ADHD Symptoms and Treatment in Adults
Many adults have difficulty keeping up with their everyday tasks. They often experience frustration and mood shifts. If you think you might have ADHD check with your primary health care provider or a mental-health professional for an evaluation.
The criteria for determining adult ADHD is the same as that for children The symptoms must be present over 6 months and not better explained by medical disorders or mental health issues.
Attention-deficit Symptoms
Many people with ADHD find it difficult to keep up with homework, work or household chores. They don't attend appointments, fail to pay their bills on time and have difficulty maintaining relationships with friends and family. They are more likely to lose things or make careless mistakes which can result in serious consequences.
If you are having trouble keeping track of your personal or professional matters, you should talk to your health care provider. Your primary care doctor can assess your situation and refer you to a mental health specialist if appropriate.
Inattentive ADHD is often misunderstood. People with inattentive ADHD are not always attentive when they are spoken to. They tend to forget quickly or get distracted by unrelated thoughts. They have difficulty staying focused on their tasks, and may make a mistake or struggle to follow instructions. They also have difficulty keeping their hands off their face or appearing shaky or fidgety.
Inattention to symptoms can cause a drop in performance at school or at work which can lead to anxiety and guilt for those affected. They can also cause problems in relationships with friends, family members and co-workers.
Health care providers identify ADHD based on a clinical assessment that involves interviewing the person and analyzing their the behavior of the past. They may request that the person answer a symptom questionnaire, and may perform medical tests to determine if there are mental or physical illnesses that have similar symptoms. The symptoms of ADHD must be present consistently prior to 12 years of age to make an assessment.
adhd treatment for adults medication who suffer from inattentive ADHD are often able to benefit from psychotherapy, lifestyle modifications and other treatments that help to manage their symptoms. These treatments include medication, behavioral therapy and family psychoeducation. Psychotherapy is a form of therapy that helps patients develop new skills, attitudes and ways of communicating with other people. Psychotherapy can help to reduce self-destructive, impulsive behavior, increase organizational skills, and increase confidence.
People with inattention ADHD may find it helpful to talk about their issues with a trusted family member or therapist. They may also be able to seek accommodations from teachers or supervisors as well as colleagues. Accommodations are the tools or modifications in the workplace that permit a person with a disability to do the same tasks as everyone else, such as using a step stool for people who are small.
Hyperactive Symptoms
Adults may show different symptoms in comparison to children. While children might fidget, appear restless and agitated, adult symptoms tend to be more subtle. They might forget about tasks and lose the track of time or location and make mistakes that aren't their fault. They might also feel excessively energetic and find it difficult to sit still during a meal or class. They may interrupt other students or blurt out answers before they've been asked an answer, or aren't able to wait their turn in conversations or games.
There are several ailments that can trigger these symptoms. To determine the underlying cause of the symptoms and determine the most effective treatment, a full mental health assessment is needed. These can include psychotherapy, medication and lifestyle changes. These can include eating a healthy diet, exercising and sleep schedules. These can include changing work or school assignments and using aidive tools such as calendars or planners, as well as smartphone apps.
It is important to discuss your concerns with your family physician or primary healthcare provider if you suspect that you might have ADHD. There are some tips for talking with your health care provider about mental health issues on NIMH's How to Talk to Your Health Care Provider fact sheet.
To be considered to have ADHD symptoms must appear in at least two environments and have a significant impact on everyday life. They must be present for at least six months in order to be eligible. Your provider will evaluate you to see if you have the inattentive or hyperactive/impulsive symptoms of ADHD.
There are medications available to aid in managing your ADHD symptoms, in addition to adaptations to your lifestyle and accommodation. These medications are referred to as stimulants. They work by streamlining the signals in your brain that influence your attention, mood and behavior. Your doctor will prescribe you the right dosage and will be able to observe your response. You may be prescribed a non-stimulant medicine when you have bothersome adverse effects, or when stimulants aren't working or in combination with stimulants to increase the effectiveness of treatment.
Impulsive Symptoms
People with inattentive ADHD are more likely to lose their keys or cellphones. Whether it's doodling in class or losing track of the time in a meeting, those with inattention ADHD are more difficult to follow tasks, organize their materials and complete projects. As adults, this may lead to a multitude of unfinished projects around the house: houses that are not cleaned and bills not paid and the vegetable garden that was established but never tended to.
The impulse-driven symptoms of ADHD can cause issues in a variety of areas of life, but especially with relationships. People who have hyperactive ADHD are often impatient and need immediate satisfaction. They might jump into social situations without thinking ahead or take risks that could cause negative consequences. Impulsive people may also overreact to stressful or emotional situations. Someone could become annoyed or defensive when arguing with family members or friends.
A health specialist who is specialized in mental disorders will review the medical history of a patient and perform an exam to diagnose ADHD. The doctor will also ask questions about how the symptoms impact your home, work, and family relationships. In order to be diagnosed with either type of ADHD, a person must exhibit at least six of the nine symptoms and the symptoms must be interfering with daily functioning for at least six months (American Psychological Association, 2000).
The most effective treatment for ADHD is psychostimulants, which are medications which target the way that certain chemicals communicate in the brain to regulate behavior. The most commonly used type of stimulant is the methylphenidate drug, which was originally used to treat ADHD in children. It is essential to speak with your doctor about your medication if you suffer from other health issues like depression or high blood pressure. Psychotherapy can help reduce the symptoms of impulsivity and distracting behavior in addition to medication. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a method of helping individuals recognize automatic or irrational thoughts that can trigger negative behavior and develop strategies for self-regulation.
Multiple Symptoms
Adults who were diagnosed with ADHD as children may develop symptoms into adulthood. They may experience mild or moderate symptoms that cause problems in their school, work, and social interactions. Other mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, might also require treatment. Some adults also have learning difficulties, which can make it difficult for them to comprehend or follow instructions in classrooms and offices.
Adults may not be able to detect the signs of inattention ADHD however it could be a problem for them to perform at home and work. This type of ADHD makes it difficult for people to stay focused in meetings at work or during classes at college. They might also be unable to keep up with their assignments and work. They may frequently lose the location of their belongings and forget appointments or deadlines. They also have trouble following conversations or listening to music. They are more susceptible to distraction by the people or activities in the vicinity than most 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) 4th edition of the American Psychiatric Association, includes the criteria for diagnosing the disorder. This includes symptoms that begin at the age of 12 and can be seen in a variety of settings, causing 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. The symptoms must have started before the age of 12 and continue to manifest at school, at home as well as in other social and work environments.
There is no cause for ADHD, but researchers are studying genetic and environmental factors that may play a role. According to research, people who suffer from ADHD may have difficulty controlling certain chemicals in their brains, including neurotransmitters which help control mood, attention and behavior.
If you're experiencing symptoms of ADHD, talk to your primary care provider. Your doctor may conduct a physical exam and recommend you to an expert in mental health care to conduct an evaluation. Psychotherapy and medication are typically utilized to treat ADHD, including stimulants that increase the levels of certain brain chemicals. Amphetamines, methylphenidate and other stimulants are commonly used. You should inform your health care provider about any other medication you take, including supplements and vitamins. The FDA's medication website contains information about approved medicines as well as warnings and information guides.