Description

Adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a mental health disorder that includes a combination of persistent problems, such as difficulty paying attention, hyperactivity and impulsive behavior. Adult ADHD can lead to unstable relationships, poor job or school performance, low self-esteem and other problems.

Despite the fact that it's called adult ADHD , symptoms start in early childhood and continue into adulthood. In some cases, ADHD is not recognized or diagnosed until the person is an adult. Adult ADHD symptoms may not be as clear as ADHD symptoms in children. In adults, hyperactivity may decrease, but struggles with impulsiveness, restlessness and difficulty paying attention may continue.

Treatment for ADHD in adults is similar to the treatment for childhood ADHD . ADHD in adults treatment may include medication, talk therapy (psychotherapy) and treatment for mental health conditions that occur along with ADHD .

Symptoms

Some people with ADHD have fewer symptoms of age, but some adults continue to have major symptoms that interfere with daily functioning. In adults, the main features of ADHD may include difficulty paying attention, impulsiveness and restlessness. The symptoms may vary from mild to severe.

Many adults with ADHD aren't aware they have it — they just know that everyday tasks can be a challenge. Adults with ADHD may find it difficult to focus and prioritize, which leads to missed deadlines and forgotten meetings or social plans. The inability to control impulses can range from impatience waiting in line or driving in traffic to mood swings and outbursts of anger.

Adult ADHD symptoms may include:

  • Impulsivity
  • The disorganization and the prioritization of problems
  • Poor time management skills
  • Problems focusing on a task
  • Problems of multitasking
  • The excessive activity or restlessness
  • Poor planning
  • Low frustration tolerance
  • Frequent mood swings
  • The following problems and through the completion of tasks
  • Temperament
  • Problems to handle stress

What is the typical behavior and what is ADHD?

Almost everyone has some symptoms similar to those of ADHD at some point in their lives. If difficulties are recent or occurred only occasionally in the past, it is likely that you do not have ADHD . ADHD is diagnosed only when the symptoms are severe enough to cause ongoing problems in more than one area of your life. These persistent and disruptive symptoms dating back to childhood.

The diagnosis of ADHD in adults can be difficult, due to which certain symptoms of ADHD are similar to those caused by other conditions, such as anxiety or mood disorders. And many adults with ADHD also have at least one other mental health condition, such as depression or anxiety.

When to see a doctor

If any of the symptoms listed above continually disrupt your life, talk to your doctor about whether you might have ADHD .

Different types of health professionals can diagnose and monitor the treatment for ADHD . Look for a provider who has training and experience in the care of adults with ADHD .

Causes

Although the exact cause of ADHD is not clear, research efforts continue. The factors that may be involved in the development of ADHD include:

  • Genetics. ADHD can run in families, and studies indicate that genes may play a role.
  • Environment. Certain environmental factors may also increase the risk, such as exposure to lead as a child.
  • Problems during development. Problems with the central nervous system at key moments in the development may play a role.

Risk factors

Risk of ADHD may increase if:

  • You have blood relatives such as a parent or a sibling with ADHD or other mental health disorder
  • His mother smoked, drank alcohol or used drugs during pregnancy
  • As a child, were exposed to environmental toxins — such as lead, which is found primarily in paint and pipes in older buildings
  • You were born prematurely

Complications

ADHD can make life difficult for you. ADHD has been linked to:

  • Poor school or work performance
  • Unemployment
  • Financial problems
  • Trouble with the law
  • Of Alcohol or other substances of abuse
  • Frequent car accidents or other accidents
  • Unstable relationships
  • Poor physical and mental health
  • Poor self-image
  • Suicide attempts

Coexisting conditions

Although ADHD does not cause psychological or developmental problems, other disorders often occur along with ADHD and make treatment more difficult. These include:

  • Mood disorders. Many adults with ADHD also have depression, bipolar disorder or another mood disorder. While mood problems are not necessarily directly attributable to ADHD , a repeated pattern of failures and frustrations because ADHD can make depression worse.
  • The anxiety disorders. Anxiety disorders occur frequently in adults with ADHD . Anxiety disorders can cause overwhelming concern, nervousness and other symptoms. Anxiety can be exacerbated by the difficulties and setbacks caused by ADHD .
  • Other psychiatric disorders. Adults with ADHD are at increased risk of other psychiatric disorders such as personality disorders, intermittent explosive disorder and substance use disorders.
  • Learning disabilities. Adults with ADHD may score lower on academic probation that expected for their age, intelligence and education. Learning disabilities can include problems with understanding and communication.

Diagnosis

The signs and symptoms of ADHD in adults can be difficult to detect. However, the main symptoms start early in life — before age 12 — and continue into adulthood, creating major problems.

There is No single test to confirm the diagnosis. The diagnosis is likely to include:

  • Physical exam, to help rule out other possible causes of your symptoms
  • The collection of information, such as to ask questions about any current medical issues, personal and family medical history, and the history of your symptoms
  • ADHDrating scales or psychological tests to help you collect and evaluate information about your symptoms

Other conditions that resembleADHD

Some medical conditions or treatments can cause signs and symptoms similar to those of ADHD . Examples include:

  • Mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, conduct disorders, learning and language deficits, or other psychiatric disorders
  • The medical problems that can affect the way of thinking or behavior, such as a developmental disorder, seizure disorder, thyroid problems, sleep disorders, brain injury, or low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
  • Medications and drugs, as alcohol or other substances of abuse and certain medications

Treatment

The standard treatments for ADHD in adults usually involve medicine, education, training, and psychological counseling. A combination of these is often the most effective treatment. These treatments can help to control many of the symptoms of ADHD , but does not cure it. It may take some time to determine what works best for you.

Drugs

Talk with your doctor about the benefits and risks of medicines.

  • Stimulants, such as products that include methylphenidate or amphetamines, are usually the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD , but there are other medications that can be prescribed. Stimulants appear to increase and balance the levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters.
  • Other medications used to treat ADHD include the nonstimulant atomoxetine, and certain antidepressants such as bupropion. Atomoxetine, and antidepressants work slower than that of stimulants, but this can be a good option if you can't take stimulants because of health problems or if the exciting cause serious side effects.

The right medicine and dose that vary between individuals, so that it can take time to find what is right for you. Tell your doctor about any side effect.

Psychological counseling

Counseling for ADHD in adults usually includes psychological counseling (psychotherapy), education about the disorder and learning skills to help you succeed.

Psychotherapy can help you to:

  • Improve your time management and organizational skills
  • Learn how to reduce impulsive behavior
  • Develop better problem solving skills
  • To deal with the past academic, work or social failures
  • Improve your self-esteem
  • Learn ways to improve relationships with your family, coworkers, and friends
  • Develop strategies to control your temper

The common types of psychotherapy for ADHD include:

  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy. This type of structure the counseling teaches specific skills to manage their behavior and change the patterns of negative thinking into positive. It can help you to deal with the challenges of life, such as school, work, or relationship problems, and help to address other mental health conditions, such as depression or substance abuse.
  • Marriage counseling and family therapy. This type of therapy can help loved ones cope with the stress of living with someone who has ADHD, and learn what you can do to help. Such counseling can improve communication and problem-solving skills.

Working on relationships

If you are like the majority of adults with ADHD , it can be unpredictable and forget quotes, let to meet the deadlines, and make impulsive or irrational decisions. These behaviors can exhaust the patience of the most forgiving coworker, friend, or partner.

The therapy that focuses on these issues and the best way to control your behavior can be very useful. So can classes to improve communication and develop conflict resolution and problem-solving skills. Couples therapy, and classes in which the members of the family to learn more about ADHD can significantly improve your relationships.

Lifestyle and home remedies

Because ADHD is a complex disorder, and that each person is unique, it is difficult to make recommendations for all the adults who have ADHD . But some of these suggestions may help:

  • Make a list of tasks to accomplish each day. Give priority to the elements. Make sure that you are not trying to do too much.
  • Divide tasks into smaller, more manageable steps. Consider the use of checklists.
  • The use of adhesive pads to write notes to yourself. Put them in the fridge, in the bathroom mirror, in the car or in other places where you can see the reminders.
  • Keep a book of quotations or electronic calendar to track events and deadlines.
  • Bring a laptop or electronic device with you so that you can take note of any ideas or things that you need to remember.
  • Take the time to set up file systems, and organization of information, both in their electronic devices and paper files. Get in the habit of using these systems in a consistent manner.
  • Follow a routine that constant day-to-day and keep the items, such as keys and wallet, in the same place.
  • Ask for help from family members or other loved ones.

Alternative medicine

There is little research to indicate that alternative medicine treatments can reduce the symptoms of ADHD. However, studies indicate that meditation may help to improve mood and attention in adults with ADHD , as well as those who do not have ADHD .

Before using alternative interventions for ADHD , talk with your doctor about the possible risks and benefits.

Coping and support

While treatment can make a big difference with ADHD , taking other steps can help you understand ADHD and learn how to handle it. Some resources that can help are listed below. Ask your health care team to obtain more advice on the resources.

  • The support groups. Support groups allow you to meet other people with ADHD, so that you can share experiences, information, and coping strategies. These groups are available in person, in many communities, and also on-line.
  • Social support. Involve your spouse, close relatives and friends in their treatment for ADHD. You may feel reluctant to let people know that you have ADHD , but let the others know what is going on can help them to better understand and improve your relationships.
  • Co-workers, supervisors, and teachers. ADHD can make work and school a challenge. You may feel embarrassed to tell your boss or teacher who has ADHD , but it is more likely that he or she will be willing to make small adjustments to help you succeed. Ask for what you need to improve your performance, such as more in-depth explanations over time, or on certain tasks.

Preparing for your appointment

It is likely that you start by talking with your primary care provider. Depending on the results of the initial evaluation, he or she may refer you to a specialist, such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, or other mental health professional.

What you can do

To prepare for your appointment, make a list of:

  • The symptoms that I had and the problems they've caused, such as problems at work, in school or in relationships.
  • Key personal information, including any major stresses or recent life changes you have had.
  • All medications you are taking, including vitamins, herbs, or supplements, and dosage. Also include the amount of caffeine and alcohol that you use, and whether the use of recreational drugs.
  • Questions to ask your doctor.

Bring up any past evaluations and the results of formal testing with you, if you have them.

Basic questions to ask your doctor include:

  • What are the possible causes of the symptoms?
  • What kinds of tests do I need?
  • What treatments are available and which do you recommend?
  • What are the alternatives to the primary approach you're suggesting?
  • I have these other health problems. How can I best manage these conditions?
  • You should see a specialist, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist?
  • Is there a generic alternative to the medicine you're prescribing?
  • What types of side effects can I expect from the medicine?
  • Is there any printed material I can have? What sites do you recommend?

Don't hesitate to ask any questions at any time you do not understand something.

What to expect from your doctor

Be prepared to answer the questions your doctor may ask, such as:

  • When you first remember having trouble concentrating, paying attention or sitting still?
  • The symptoms been continuous or occasional?
  • The symptoms that bother you most, and what problems does it cause?
  • How severe are the symptoms?
  • In the configuration that you have noticed the symptoms: at home, at work or in other situations?
  • What was your childhood like? Do you have problems or social problems at school?
  • How is their current and past academic and work performance?
  • What are your hours of sleep, and patterns?
  • What, if anything, appears to worsen your symptoms?
  • What, if anything, seems to improve your symptoms?
  • What medications do you take?
  • Do you consume caffeine?
  • Do you drink alcohol or use recreational drugs?

Your doctor or mental health professional will ask more questions based on your responses, symptoms, and needs. Prepare and anticipate questions will help you make the most of your time with the doctor.

The symptoms and treatment of Adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)