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ADHD in Adults – What You Need to Know ADHD is a condition that causes problems with concentration and hyperactivity. It can also cause problems at work or at school as well as in relationships at home and at work. To determine if you have ADHD your doctor will be guided by the most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). They will also look at how your symptoms impact your daily life. Symptoms ADHD is often thought of as a condition which affects only children. However, it is also prevalent in adults. Many people suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed until their symptoms become severe and affect their lives. This can affect your family, work relationships or even your health. If you or someone close to you suspect that you have ADHD is important to talk with an therapist or doctor. They can diagnose you and suggest treatment. The first step in the process of diagnosing is to complete a clinical history. This includes a full review of your medical, personal, and psychiatric history from childhood to present. This will help the clinician determine the current symptoms with precision. The physician should inquire the impact of the symptoms on a person's daily life, and whether they impact social, school or work functioning. There are numerous medications that can be prescribed to treat ADHD dependent on the severity of the symptoms. These include stimulants such as Ritalin or Adderall, as well as non-stimulant drugs. You can also try lifestyle or behavioral therapy. This can aid in improving your concentration, decrease anxiety and stress, and control hyperactivity and impulsive behavior. In addition to a physical exam the doctor will also ask you about any other mental health issues that could produce similar symptoms to those of ADHD. These include depression, anxiety, and substance abuse disorders like alcohol or nicotine abuse. To evaluate your level of concentration, distractibility, short-term memory and focus, you will be required to complete a variety of tasks. These tasks can be done at home or in an office. Your doctor will also ask you whether you suffer from any other mental health problems like depression or anxiety. They will also look at your sleep habits, diet and other aspects to determine if these are contributing to your symptoms. The results of the test should indicate if you have any of the symptoms listed below: These symptoms are signs that you need professional assistance. They may be able to determine ADHD and suggest treatment. This could include medication, therapy for behavioral issues or lifestyle adjustments. Diagnosis ADHD is a behavioral disorder that causes problems with attention, behavior and other executive functions. Although it can be difficult to identify, ADHD can be treated by medication or behavioral therapy. Many people who show signs of ADHD will use self-assessment tools prior to visiting a doctor or mental health professional for an assessment. Some of these tools include a self-report form with 40 items form as well as an electronic screening test that will help you determine if you have ADHD. These tests can't be used to diagnose ADHD and aren't intended to replace professional assessments. To diagnose you accurately, experts in the field will use an array of questionnaires, interviews, and testing. This includes a thorough medical account of your history, a list of symptoms, and questions about how they impact your life in different scenarios. Your parents, spouse or other close relatives could be interviewed by the doctor. In order to diagnose ADHD, your clinician must see that you have five or more persistent (recurring) symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity that cause significant impairment. This means that your life is being impacted by the symptoms, such as at work or school as well as with family members or friends as well as in other activities. The symptoms you're experiencing may be new or have been present for a long time, but they must have been continuously present prior to age 12 to meet the criteria for an diagnosis. You might be asked to look over old school reports or request your parents to complete a retrospective ADHD report detailing your behavior in childhood. When you meet the criteria for a diagnosis, your clinician will then determine whether you have a combination of both inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity presentations or a single presentation. If you have both or both, your doctor will check for other conditions that may cause similar symptoms as ADHD. A doctor may also ask you to take ADHD surveys, which don't serve as a diagnostic tool, but can provide background information about your symptoms and how they affect your life. They're not intended to provide an assessment, but they can aid your healthcare provider determine whether you have ADHD and what type of treatment you'll require. Treatment Treatment for ADHD for adults is usually consisting of medication, behavior strategies, life skills training, and therapy. It can take some time to find the perfect combination that is effective for you. ADHD medication is the most commonly used treatment option. These drugs are intended to regulate and increase brain neurotransmitters. They can also help improve focus, decrease impulsivity, and decrease hyperactivity. They can help you control your ADHD symptoms and help you feel better. Stimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) or amphetamine (Adderall), are the most popular prescription medications. Although they're effective for the majority of people and may cause constipation, negative effects such as lower sex drive and constipation can occur. Another medication, atomoxetine, or strattera, was approved for ADHD. Although it's not as efficient as stimulants but doesn't have the exact same side negative effects, it's extremely effective. Many ADHD patients are able to treat themselves with antidepressants. These medications, like bupropion (Wellbutrin) and fluoxetine (Prozac), don't treat the condition directly , but can reduce its symptoms. They are often prescribed for anxiety, depression or other mental health disorders that have developed as a result of the ADHD. If you have ADHD in addition to other disorders Your healthcare provider may suggest that you visit an psychiatrist or another mental health professional who is specialized in treating ADHD. They can look over your medical background, family history and other signs to determine the cause of your issues. The doctor may also inquire about any other physical and mental health issues you might have such as depression, anxiety or substance abuse. These ailments can impact your ability to focus or learn and also be productive at the workplace, at school or in your relationships. To identify ADHD symptoms your doctor will consult the Fifth Edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). This is the standard guidebook that doctors and other healthcare professionals use to diagnose ADHD. During free adhd test will conduct a series of interviews and tests. These include a comprehensive diagnostic interview, DSM-5 symptom checklists and an standardized scale for rating behavior for ADHD. Prevention Early intervention and detection can help to reduce the risk of ADHD. This can help reduce the severity and interfere with school functioning, increase the normal development and growth, and improve the quality of life for those diagnosed with ADHD. There are a variety of ways to avoid or limit the development of ADHD in adulthood. These include psychotherapy, medication and behavioral management strategies. The support of family members can also be helpful. Psychostimulants are a primary treatment for ADHD in adults. They include amphetamines sodium, that are sold under the brand Adderall and methylphenidate. It is sold under the name Ritalin Concerta Metadate. ADHD patients who are able to use psychostimulants on a regular basis usually see significant improvement in their symptoms. Additionally, the person may learn to control their behaviors and improve their relationships with other people. The most effective medications are utilized in conjunction with an ADHD food plan along with brain training and exercise. These strategies are extremely efficient for ADHD children and can be transformative for adults. Adult patients can also benefit from counseling and educational programs. These treatments can teach individuals self-esteem, coping skills, and change negative mental patterns that contribute to their problems with behavior. Counseling can help people with ADHD and other psychiatric disorders like addiction to drugs and depression. Counseling can help individuals deal with the stress and resentment commonly associated with ADHD. Other strategies, like physical activity, dietary changes and stress reduction programs are also beneficial to those who suffer from ADHD. These strategies can improve focus and decrease hyperactive or impulsive behavior. Yet, many adults with ADHD aren't diagnosed or treated due to racial and ethnic disparities in the treatment and diagnosis of ADHD. Hispanics and blacks are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than whites, even though both have the same amount of children suffering from 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.