Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affects 4.4% of U.S. adults, but most adults with ADHD have not been diagnosed with the condition. Every case of ADHD can be as unique as the person who suffers from it. Therefore, ADHD treatment should be tailored to the individual.
ADHD Evaluation and Treatment Services for Adults
Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a mental health condition typically characterized by disorganization, impulsive behavior, and difficulty paying attention. People often think ADHD is an issue only during childhood, but as research continues, findings show that more than half of the children diagnosed with ADHD carry the symptoms into adulthood.
Adults often find that they need to juggle several tasks throughout the day. At times, this can feel frustrating and out of control. Everyone has days like this; however, if you find that you’re always running late, more forgetful than just misplacing car keys, and so disorganized it’s difficult to fulfill daily responsibilities, you may have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
We Can Help. Schedule Your Adult ADHD Consultation
It is not uncommon for symptoms of ADHD to be missed during childhood. Perhaps you were “the dreamer,” “the clown,” “a troublemaker,” “lazy,” or just a poor student. You likely learned to compensate for the challenges related to the symptoms of ADHD to make it through school. People can often manage in this way until their day-to-day responsibilities in adulthood increase, and they can no longer compensate.
Sometimes people have symptoms that seem like ADHD, especially under times of stress or social isolation. That is why it’s important to seek the help of a professional to determine whether you have adult ADHD or a different mental health condition. The psychiatric specialists at West End Consultation Group take a caring and comprehensive approach to ADHD treatment. Request an appointment today for an adult ADHD evaluation.
What are the symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder?
ADHD often presents differently in adults than in children, and the symptoms can vary from one person to the next. Symptoms of ADHD can also overlap with other disorders such as anxiety, making the diagnosis challenging. It is important to keep track of your symptoms to accurately report to your psychiatric provider.
Untreated Adult ADHD can lead to many difficulties. Work and career may suffer due to missing deadlines and tardiness, which can lead to frequent job changes. Finances may suffer due to forgetting bill payments, losing important paperwork, or impulsive spending. These issues, along with ADHD symptoms, can cause strain in relationships.
Adult ADHD Symptoms Can Include...
Trouble concentrating and staying focused:
- Easily distracted by low priority activities
- Difficulty with too many thoughts at once
- Struggling to pay attention such as when reading or listening during a conversation
- Daydreaming at random times without realizing it
- Frequently making errors or missing important details
- Easily bored and moving on to more interesting topics or activities
- Hyperfocus: While some people have difficulty staying focused on a task, others might become hyper-focused on things, making it difficult to take your attention away from a subject. While this may temporarily increase your productivity, it can make you unaware of the environment around you. You may lose track of time or neglect responsibilities, leading to problems in the workplace and at home.
Disorganization and forgetfulness:
- Procrastination and failing to meet deadlines
- May start several projects but not follow through to completion
- Disorganized, poor time management, work/home spaces are cluttered
- Chronically late, forgetting appointments and commitments
- Frequently misplacing items such as wallet, phone, documents, etc.
Impulsivity:
- Blurting out thoughts that may be inappropriate
- Acting carelessly without considering consequences
- Socially inappropriate behavior such as inability to sit still during a meeting
- Talking over others or frequently interrupting
Difficulty managing emotions:
- Irritable, short-tempered
- Feeling insecure, low self-esteem
- Overly sensitive to criticism
- Inability to stay motivated
Hyperactivity or restlessness:
- Feeling agitated, internally restless or racing thoughts
- Become easily bored and may engage in risky behaviors
- Constantly fidgeting
- Excessively talking
- Please note: Adults are less likely to have symptoms of hyperactivity or restlessness than children. However, you may still have ADHD.
Finding the Right Medication for Treating Adult ADHD
Depending on the severity of adult ADHD symptoms and the effectiveness of self-help strategies, medication may be used as part of your treatment plan. A full medication assessment will be completed, including reviewing past and current prescriptions, over the counter, and homeopathic medications. We will then determine if medication changes are needed or if a new medication is necessary. We will also work with your primary care provider to discuss medications or other health issues that may impact the treatment
Adult ADHD Evaluation and Treatment
When adult ADHD symptoms negatively affect your life, despite your best efforts to manage them, it is time to seek professional help. There is no single medical, physical, or written test for diagnosing adult ADHD. Our Psychiatric Specialists conduct a thorough evaluation of past and present symptoms to determine a diagnosis. If needed, a referral will be made to a psychologist to complete more thorough testing.
Treating adult ADHD involves different approaches to address the symptoms. Depending on the severity of symptoms affecting your life, we may recommend medication, individual therapy, and/or lifestyle changes. We understand that everyone is different and will develop a treatment plan tailored specifically to you.
Schedule an Adult ADHD Consultation with Our Psychiatric Specialists
West End Consultation Group offers several services to help you manage your ADHD. In addition to adult ADHD consultation and medication management, we provide therapy services with a licensed practitioner. Our team can also help you find an adult ADHD therapist outside of our clinic and collaborate with them to develop the right treatment plan for you.
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