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ADHD in Adults – What You Need to Know ADHD is an illness that causes problems with focus and hyperactivity. It may also cause problems in school or work, home life and relationships. To diagnose ADHD Your healthcare provider will follow the guidelines in the most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). They will also look at the way that symptoms impact your daily life. The signs ADHD is often viewed as an illness that is only affecting children, but it is common among adults as well. Many people with ADHD do not seek treatment until their symptoms get severe and disrupt their lives. This can cause problems in your relationships with your family, work or even your health. If you or a loved one suspect that you suffer from ADHD is important to consult an therapist or doctor. They will be able to diagnose you and suggest treatment. The first step in the diagnosis process is to take a complete clinical history. This includes a thorough examination of your medical, psychiatric, and personal past from childhood up to present. This will enable the doctor to pinpoint the present symptoms. The physician should ask about how the symptoms impact a person's daily life, and whether they interfere with social, school or work functioning. There are many drugs that can be prescribed to treat ADHD in accordance with the severity of the symptoms. These include stimulants like Ritalin or Adderall, as well as non-stimulant medications. You can also consider behavior therapy or lifestyle changes. This will aid in improving your concentration, decrease anxiety and stress, and control your impulsive and hyperactivity. In addition to a physical exam the doctor will also ask you about other mental health issues that can result in similar symptoms of ADHD. These include anxiety, depression, and substance abuse disorders like alcohol or nicotine abuse. To help assess your level of concentration, distractibility, short-term memory and focus, you will be required to accomplish a variety tasks. The tasks can be accomplished at home or in the office. Your doctor will inquire whether you suffer from any mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety. They will also take a look at your sleeping habits, your diet and other factors to determine if these are contributing to your symptoms. The results of the test will be able to determine if you have any of the following symptoms: If you are experiencing these symptoms It is time to seek help from an expert. They may be able to determine ADHD and suggest treatment. This could include medication, behavioral therapy or lifestyle adjustments. Diagnosis ADHD is a disorder of the mind that causes problems with attention, behavior and other executive functions. Although it is difficult to diagnose, the condition can be treated with medication or therapy for behavioral disorders. Many people with ADHD symptoms first try self-assessment instruments before going to an experienced mental health professional or doctor. how to get tested for add or adhd of these tools include a 40-item self report form and an electronic screening test that can help you find out whether you have ADHD. These tests can't be used to identify ADHD and aren't meant to replace the expertise of a professional. A specialist in the field will analyze your condition using a combination of tests, questionnaires, and interviews to get an accurate diagnosis. This includes a history of your symptoms, a checklist of symptoms and questions about how they affect you in various scenarios. Your partner, parents or other close friends may be interviewed by the physician. 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 affected by the symptoms, for example at work or school with family or friends or in other pursuits. Although the symptoms may be new or long-standing the symptoms must have been present for at least 12 years in order to be eligible for diagnosis. You could be asked to examine old school records or have your parents fill out a retrospective ADHD profile that describes 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 hyperactivity-impulsivity presentations or a single presentation. If you have both or both, your doctor will check for other conditions that could cause similar symptoms to ADHD. A doctor might also ask you to complete ADHD questionnaires. These questionnaires don't offer a diagnosis, but can give background information about your symptoms as well as how they affect your daily life. These surveys aren't designed to give diagnoses, but they can assist your healthcare professional determine if you suffer from ADHD and what treatment you'll need. Treatment ADHD treatment for adults generally includes a combination therapy including medication, behavior strategies, life skills training, and therapy. It can take some time to find the right combination that is effective for you. Medicines are the most popular treatment option for ADHD. These drugs are intended to balance and boost brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They also help improve focus as well as reduce impulsivity and reduce hyperactivity. They can help you manage ADHD symptoms and help you feel better. Stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin) or amphetamine (Adderall) are the most well-known prescription drugs. They are effective for most people, however, they can cause side effects like constipation and lower sex drive. Another drug, atomoxetine (Strattera), is the first non-stimulant to be specifically approved for ADHD. Although it's not as effective as stimulants, but doesn't have the same adverse effects, it's extremely effective. Many ADHD patients have the option of taking antidepressants. These medications, such as Bupropion (Wellbutrin) and Fluoxetine (Prozac) are not used to treat the condition , but they do help reduce symptoms. These medications are typically prescribed to treat depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders that are caused by ADHD. If you have ADHD in addition to other disorders your doctor may suggest 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 symptoms. The doctor will also inquire about any other physical or mental health issues you may have, such as anxiety, depression, or substance abuse. These conditions can impact your ability to concentrate, learn, and be productive at school, at work, or in relationships. To determine ADHD symptoms your doctor will use the Fifth Edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). This is the standard handbook that most healthcare professionals utilize to diagnose ADHD. Your healthcare doctor will conduct a series interview and tests during the assessment. These include a thorough diagnostic interview, DSM-5 symptom checklists and standardized behavioral rating scales for ADHD. Prevention ADHD can be prevented through early detection and intervention. This can help reduce the severity and impact on school performance, boost normal growth and development, and improve the quality of life for people diagnosed with ADHD. There are many methods to prevent or reduce the development of ADHD in adulthood. These include psychotherapy, medication and behavioral management strategies. The support of family members can be beneficial too. The main type of treatment for adult ADHD is medications known as psychostimulants. They include amphetamine-based salts, which are sold under the brand name Adderall and methylphenidate that is sold under the names Ritalin, Concerta, Metadate and others. If a person suffering from ADHD is able to take psychostimulants regularly and is able to do so, they may notice an immediate improvement in their symptoms. Additionally, the patient might learn to manage their behavior and improve their relationships with others. ADHD medication is most effective when used in conjunction with a meal program, brain training and exercise. These methods are extremely effective for ADHD children and can transform adults. Adult patients can also benefit from educational and counseling programs. These therapies can help individuals learn the skills to cope, boost self-esteem and change negative habits of thinking that contribute to their issues with their behavior. Counseling can help people with ADHD and other psychiatric disorders like addiction and depression. Counseling can help people deal with the stress and resentment commonly associated with ADHD. ADHD sufferers may also benefit from other strategies such as dietary changes and physical activity as well as programs to reduce stress. These strategies can help improve concentration and decrease impulsive and hyperactive behaviors. Many adults suffering from ADHD aren't properly diagnosed or treated due to cultural and racial differences in ADHD diagnosis and treatment. Hispanics and blacks are more likely to be diagnosed as ADHD than whites, despite both having the same number of children with the disorder. The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that more than 4 percent of American adults have been diagnosed with ADHD. However research suggests that the real number of adults with this disorder is significantly higher than this number.