subject: Why Medication and Psychiatric Treatment Can Reduce Adult ADHD Symptoms [print this page] Why Medication and Psychiatric Treatment Can Reduce Adult ADHD Symptoms
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a
difficulty that many adults face their entire lives. Yet
many of them never seek ADHD treatment because they don't
know that symptoms like lack of concentration,
impulsiveness, and trouble sleeping can develop without the
hyperactivity usually associated with cases in kids. Others,
having developed without showing any signs of ADHD, don't
recognize adult onset when it appears. But receiving
accurate diagnosis, medication and treatment from a
psychiatrist provides patients with greater control over
their symptoms, encouraging both healthier relationships and
greater achievement at the office.
Our understanding of this issue has changed thanks to new
research. Though ADHD has been recognized since 1937, it has
gone through a few names since then. And ADHD wasn't even
recognized as a treatable developmental disorder until
recently. Some adults who had been diagnosed with ADHD as
children discovered that they had lingering issues and
symptoms as they aged. And, fortunately, the medical
community is gaining an understanding that not all children
with this mental problem just outgrow it as they mature. For
those who experience adult onset ADHD though, they find
themselves in unfamiliar territory with strange behavior
patterns and emotions they don't know how to manage.
It's a myth that causes like diet, large amounts of
television, and poor upbringing can cause this mental
illness. Instead, heredity is frequently found as the
culprit in many studies, in addition to other more
preventable factors like fetal exposure to harmful
substances (e.g., alcohol and tobacco) during pregnancy,
exposure to lead, or even trauma to the brain from from an
injury. Sufferers are six times more likely to have another
psychiatric or learning disorder than non-carriers.
Symptoms of Adult ADHD, include trouble concentrating,
disorganization and forgetfulness, impulsivity, emotional
difficulties, hyper-focus (to the exclusion of things of
importance), and restlessness; all of which can pose serious
problems at work and at home. These issues make it extremely
difficult to stay on track and accomplish what adults should
be capable of at work. And setbacks self-regulating actions
and reactions toward others can harm even the most intimate
relationships.
Just as most children with ADHD need prescription medication
to help alleviate and control the symptoms, stimulant types
of meds work well for adults. But because adults also have
other responsibilities to manage, a combo treatment of
psychiatric therapy coupled with the medications often
results in men and women who "beat" the symptoms and even
sometimes learn to turn prior weaknesses into strengths.
Individualized treatment will teach those affected how to
control their symptoms and go forward to lead productive
lives with successful and happy relationships.
Exercising, eating right, and getting plenty of sleep may be
good advice for anyone. But for ADHD adults wanting to avoid
mood swings and fight symptoms of depression and anxiety, it
can make all the difference. Little tricks like utilizing
calendars, lists, and reminders can go along way toward
managing how much the disorder will control or influence
your life.
More Attention, Less Deficit: Success Strategies for Adults with ADHD
