productive at school, work or in relationships.

Your doctor will follow guidelines from the latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to determine your symptoms of ADHD. This is the standard handbook used by most health professionals to diagnose.

Your healthcare provider will conduct a series interview and test during the evaluation. These include a thorough diagnostic interview, DSM-5 symptom checklists and standardized behavioral rating scales for ADHD.

Prevention

ADHD can be prevented by early detection and intervention. This can reduce the severity and interfere with school functioning, increase normal growth and development, and improve the quality of life for people diagnosed with ADHD.

There are a variety of ways to reduce or prevent the development of ADHD in adulthood. These include psychotherapy, medication and strategies for managing behavior. In addition, the support of close family members can be helpful.

Psychostimulants are the most common treatment for ADHD in adults. They include amphetamine-based salts, which are sold under the brand name Adderall, and methylphenidate, that is sold under the names Ritalin, Concerta, Metadate and many others.

If a person suffering from ADHD is competent to take psychostimulants on a regular basis and is able to do so, they may notice an improvement in their symptoms. Additionally, the person may be able to manage their behaviors and improve their relationships with other people.

ADHD medication is most effective when used in conjunction with a diet plan, brain training and exercise. These techniques are highly effective for ADHD children and can transform adults.

In addition to medication counseling and educational programs, counseling are also very effective for adults. These therapies can help individuals learn the skills to cope, boost self-esteem and alter negative thinking patterns that are contributing to their issues with their behavior.

Counseling can help people manage the effects of ADHD and other psychiatric disorders, such as depression and drug misuse. It can also help them overcome resentment and stress that are sometimes associated with ADHD.

ADHD sufferers may also benefit from other interventions such as diet changes as well as physical activity and programs to reduce stress. These strategies can improve focus and decrease impulsive and hyperactive behaviors.

Many adults suffering from ADHD aren't diagnosed or treated appropriately because of racial and cultural differences in ADHD diagnosis and treatment. For instance, blacks and Hispanics are significantly less likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than whites, even though both groups have the same amount 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 number of people suffering from this disorder is much greater than this figure.