ADHD Symptoms and Treatment in Adults<br /><br />Many adults have difficulty keeping up with their daily tasks. They are often frustrated and mood swings. If you suspect you be suffering from ADHD you should consult your primary care doctor or an expert in mental health to conduct an evaluation.<br /><br />The criteria for diagnosing adult ADHD is the same as that for children ADHD: symptoms must be evident for a period of 6 months and not be more easily explained by other medical conditions or mood disorders.<br /><br />Inattentive Symptoms<br /><br />Adults suffering from ADHD typically have difficulty to keep up with the workplace, at school or with household chores. They frequently skip appointments, fail to pay bills on time, and have trouble maintaining relationships with their family and friends. They are more likely than other people to lose things, or make a mistake that can have serious consequences.<br /><br />If you are having trouble managing your work or personal affairs, consider talking to an expert in health care. Your primary care doctor will examine your situation and possibly refer you to a mental professional should it be necessary.<br /><br />Symptoms of inattention ADHD are often misunderstood. People with inattentive ADHD are not always attentive when spoken to and are easily distracted or often distracted by thoughts that are not relevant to their. They may struggle to stay on task, make mistakes, or struggle to follow directions. They may also have difficulty keeping their hands from their faces or appear shaky.<br /><br />Inattentive symptoms can lead to failure at work or school, which can create anger and shame for the person affected. They can also cause problems in relationships with friends, family members and co-workers.<br /><br />Health professionals determine ADHD based on a clinical assessment, which involves conducting an interview with the patient and reviewing previous behavior. They will often require the patient to answer a symptom questionnaire, and may conduct tests to determine if there are mental or physical health conditions that share similar symptoms. Symptoms of ADHD must be present consistently before age 12 for the diagnosis to be established.<br /><br />Adults with inattention ADHD can often benefit from psychotherapy, lifestyle changes 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 learn new skills, attitudes and ways of interacting with others. The use of behavioral therapy can help decrease self-destructive and impulsive behavior, increase organizational skills, and increase confidence.<br /><br />People with inattention ADHD might find it helpful to talk about their issues with a trusted family member or therapist. They might also be able to request accommodations from teachers or supervisors as well as colleagues. Accommodations are the tools and modifications to the environment that allow disabled people to carry out tasks like the rest of us. For instance the person who is short can utilize the step stool.<br /><br />Hyperactive symptoms<br /><br />The symptoms of this type of ADHD can be different in adults compared to children. Adult symptoms are more subtle. While children can seem to be restless and fidget, adults tend to be less talkative. They may forget tasks, lose track or take a wrong turn and make mistakes. They also may feel overly energetic and find it difficult to sit still, even when eating dinner or in class. They may interrupt others or respond to questions prior to being asked to answer a question.<br /><br />These symptoms can be triggered by a myriad of conditions. To determine the cause of the symptoms and determine the most effective treatment, a complete mental health assessment is needed. These include psychotherapy, medications and lifestyle changes. This could include an improved diet, more exercise and an improved sleep schedule. They could also include changing school or work assignments and using assistive devices like calendars, planners, and smartphone apps.<br /><br /><br /><br />If you suspect that you may have ADHD, your 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.<br /><br />It's important to know that in order to be diagnosed with ADHD symptoms must manifest in two or more settings and seriously interfere with daily life. They must have been present for at least six months in order to be considered to be diagnosed. Your provider will evaluate you to see if you have the inattentive or hyperactive/impulsive symptoms of ADHD.<br /><br />Alongside lifestyle changes and accommodations There are also medications that can help manage the symptoms of ADHD. These medications are referred to as stimulants. They work by streamlining the signals within your brain, which affect your mood, attention and behavior. Your doctor will give you the appropriate dose and will keep track of your response. You may be prescribed non-stimulant drugs if you experience side effects or if a stimulant doesn't work. They are also used in combination with stimulants to boost effectiveness.<br /><br />Impulsive Symptoms<br /><br />Everyone misplaces keys or a cellphone from time to time, but for people with inattentive ADHD, these little distractions are more of an issue. People with inattentive ADHD have a tougher task of focusing on tasks, arranging their material, and completing projects. As adults, this may lead to a multitude of unfinished projects around the home: unpaid bills, unkempt homes and a vegetable garden that has been planted but never watered.<br /><br />The impulsive symptoms of ADHD can cause difficulties in a variety of aspects of our lives, but specifically in relationships. People with impulsive ADHD tend to be anxious and seek immediate gratification. They might jump into social situations without planning ahead or take risks that could result in negative consequences. People who are impulsive may also react to emotional or stressful situations. For example, a person may become extremely angry or defensive when arguing with friends or family.<br /><br />A health professional with a specialization in mental disorders will review the medical history of a patient, and perform an exam to diagnose ADHD. The doctor will also inquire about how symptoms impact your home, work and relationships. To be diagnosed with either type of ADHD the patient must show six or more of the nine main symptoms and the symptoms have to interfere with daily functioning for at least 6 months (American Psychological Association, 2000).<br /><br />Psychostimulants are the most effective treatment for ADHD. They target the way that certain chemicals communicate with each other in the brain to regulate behaviour. The most commonly used stimulant is methylphenidate. It was initially used to treat ADHD among children. It is important to speak with your physician about your medication if you suffer from other health issues such as depression or high blood pressure. In <a href="https://www.iampsychiatry.com/adult-adhd-treatment">adult adhd diagnosis and treatment</a> to medication psychotherapy can help reduce the symptoms of impulsivity and distraction. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is focused on helping individuals recognize unintentional or irrational thoughts which may trigger negative behaviors, and develop strategies of self-regulation.<br /><br />Combination of Symptoms<br /><br />Adults who had ADHD as children could experience symptoms that return in adulthood. They can have mild, moderate, or severe symptoms that affect school, work, and social interactions. They also may have other mental health issues like anxiety or depression, that require treatment. Adults may also experience learning issues, which could make it difficult for them to understand or follow directions in offices and classrooms.<br /><br />Adults might not be able to recognize the symptoms of inattentive ADHD however it could be a problem for them to perform at work and home. This type of ADHD can make it difficult for people to sit still in meetings at work or during college lectures. They may also have difficulty keeping up with their assignments and work. They may forget deadlines or appointments, and then lose track of their belongings. They also have trouble following conversations or listening to music. They are more prone to being distracted by the people or activities around than most people.<br /><br />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 American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 4th edition (DSM-IV TR) has a criterion for diagnosing the disorder that includes symptoms that begin before age 12, occur in multiple settings and cause impairment in a variety of areas, such as at school and in relationships.<br /><br />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 social and work settings.<br /><br />Researchers are studying genetic and environmental factors which may be involved in the development of ADHD. Research suggests that the brains of people who suffer from ADHD have difficulty regulating certain chemicals, including neurotransmitters that help control attention, mood and behavior.<br /><br />Speak to your primary healthcare provider if there are symptoms of ADHD. Your doctor will conduct a physical examination and refer you to an assessment by an expert in mental health. Treatment for ADHD usually involves psychotherapy and medication, such as stimulants that increase the levels of certain chemicals in the brain. Amphetamines, methylphenidate and other stimulants are used. Inform your doctor about any other medications you are taking including supplements or vitamins. The FDA's website for medications contains information on approved medications as well as patient information and warnings guides.<br /><br />