ADHD Symptoms and Treatment in Adults
Many adults report that they are struggling to keep up with daily tasks frequently experiencing anger and mood swings. If you think you might have ADHD check with your primary health care provider or mental health professional for an assessment.
The criteria for determining adult ADHD is similar to that for children: symptoms must be present over 6 months and not better explained by other medical conditions or mood disorders.
Inattentive symptoms
Many adults suffering from ADHD find it difficult to complete schoolwork, work or household chores. They don't attend appointments, fail to pay bills on time, and struggle to maintain relationships with their family and friends. They are more likely than other people to lose their possessions or make mistakes that can have serious consequences.
Speak to your health care provider if have difficulty keeping track of personal or work issues. Your primary care doctor will assess your situation and possibly refer you to a mental specialist when needed.
Inattentive ADHD is often misunderstood. People with inattentive ADHD are not always attentive when spoken to and are easily distracted or often distracted by irrelevant thoughts. They may have trouble staying focused, make erroneous mistakes, or struggle with following directions. They may also struggle with keeping their hands away from their faces or appear shaken.
Inattentive symptoms may lead to failure in school or at work which can lead to anger and shame for those affected. They can also cause issues with relationships with friends, family and colleagues.
Health care providers identify ADHD based on a clinical assessment that involves interviewing the individual and reviewing previous behavior. They might ask the person to fill out the symptom checklist and perform medical tests to determine if there are other conditions that exhibit similar symptoms. Symptoms of ADHD must be present consistently before age 12 for the diagnosis to be established.
Adults with inattentive ADHD may benefit from psychotherapy and lifestyle modifications to ease their symptoms. These treatments include medication, behavioral therapy and family psychoeducation. adhd treatment for adults without medication is a type of therapy that assists patients develop new attitudes, skills and ways of communicating with other people. Behavioral therapy can help reduce self-destructive and impulsive behavior, improve the ability to manage and organize, and boost confidence.
People with inattentive ADHD may find it helpful to discuss their struggles with a trusted family member or therapist. They might also be able to request accommodations from their teachers, supervisors and co-workers. Accommodations are the tools or modifications in the environment that allow the disabled person to do the same tasks as everyone else, such as using a step stool to help someone who is short.
Hyperactive Symptoms
The symptoms of this type of ADHD can be different in adults than children. While children might be agitated, irritable and agitated while adult symptoms tend to be more subtle. They may forget tasks, lose track or take a wrong turn and make mistakes. They might also be overly active and find it difficult to sit still during a meal or class. They may interrupt other students or shout out answers before being asked an answer, or aren't able to wait their turn in games or conversations.
There are several illnesses that can cause these symptoms. To determine the root of symptoms and the most effective treatment, a full psychiatric assessment is required. These could include psychotherapy, medication and lifestyle changes. These can include a healthier diet, exercise and sleeping schedules. These can include changing work or school assignments and using assistive tools like calendars, planners, and smartphone apps.
If you suspect you have ADHD the first step should be to discuss your concerns with your family physician or primary care doctor. The How to Talk to Your Provider factsheet from NIMH provides guidelines on how to communicate with your physician about mental issues.
To be considered to have ADHD the symptoms must be present in at least two different settings and have a significant impact on everyday life. For them to qualify they must be present at least six month. Your provider will evaluate you to see if you have the inattentive or hyperactive/impulsive symptoms of ADHD.
In addition to lifestyle changes and accommodations There are also medications that can help you manage the symptoms of ADHD. These medications are referred to as stimulants. They function by enhancing the signals within your brain, which affect your attention, mood and behavior. Your doctor will determine the best dose of the medication for you and monitor your response to treatment. You may be prescribed non-stimulant drugs if you experience side effects or if a stimulant fails to work. They can also be used in combination with stimulants to boost effectiveness.
Impulsive Symptoms
Everyone misplaces keys or a cellphone from time-to-time, but for people with inattentive ADHD small distractions are a bigger issue. People with inattentive ADHD have a tougher task of focusing on tasks, arranging their material and completing projects. As adults, this may result in a myriad of unfinished projects around the house, including unpaid bills and unkempt homes, as well as the vegetable garden that has been started but never watered.
The impulsive symptoms of ADHD can create problems in many areas of our lives, but specifically when it comes to relationships. People who suffer from an impulsive ADHD tend to be anxious and seek instant gratification. They may be prone to rushing into social situations with little preparation or risk-taking, which can have negative effects. In adhd treatment for adults without medication , impulsive people might overreact in stressful or emotional situations. For example, a person may become extremely angry or defensive during arguments with friends or family.
To be diagnosed with one of the two types of ADHD the healthcare professional who is trained in mental disorders must examine the medical history of the patient and conduct an exam. The doctor will inquire about your symptoms and how they affect your relationships, work, and home. To be diagnosed with either type of ADHD one must show six or more of the nine main symptoms and the symptoms must interfere with daily functioning for at least 6 months (American Psychological Association, 2000).
Psychostimulants are the most effective treatment for ADHD. They affect the way certain chemicals communicate with each other in the brain to regulate behaviour. The most commonly used stimulant is methylphenidate. It was originally developed to treat ADHD in children. It is essential to speak with your doctor about your medication if have other health conditions like depression or high blood pressure. Psychotherapy can help reduce distraction and impulsive symptoms in addition to medication. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a method of helping people recognize the automatic or irrational thoughts that triggers negative behaviors and devise strategies for self-regulation.
Multiple Symptoms
Adults who were diagnosed with ADHD as children can experience symptoms in adulthood. They could experience mild or moderate symptoms that cause problems in their work, school, and social interactions. They also may have other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety that require treatment. A few adults may also have learning disabilities that make it difficult to comprehend or follow instructions in classrooms and offices.
Adults might not be able to recognize the symptoms of inattentive ADHD however it could be a problem for them to function at home and work. This type of ADHD can make it difficult for people to remain focused in business meetings or classes at college. They might also have trouble keeping up with their assignments and work. They might forget deadlines or appointments, and then lose their possessions. They also have difficulty keeping track of conversations or listening to music. They are more likely to be distracted by the activities or people 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 Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV TR) 4th edition of the American Psychiatric Association, includes an assessment criteria to identify the disorder. This includes symptoms that begin at the age of 12 and can be seen in a variety of settings and can cause issues across 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. Symptoms must have started before the person was 12 years old. They must persist at home, at school and in other work and social settings.
Researchers are examining the effects of environmental and genetic factors that may be involved in the development of ADHD. Research suggests that the brains of those who suffer from ADHD are unable to regulate certain chemicals, such as neurotransmitters that manage 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 refer you to a mental health professional to do an evaluation. Treatment for ADHD usually involves psychotherapy as well as medications including stimulants, which boost levels of certain chemicals in the brain. Amphetamines, methylphenidate, and other stimulants are used. Tell your doctor about all other medications you take, including vitamins or supplements. The FDA's website for medication contains information on approved medications as well as warnings and information guides.
