WELCOME FROM AURA MD PSYCHIATRIST DALLAS TX
WHAT ARE THE COMMON SYMPTOMS OF ADULT ADHD?
What are the symptoms of ADHD in adults? How does this differ from ADHD Psychiatrist Dallas. ADHD is a condition that is more common in childhood. According to the DSM- IV- TR (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual version IV-Text Revision), symptoms must be present by age 7 in order to meet the diagnostic criteria. Although symptoms, or mild forms of the disorder, may be present in childhood or adulthood, it is common for them to be diagnosed or treated in adulthood. There is currently no separate criteria to diagnose ADHD in adults. ADHD criteria in childhood are often modified to better reflect the differences in life and development of adults. Both children and adults suffer from symptoms that are a result of hypofunctioning in certain brain areas that control executive functioning. These symptoms are often present in adulthood, and can be seen at work and in the home. Both children and adults experience the main symptoms of attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. The disorder can appear very different from one child to another and even from person to person.
1) Does not pay attention to details - tends to hurry and makes careless errors
2) Trouble sustaining attention - tends to be distracted easily, have difficulty initiating or completing tasks, and poor concentration.
3) Doesn't seem to listen- may "zone out" while conversing with others, and not realize it. This can lead to missing important pieces of information.
4) Struggles with following instructions - Poor listening skills and memory can lead to difficulties following directions
5) Lack of organization skills - often has poor time management, is late and has a chaotic, disorganized, or cluttered home/work/car.
6) Does not like or avoid tasks that require mental effort. Procrastinates
You must have a certain number of symptoms in two or more settings: work, home, school, and so on. These symptoms should also be causing a functional impairment.
Are adult ADHD symptoms on the rise? If so, why?
Adult ADHD is more common and is being diagnosed in more people than ever before. However, this may be due to greater acceptance and consensus that adult ADHD can happen even at adulthood. There are also better screening methods that allow for more accurate diagnosis and offer better treatment options. Adult ADHD is often not diagnosed or reported.
Who should an adult see if he thinks he may have ADHD?
A child may see a pediatrician, a Child and Adolescent psychiatrist for diagnosis and treatment. An adult should see a mental healthcare professional / psychologist. A Psychiatrist is a specialist who has more experience diagnosing ADHD and recognizing ADHD symptoms. They also have a better understanding of the available treatments for Adult ADHD. An adult with ADHD may also want to seek out a Psychiatrist with experience or training in working with children and teens. These subspecialists have the best training and experience. Once diagnosed, the treatment is multifactorial and best conducted through a team approach with professionals such as Psychiatrists to prescribe medications and Psychologists or other trained counsellors/therapists to provide cognitive-behavioural therapy and skills training to learn practical solutions to everyday problems.
What are the options for treating adult ADHD? Are all ADHD patients required to take medication? Are they required to take medication throughout their lives?
Adult treatment options can be the same as for children and include lifestyle changes, medication, and therapy. Treatments can include behavioral modification and skills training to address core ADHD issues such as organization, planning and time management. Healthy diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep are important lifestyle factors that must be addressed. These symptoms can be treated chemically with medications that are very effective. The DSM-IV states that ADHD symptoms must cause "social, occupational, or functional impairment". Therefore, medications may be recommended if therapy and lifestyle changes do not result in significant improvement. Adults who are on medication may be more successful at work, with their families/social lives, and better equipped to use their ADHD management skills in order to build a better life. It is possible to get off medication depending on how severe the symptoms are and how successful the skills training has been integrated into one's daily life. The treatment is not complete without medication. There is no cure for Best ADHD Doctors Dallas. However, there are some treatments that can be used.