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ADHD in Adults What You Need to Know ADHD is an illness that causes problems with concentration and hyperactivity It can also cause issues at school at work as well as in relationships Your healthcare provider will utilize the most recent version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5 DSM5 to diagnose ADHD They will also examine how symptoms affect your daily life Symptoms ADHD is often viewed as a condition that only affects children but it is also common among adults Many people with ADHD are not diagnosed until their symptoms are severe and impact their lives This can lead to problems in your work family relationships or even your health Talking to a therapist or a doctor if you suspect you might be suffering from ADHD is an excellent idea Theyll be able determine the cause and prescribe treatment The first step in the process of diagnosing is to take a thorough clinical history This includes a thorough review of your medical psychiatric and personal history from childhood to present This will allow the doctor to detect current symptoms in a more accurate manner The physician should ask about how symptoms impact the daily activities of a person and if they hinder the persons social educational or work activities Depending on the severity of the symptoms there are different types of medication that may be prescribed to treat ADHD They include stimulants like Adderall or Ritalin as well as nonstimulant medications You can also consider behavioral therapy or lifestyle changes This can aid in improving your focus reduce anxiety and stress and manage hyperactivity and impulsive behavior In addition to a physical examination the doctor will also ask you about other mental health issues that may produce similar symptoms to those of ADHD These could 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 evaluate your attention span distractibility and shortterm memory These tasks can be completed at home or at the office Your doctor will also inquire whether you suffer from any other mental health problems like depression or anxiety They will also look at your sleeping habits diet and other aspects to see if they are contributing to your symptoms The test results should show whether you are suffering from any symptoms These signs indicate that you need professional help They may be able to diagnose ADHD and suggest treatment This could include medication therapy for behavioral issues or lifestyle changes Diagnosis ADHD is a disorder of the mind that affects attention behavior and other executive functions While it can be difficult to diagnose it can be treated by medication or behavioral therapy Many people with ADHD symptoms first attempt selfassessment software before consulting an expert in mental health or a doctor Some of these tools include a selfreport of 40 items form as well as an online screening test that will help you find out whether you have ADHD These tests arent able to determine if you have ADHD and arent meant to replace the expertise of a professional To determine your condition accurately an expert in the field will use an amalgamation of interviews questionnaires and testing This includes a history of your symptoms a list of symptoms and questions on how they impact you in different situations The clinician may also interview your parents partner or any other individuals 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 hyperactivityimpulsivity that cause significant impairment This means that your life is being disrupted by symptoms for example at work or school with family or friends as well as in other activities The symptoms youre having may be new or occurring for a long period of time but they must be consistently present prior to age 12 to meet the criteria for an diagnosis You might be asked to read old school reports or ask your parents to fill out an retrospective ADHD profile describing 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 hyperactivityimpulsivity presentations or a single presentation If youre experiencing two of them and your physician will look for other illnesses that may cause similar symptoms to those associated with ADHD such as seizures or thyroid issues A doctor can also request you to complete ADHD surveys These dont serve as a diagnostic tool but can provide information about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life These surveys arent designed to give diagnoses but they can assist your healthcare professional determine if you have ADHD and what type of treatment youll require Treatment ADHD treatment for adults typically requires a combination of therapy including medication behavior strategies as well as life skills training and therapy testing for adult adhd wwwadhdtestingtop may take time to determine the right combination that is effective for you Medicines are the most popular treatment option for ADHD These medications are intended to balance and boost brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters They also help improve focus as well as reduce impulsivity and reduce hyperactivity They can assist you in managing ADHD symptoms and help you feel better Stimulants such as methylphenidate Ritalin or amphetamine Adderall are the most soughtafter prescription drugs They are beneficial for the majority of people but they can have side effects such as constipation and decreased sex drive Another drug atomoxetine or strattera was approved to treat ADHD Its not as effective as stimulants however it does not have the same side effects Antidepressants are also an option for many people suffering from ADHD These drugs such as Bupropion Wellbutrin and Fluoxetine Prozac do not treat the condition but they can alleviate symptoms These medicines are often prescribed to treat anxiety depression and other mental health conditions that are caused by ADHD If you are suffering from ADHD along with other conditions your doctor might suggest that you visit a psychiatrist or other mental health professional with expertise in treating ADHD These doctors can evaluate your medical history family history and other symptoms to identify the causes of your problems The doctor will also inquire about any other physical or mental health issues you may have such as anxiety depression or substance abuse These diseases can hinder your ability to focus learn and be productive at schools work or in relationships To determine ADHD symptoms your doctor will use the Fifth Edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSM5 This is the standard handbook that is used by the majority of medical professionals to determine a diagnosis During the assessment your healthcare provider will conduct a series tests and interviews These include a comprehensive diagnostic interview DSM5 symptom checklists and the standardized scales for assessing behavior for ADHD Prevention Early intervention and detection could help to prevent ADHD This can lessen the severity of symptoms lessen interference with school functioning enhance normal growth and development and improve the quality of life for those who are diagnosed with ADHD Many measures can be utilized to prevent or mitigate the development of adult ADHD which includes psychotherapy medication and strategies for managing The support of family members is also beneficial The main type of treatment for adults with ADHD is medications known as psychostimulants They include amphetamines sodium which are sold under the brand name Adderall and methylphenidate It is sold under the name Ritalin Concerta Metadate ADHD patients who are able to take psychostimulants on a regular basis will often see a significant improvement in their symptoms The patient might also be able to manage their behavior and improve their relationships with other people ADHD medication is most effective when used in conjunction with a food plan braintraining and exercise These strategies are highly effective in treating children with ADHD and are likely to have a transformative effect for adults too Adult patients can also benefit from counseling and educational programs These programs can help people improve their coping abilities and selfesteem and help them change bad thinking patterns that contribute to their behavior problems 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 sometimes associated with ADHD ADHD sufferers can benefit from other treatments like dietary changes physical activity and programs for stress reduction These strategies can aid in improving focus and decrease impulsive and hyperactive behavior Many adults suffering from ADHD arent properly diagnosed or treated due to racial and cultural differences in ADHD diagnosis and treatment Hispanics and blacks are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than whites despite both having the same amount of children with the disorder The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that more than 4 percent of American adults have been diagnosed with ADHD Research suggests that this figure is much higher
