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ADHD in Adults What You Need to Know ADHD is an illness that causes excessive focus and hyperactivity It can also lead to issues at school at work at home in relationships and at home Your doctor will use the most uptodate version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5 DSM5 to diagnose ADHD They will also examine how your symptoms affect your everyday life The signs ADHD is often viewed as an illness that is only affecting children but its also prevalent among adults Many people suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed until their symptoms become more severe and affect their lives This can lead to problems in your relationships with your family work or your health If you or a loved one suspect that you might have ADHD is important to speak with an therapist or doctor Theyll be able to identify the issue and recommend treatment The first step in the diagnosis process is to complete a clinical history This includes a comprehensive review of your personal medical and psychiatric records from childhood until the present This will allow the doctor to accurately identify the present symptoms The doctor should inquire about a persons everyday activities and whether or not they impact work school or social interactions Based on the severity of symptoms there are different types of medications which can be prescribed to treat ADHD These include stimulants like Ritalin or Adderall as well as nonstimulant drugs Other treatments include behavior therapy and lifestyle adjustments This will help you improve your focus reduce anxiety and stress and control hyperactivity and impulsive behavior Your doctor will also conduct a physical exam and ask about any mental health concerns that could be causing the symptoms resembling those of ADHD This could include anxiety depression or a substance abuse disorder such as alcohol or nicotine abuse You will be asked to do a number of tasks to help evaluate your concentration distractibility and shortterm memory The tasks can be accomplished at home or at the office Your doctor will ask you whether you suffer from mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression Your habits with regard to sleep diet and other factors will be assessed to determine if theyre contributing The results of the test should indicate if you have any of the following symptoms These signs indicate that you should seek professional help They can diagnose ADHD and recommend treatment This could include medication behavioral therapy or lifestyle modifications Diagnosis ADHD is a behavioral disorder which causes problems with attention behavior and other executive functions Although it is difficult to diagnose it can be treated with medication or therapy for behavioral disorders Many people who exhibit symptoms of ADHD will try selfassessment tools prior to visiting a doctor or mental health professional for a diagnosis Some of these tools include a 40item self report form and an electronic screening test that can assist you in determining whether you suffer from ADHD These tests arent able to determine if you have ADHD and arent meant to replace expert assessments To identify you accurately a specialist in the field will employ a combination questionnaires interviews and tests This includes a detailed description of your medical history a checklist of symptoms as well as questions about how they impact your life in various situations The clinician 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 hyperactivityimpulsivity that cause significant impairment This means that your life is being impacted by the symptoms for example at school or work with family or friends or in other activities Although the symptoms may be recent or ongoing they must have been present for at least 12 years in order to be eligible for diagnosis You may be asked review old school reports or have your parents complete an retrospective ADHD profile that outlines 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 suffering from both the doctor will look for other conditions which can trigger similar symptoms to those associated with ADHD and seizures or thyroid problems adhd test for women wwwadhdtestingtop may also ask you to take ADHD surveys which do not serve as a diagnostic tool but can provide background information about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life They arent intended to make diagnoses but can help your healthcare practitioner determine if youre suffering from ADHD and what type of treatment youll require Treatment ADHD treatment for adults typically includes a combination therapy and medication behavioral strategies life skills training and therapy It may take some time to determine the best combination for you The most commonly used medication is treatment option for ADHD These medications are meant to balance and boost brain chemicals known as 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 most people and can cause constipation negative effects such as lowered sexual drive and constipation may occur Another medication atomoxetine or strattera was approved for ADHD It is not as effective as stimulants however it does not have the same adverse negative effects Many ADHD patients have the option of taking antidepressants These medications such as Bupropion Wellbutrin and Fluoxetine Prozac are not able to cure the condition but may decrease symptoms These medications are frequently prescribed to treat anxiety depression and other mental health disorders that result from ADHD If you have ADHD along with other conditions your healthcare practitioner might suggest you visit a psychiatrist or another mental health professional that specializes in treating ADHD These specialists can assess your medical background family history and other signs to determine the source of your issues The doctor will also inquire about any other physical and mental health issues that you may be suffering from such as anxiety depression or abuse These diseases can hinder your ability to concentrate and learn as well as be productive at work school or relationships Your doctor will apply guidelines from the most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition DSM5 to diagnose your symptoms of ADHD This is the standard handbook used by most health professionals to determine a diagnosis Your healthcare provider will conduct a series interview and tests during the assessment These include a comprehensive diagnostic interview as well as DSM5 symptoms checklists Prevention Early intervention and detection can help to prevent ADHD This can decrease the severity and interfere with school performance boost normal growth and development and improve the quality of life for people diagnosed with ADHD Several measures can be used to delay or stop the onset of adult ADHD such as psychotherapy medication and other strategies for managing Support from family members is also beneficial Psychostimulants are a primary treatment for ADHD in adults They include amphetamine salts which are sold under the brand name Adderall and methylphenidate that is sold under the names Ritalin Concerta Metadate and many others ADHD patients who can take psychostimulants on a regular basis will often see a significant improvement in their symptoms In addition the patient might learn to manage their behaviors and improve their relationships with others ADHD medication is most effective when taken together with a food plan brain training and exercise These methods are extremely efficient for ADHD children and can transform adults Adult patients may also benefit from educational and counseling programs These therapies can help individuals learn selfesteem coping skills and alter negative thoughts that contribute to their behavioral issues Counseling can help people manage the effects of ADHD and other mental disorders including depression and substance misuse Counseling can help individuals deal with the stress and resentment commonly associated with ADHD Other approaches such as physical activity dietary changes and stress reduction programs are also helpful for those who suffer from ADHD These strategies can aid in improving focus and reduce impulsive and hyperactive behaviors However many people suffering from ADHD arent treated or diagnosed because of racial and ethnic disparities in the treatment and diagnosis of ADHD For example the blacks and Hispanics are significantly less likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than whites even though both groups have the same number of children who are 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 significantly higher than this figure
