ADHD Symptoms and Treatment in Adults

Many adults find that they struggle to keep up with daily tasks often expressing frustration and mood swings. If you suspect that you be suffering from ADHD take a look at your primary care doctor or an expert in mental health for an evaluation.

The criteria for diagnosing adult ADHD is the same as that for children: symptoms must be present over 6 months and not be more easily explained by other medical disorders or conditions.

Attention-deficit Signs and symptoms


Adults suffering from ADHD often have a difficult time to keep up in school, at work, or with household chores. They are late for appointments, don't pay bills on time and struggle to maintain relationships with family and friends. They are more likely than other people to lose possessions, or make mistakes which can result in serious consequences.

Talk to your health care provider if are having difficulty keeping track of personal or work issues. Your primary care provider can assess your situation and refer you to a mental health professional should it be necessary.

Inattentive ADHD is often misunderstood. People with inattentive ADHD don't always listen when they are questioned, forget easily or are often distracted by thoughts that are not relevant to their. They have difficulty staying focused on their tasks, and may make careless errors or struggle to follow instructions. They also struggle to keep their hands off their faces or may seem shaky or fidgety.

Inattentive symptoms may result in a failure at the workplace or at school which can lead to frustration and shame for those affected. They can also cause problems in relationships with friends, family and co-workers.

Health care professionals identify ADHD through a medical assessment, which involves conducting an interview with the patient and reviewing past behavior. They often require the patient to complete a symptom questionnaire and may conduct tests to exclude mental or physical health conditions that may have similar symptoms. The symptoms of ADHD must occur consistently since before age 12 in order for the diagnosis to be made.

Adults suffering from inattention ADHD might benefit from psychotherapy and lifestyle modifications to ease their symptoms. These treatments include medication, behavioral therapy, and family psychoeducation. Psychotherapy is a type of counseling which helps patients develop new attitudes, skills and ways of communicating with other people. The practice of behavioral therapy can teach methods that can reduce impulsive and self-destructive behaviors, improve organizational skills and increase confidence.

People with inattentive ADHD may find it helpful to talk about their issues with a trusted family member or therapist. Teachers, supervisors, and co-workers may be able offer accommodations. Accommodations are the tools or modifications in the workplace that permit disabled people to carry out tasks just like everyone else, such as using a step stool to help those who are short.

Hyperactive Symptoms

Adults can exhibit different symptoms in comparison to children. Adult symptoms are more subtle. While children might be agitated and tense adults are less talkative. They may forget tasks, get lost or lose get lost and make a few mistakes. They may also feel overly energetic and struggle to sit still during a meal or in class. They may interrupt others or blurt out answers before they've had the chance to ask a question, and struggle to keep their place in games or conversations.

There are a variety of ailments that can trigger these symptoms. To determine the underlying cause of the symptoms and determine the most efficient treatment, a thorough psycho-psychiatric evaluation is required. These could include psychotherapy, medication and lifestyle adjustments. These can include an improved diet, exercise and sleep schedules. They may also require changing school or work assignments, and using aidive devices such as planners, calendars, and smartphones apps.

You should first discuss your concerns with a family doctor or primary healthcare provider if you suspect you might have ADHD. The How to Talk to Your Provider factsheet from NIMH contains suggestions on how to speak with your physician about mental issues.

It is important to understand that to be diagnosed with ADHD symptoms must be present in more than one setting and significantly interfere with daily life. To be considered a candidate they must have been present at least six month. Your provider will evaluate you to see if you have the inattentive or hyperactive/impulsive symptoms of ADHD.

There are a variety of medications available to assist you in managing your ADHD symptoms, as well as adaptations to your lifestyle and accommodation. These are known as stimulants. They function by enhancing the signals within your brain, which affect your mood, attention and behavior. Your doctor will prescribe the right dosage of the medication to you and track your response to treatment. You may be prescribed non-stimulant drugs if you experience side effects or if a stimulant doesn't work. They can also be used in combination with stimulants to increase the effectiveness.

Impulsive Symptoms

Everybody loses keys or a phone from time to time However, for those with inattention ADHD, these little distractions are more of an issue. Whether it's doodling in class or losing track of the time in a meeting, those with inattentive ADHD find it harder to stay on task, organize their materials and complete their projects. As adults, the result can be a million half-finished projects around the home: unpaid bills, dirty houses and the garden that was planted but never watered.

The symptoms of impulsive ADHD can cause issues in a variety of areas of our lives, but specifically with relationships. People with impulsive ADHD are often fast-paced and crave immediate satisfaction. They may be impulsive and enter social situations without planning ahead or take risks that can result in negative consequences. People who are impulsive may also react to stressful or emotional situations. For instance, someone could become extremely annoyed or defensive in arguments with friends or family.

A health care specialist who is specialized in mental disorders will go over 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 family relationships. To be diagnosed with one or the other form of ADHD the patient must exhibit six or more of nine major symptoms. The symptoms must also affect everyday functioning and last at minimum six months (American Association for Psychiatric Research 2000).

Psychostimulants are the most effective treatment for ADHD. They affect the way certain chemicals communicate with one another in the brain to regulate behaviour. The most common type of stimulants is the methylphenidate that was initially used to treat ADHD in children. It is essential to speak with your physician regarding your medication if you are suffering from other health issues such as depression or high blood pressure. In addition to medicines psychotherapy can aid in reducing the symptoms of distraction and impulsivity. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), focuses on helping people recognize the automatic or irrational thoughts that can trigger negative behaviors and develop strategies for self-regulation.

Combination of Symptoms

Adults who were diagnosed with ADHD as children can be affected in later life. untreated adhd in adults depression may have mild, moderate or even severe symptoms that interfere with school, work and social interactions. They could also be suffering from other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety that require treatment. Adults may also experience learning difficulties, which can make it difficult for them to understand or follow directions in classrooms and offices.

Adults might not be able to identify the signs of inattention ADHD, but it can be a problem for them to function at home and at work. It's difficult for those with this kind of ADHD to remain calm during college lectures or business meetings, and they may be unable to keep up with assignments and work-related tasks. They often lose the track of their belongings or forget appointments or deadlines. They also have trouble following conversations or listening to music. They are more susceptible to distraction by the activities or people 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), fourth edition of the American Psychiatric Association, includes the criteria for diagnosing the disorder. This includes symptoms that start at the age of 12 and can be seen in a variety of settings and can cause issues 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 begun before the age of 12 and continue at home, in school and in various work and social situations.

There's no reason for ADHD however, researchers are studying genetic and environmental factors that could have a role to play. Research suggests that the brains of individuals who suffer from ADHD have trouble regulating certain chemicals, including neurotransmitters that to regulate mood, attention, and behavior.

Speak to your primary health care provider if you exhibit symptoms of ADHD. Your doctor may conduct an exam of your body and recommend you to a mental health professional to conduct an assessment. Psychotherapy and medications are usually employed to treat ADHD and other disorders, such as stimulants that boost the levels of certain brain chemicals. Amphetamines, methylphenidate, and other stimulants are utilized. You should inform your doctor about any other medication you take, such as supplements and vitamins. The FDA's medication website has information about approved medications, warnings and patient information guides.