ADHD or Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder affects about 2.8 percent of adults around the world. Do you think you have ADHD? Is it impacting your job and family life?
Here is information about ADHD symptoms, screening, and what may help you live well with this disorder.
What Is ADHD?
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by difficulty with focus, organization, and impulsivity. It can affect people of all ages. However, it is usually associated with children. Sadly, many adults also experience symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and may go undiagnosed for years.
What Are the Symptoms of ADHD?
The most common symptoms of ADHD in adults include difficulties with concentration and focus, restlessness or fidgeting, forgetfulness, and following through on tasks. These symptoms impact daily life. They also make it hard to maintain relationships or succeed in school or the workplace.
While anyone can have some attention deficit symptoms from time to time, persistent symptoms may warrant a professional evaluation by an ADHD specialist.
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms include:
- Limited ability to pay attention to a task, instructions, lecture, and other activities
- Poor concentration and task completion
- Poor organizational skills, including time management
- Mood swings
- Interrupting conversation
- Impulsivity
- Fidgeting, restlessness, and moving constantly
How Can I Be Screened for ADHD?
If you have these kinds of symptoms, consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. Your primary care physician or a mental health specialist can conduct an evaluation to determine if you really do have ADHD. The screening may involve a series of tests and interviews.
The assessment will also consider any other mental health or psychological conditions that could add to ADHD symptoms. As the patient, be open and honest during this process. Family input helps, too.
A complete evaluation by a healthcare provider may take an hour or more. You will need to answer a number of questions about your behaviors and struggles with relationships, listening, completing tasks, and more. Your provider may ask these questions orally and/or with a written questionnaire.
Plus, your primary care physician will provide much-needed input about your overall physical health. Frankly, some ADHD symptoms may not be ADHD at all. Rather, they may be related to another physical or mental health issue.
With findings in hand, your healthcare provider may develop a care plan to help you manage your symptoms. He/She also may refer you to a specialist on ADHD for more in-depth evaluation.
What Are My Treatment Options?
Treatment for ADHD typically involves a combination of medication, behavioral and cognitive therapies and lifestyle changes. Medications such as stimulants help improve focus and reduce impulsivity and other symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Behavioral therapy helps individuals monitor their symptoms and change–little by little–how they act and react. Also, behavioral therapy emphasizes rewards for positive and helpful actions and attitudes.
For instance, the therapist and the patient together may develop a reward system which reinforces the ability to sit and concentrate on a task for longer and longer periods of time.
Additionally, cognitive therapy helps a child or adult with ADHD recognize thoughts and actions which are risky or poorly focused. Then, the patient can use agreed-upon strategies to avoid behaviors which are disruptive or frustrating.
Finally, lifestyle changes can help the person with ADHD optimize success in relationships, task completion and more. For instance, a structured routine of regular exercise and healthy eating can boost mood and energy levels. It also can reduce impulsivity and distractibility. Setting regular schedules for work, recreation, and sleep can improve focus and make behaviors more predictable.
ADHD Screening for Adults in Dallas, TX
If you or your loved one has the symptoms of ADHD, visit us here at Prime Internal Medicine Associates. We offer expert care and medication management tailored to your unique journey towards mental health and well-being.
Our team of experienced internists is deeply committed to providing you with the highest standard of care, focusing on a holistic approach that addresses not just the symptoms of ADHD but the root causes. By incorporating lifestyle modifications alongside medical treatment, we aim to empower you with the tools needed for lasting health and wellness.
Learn more about how we can assist you by calling (972) 239-5445 or scheduling your visit through our convenient appointment request form.
