Читать книгу ADHD In Adults: Am I ADHD? Interactive Questions For ADHD Assessment - Jason Newman - Страница 1
ОглавлениеADHD In Adults: Am I
ADHD? Interactive
Questions For ADHD
Assessment
Learn If You Suffer From ADHD - Take This Assessment
Test
By: Jason Newman
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Table of Contents
Publisher’s Notes
Dedication
About The Author
Understanding ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)
Signs and Symptoms of ADHD
ADHD in Adults
Social Impairments Linked to Adult ADHD
ADHD versus Normal
Facts about ADHD
Disorders associated with ADHD
What Can Be Done?
Making a Diagnosis of Adult ADHD
Conditions similar to ADHD
Evaluating childhood ADHD symptoms
Diagnostic criterion for ADHD
Drugs and Treatments
Medications
VYVANSE
DEXTROAMPHETAMINE (DEXEDRINE)
What type of medication is Adderall?
Methylphenidate (Metadate, Daytrana, Concerta, Ritalin)
Venlafaxine (Effexor) and Bupropion (Wellbutrin)
ATOMOXETINE (STRATTERA)
Helpful suggestions and tips
Relationships
Alternative treatment
Dealing With It and Getting Support
Prevention
Living in the legal world
Sentencing those with ADHD
ADHD Inside The Workplace
Problems with ADHD at Executive Level
CASE IN POINT
Lessons learned with this case
RA and ADA Who Is Eligible For Benefits Under The Law?
How Do RA and ADA Apply in the Workplace?
Who wins - Employer or Employee?
Self Assessment
The ASRS (Adult Self Report Scale) Test
THANK YOU FOR PURCHASING MY BOOK
PUBLISHER’S NOTES
Disclaimer
This publication is intended to provide helpful and informative
material. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any health problem or condition, nor is intended to replace the advice of a physician. No action should be taken solely on the contents of this
book. Always consult your physician or qualified health-care
professional on any matters regarding your health and before adopting any suggestions in this book or drawing inferences from it.
The author and publisher specifically disclaim all responsibility for any liability, loss or risk, personal or otherwise, which is incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, from the use or application of any contents of this book.
Any and all product names referenced within this book are the
trademarks of their respective owners. None of these owners have
sponsored, authorized, endorsed, or approved this book.
Always read all information provided by the manufacturers’ product
labels before using their products. The author and publisher are not responsible for claims made by manufacturers.
Kindle Edition 2013
Manufactured in the United States of America
DEDICATION
This book is dedicated to Nathaniel and how much he was helpful in
getting this book put together and to all my readers.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jason Newman grew up in a household that had individuals suffering
from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and as such developed a keen interest from an early age in ADHD/ADD.
This persistence interest lead him to do intense research on the topic to fine workable processes that would help parents, caregivers and
friends of an individual with ADHD/ADD manage their daily lives.
In college he studied psychology and also behavioral therapy and
memory improvement among other courses. From the knowledge that
he gained from his research and courses he was able to write a number of books on the subject. He has stated that the research that he has done has made him better able to assist his sibling; who was
diagnosed with ADHD and also help him recognize ADHD/ADD
traits in others. Jason experience with ADHD/ADD as allowed him to
assist individuals with ADHD get the necessary treatment that they
need. His work on memory improvement has also helped these
individuals organize their daily activities so that they are able to function with effortlessness.
Jason is aware that individuals who believe that they have
ADHD/ADD find it a demanding thing to deal with and as such
explains things as best as possible in this book and his advice can help both individuals diagnosed with ADHD/ADD as well as persons that
have to deal with individuals diagnosed on a daily basis.
UNDERSTANDING ADHD (ATTENTION
DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER)
ADHD or ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) is a psychiatric disorder
seen mainly in children with symptoms sometimes continuing to
adulthood. ADHD comes with restlessness, impulsive action and
impaired ability to learn due to lack of concentration. Symptoms of
ADHD appear before seven years of age, and impact the school-aged
children most.
ADHD affects about 3 to 5 percent children globally, and seen more
frequently in boys as compared to girls. ADHD is a chronic disorder, with most individuals diagnosed in childhood continuing to have
symptoms to adulthood.
ADHD in children can be confused with similar conditions like
Asperger's Syndrome and Autism, where there is lacking social
interaction, expression and symptoms of hyperactivity.
ADHD or similar diseases does not affect the physical growth, e.g.
weight, height or does not cause any physical deformity.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF ADHD
Initial ADHD symptoms in childhood can appear with slow learning,
hyperactivity, lack of attention, impulsive and disruptive behavior.
With progressing age after childhood, symptoms of ADHD vary in
different stages of life with a slow "improvement" in the learning skills.
Adults can also have signs of ADHD; as a matter of fact, studies have shown that half the adults; who have been diagnosed with ADHD had
carried the symptoms from their childhood into their adulthood, but
symptoms of ADHD usually changes as the person enters into
adulthood. For instance, instead of hyperactivity; present in childhood, the same person may well experience some degree of restlessness as
an adult. Adults with symptoms of ADHD, in addition may have
interpersonal relationship problems which might include trouble at
work.
ADHD IN ADULTS
Adults suffering with ADHD may have difficulty remembering
information, following directions, organizing tasks, concentrating, or completing work within given time. If such difficulties are not
managed appropriately, there can be associated vocational, emotional, behavioral, social and academic problems.
Statistics of Adult ADHD:
•
ADHD affects males more than females in childhood, but this
ratio seems to become even by adulthood.
•
ADHD affects approximately 3 to 10 percent of school-aged
children. An estimated 60 percent amongst them will continue having
symptoms to adulthood.
Common problems faced by Adult with ADHD
The following problems may arise from ADHD:
•
Impulsiveness
•
Difficulty controlling anger
•
Anxiety and depression
•
Chronic boredom
•
Chronic lateness and forgetfulness
•
Employment problems
•
Difficulty concentrating when reading
•
Low frustration tolerance
•
Mood swings
•
Low self-esteem
•
Procrastination (postpone work)
•
Relationship problems, lack of social interaction
•
Poor organization skills
•
Substance abuse or addiction
During schooling, adults with ADHD may have underperformed,
faced frequent school disciplinary actions, had to repeat a grade or have often dropped from school.
SOCIAL IMPAIRMENTS LINKED TO ADULT ADHD
ADHD adults with are more likely to:
•
Self-report psychological maladjustment
•
Have a lower socioeconomic status
•
Violate driving rules
•
Smoke cigarettes, or use illegal substances more frequently
ADHD VERSUS NORMAL
ADHD symptoms are not very uncommon, and sometimes many
'normal' people experience symptoms similar to ADHD. A normal
person at certain times can also be impulsive, hyperactive or can face lack of concentration, but if the symptoms are present continuously
that is affecting the daily functioning, it is a condition of ADHD.
Quite often bad or some shocking experience in the past of a normal
person can affect the present and future, but ADHD is not the cause
for such developments.
As mood or anxiety disorders also present themselves with similar
symptoms as ADHD, it gets difficult to diagnose ADHD in adults.
In contrast to normal people, adults with ADHD might face more
marital problems (or multiple marriages), and can have higher
incidence of separation or divorce.
Much of the impairment associated with ADHD diminishes with time,
and remission of the disorder can be mitigated with appropriate
treatment.
FACTS ABOUT ADHD
There is no concrete evidence that can list the exact cause (or causes) that gives rise to such disorder, but there are certain facts that provide indications on its occurrence.
Hereditary traits - ADHD can be a family illness or symptoms can present in genealogy.
Altered brain anatomy and function - Brain scanning of people with ADHD shows difference in activity and certain structures of the brain. For example, an ADHD person might not have as much activity
in the part of the brain that controls attention, as compared to a normal person.
Exposure to toxins - Pregnant females who have used drugs, smoke or taken alcohol or exposed to environmental poisons like PCBs
(polychlorinated biphenyls) are at higher risk of giving birth to ADHD
offspring(s). Exposure to lead (found in paint) is often linked to cause change in behavior.
ADHD does not lead to any other developmental or psychological
conditions; for example, it does not affect the physical growth or
appearance of the person. The height, weight and other physical
characteristics are absolutely natural, and ADHD in a person cannot
be ascertained just by looking at the person.
DISORDERS ASSOCIATED WITH ADHD
Disorders in mood - Mood disorders like bipolar disorder and
depression can often be seen in people with ADHD.
Disorders with anxiety - Anxiety disorders including nervousness and excess worry occur frequently in adults that have ADHD. Such
disorder worsens with the setbacks and challenges faced by person
with ADHD.
Personality disorders - Adults having ADHD have a higher risk of getting personality disorders like borderline personality disorder and antisocial personality disorder.
WHAT CAN BE DONE?
A person suffering from ADHD can also cause disturbances in the
lives of people associated with him or her. It is quite likely that an ADHD person will not approach a doctor, psychiatrist or psychologist to get self-treatment, but these health personnel might be approached by people who are associated with the person suffering from ADHD.
Nevertheless, if one's life is continuously disrupted by hyperactivity, impulsive behavior, hyperactivity or inattention, it is better to consult a doctor for suggestions and help.
Doctor may find out the triggering causes that worsens or alleviates the ADHD (e.g. stress, any particular diet or environment), suggest
supplements, medications, or alternate treatment so that the ADHD
patient can live a better life, with more peaceful social interactions with other people.
MAKING A DIAGNOSIS OF ADULT ADHD
Diagnosis of ADHD in adults can be difficult because its symptoms
may also be similar to other conditions. The mental health care
provider attempts to diagnose ADHD in adults by ruling out other
similar conditions.
CONDITIONS SIMILAR TO ADHD
There can be conditions or illnesses that might have caused symptoms similar to ADHD to arise.
1.
Medications and drugs. Drugs, alcohol or medications can
cause neurological changes in brain can make a person exhibit
ADHD-like symptoms.
2.
Similar mental disorders. ADHD symptoms can resemble
symptoms of other mental health issues such as psychotic disorders
like mood, anxiety and adjustment disorders (unable to cope with
stress), and language and learning deficits.
3.
Additional health issues. Symptoms similar to that of ADHD
can arise with developmental disorders, seizures, sleep apnea, low
blood sugar, thyroid disorder, lead poisoning, and vision or hearing problems. In such cases, the doctor usually directs the patient to the appropriate specialist or suggests adequate diagnosis for the condition.
EVALUATING CHILDHOOD ADHD SYMPTOMS
Signs and symptoms of ADHD typically arise before the age of 7 that
may continue to adulthood in the same or indefinable form. The
doctor diagnosing ADHD in an adult would go over his or her
childhood experiences, and analyze the old school records, and get
information from teachers, spouse, siblings, parents and friends.
DIAGNOSTIC CRITERION FOR ADHD
There is no one-symptom that can explicitly distinguish a person
affected with ADHD. Doctors follow the standards outlined in the
DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical manual of Mental Disorders)
published by the American psychiatric Association. The assessment
criteria was originally intended for diagnosis of ADHD in children,
but later on, the same was also followed for adults.
At least 6 of following symptoms need to be present to consider an adult of ADHD:
•
Hyperactivity and/or impulsiveness
•
Forgetfulness
•
Easily distracted or improper attention
•
Inattentiveness
•
Frequent mistakes
•
Lack of concentration or focus
•
Inattentiveness towards a person in direct conversation
•
Cannot properly or timely complete tasks
•
Cannot follow instructions
•
Cannot properly organize activities or tasks
•
Avoid tasks requiring substantial thought
•
Misplace important things
•
Tendency to fidget with the hands or feet, or squirm while
seated
•
Leave room when expected to sit
•
Act inappropriately in certain situations
•
Problems doing activities silently
•
Seems to be full of energy, and tends to be moving all the
time.
•
Speaks excessively
•
Tendency to utter answers before a question is complete
•
Cannot wait patiently in relaxed manner, tends to show
irritation
•
Tendency to interfere or interrupt in other people's
conversations
Besides the 6 symptoms from the above list, an individual adult with ADHD can show additional characteristics or symptoms that include:
•
Hyperactive, impulsive or inattentive symptoms present
before the age of seven that might have caused injury in the past
•
Different behavior at childhood compared to other children of
the same age without ADHD
•
Have had the symptoms for at least 6 months
•
Symptoms may have jeopardized relationships, life at school,
home and/or work
The doctor may look carefully about relationships with family and
performance at school or work, and may consider other symptoms,
that are best visualized by the doctor's experience.
DRUGS AND TREATMENTS
There is no single treatment that can cure a person of ADHD.
Treatments commonly administered include psychological counseling
and/or medication. Depending upon the patient, therapy and
medication are usually provided together to get the best outcome.
MEDICATIONS
Psycho-stimulants are the most typical medications prescribed for
ADHD. These stimulant medications appear to balance and boost the
neurotransmitters levels in the brain.
The objectives of the medications for ADHD are mainly targeted to
treat hyperactivity and inattention. The effects of the drugs can wear-off quickly if taken for a short time. In addition, the dose would vary between patients, so it may take time to find the most suitable dosage for an individual.
Some popular stimulants used to treat ADHD are:
•
Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse)
•
Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine)
•
Dextroamphetamine-amphetamine (Adderall)
•
Methylphenidate (Metadate, Daytrana, Concerta, Ritalin)
The effect of stimulant drugs can be either be short or long acting.
Short acting can last up to four hours, while long acting can last from 6 to 12 hours.
Methylphenidate is a drug that comes in a patch (like Band-Aid or
Nicotine patch), and it can be easily worn on the hip. The medication is gradually released in the body through the skin, and that lasts for about 9 hours. It can take up to 3 hours for the effect of medication to be felt, and it is not to be frequently taken (follow the advice of
doctor).
Like other medications, the stimulants come with side effects. The
person can observe abdominal pain, liver problems, nausea, elevated
pulse, elevated blood pressure, headache, psychosis (delusions),
insomnia reduced appetite (anorexia), and weight loss. In some cases, there can be tics resulting in a sudden involuntary spasmodic muscular contraction, especially of facial, neck, or shoulder muscles.
For most individuals, these medicines are considered safe for treating ADHD in the long term. However, the doctor may not immediately
recommend these drugs, if the individual has issues with drug or
alcohol use.
Sometimes, additional medications are also considered to treat
ADHD:
•
Antidepressants like venlafaxine (Effexor) and bupropion
(Wellbutrin)
•
Atomoxetine (Strattera)
Venlafaxine or bupropion is often advised for symptoms of ADHD
with mood disorder.
The effects of these medications are not as rapid as stimulants, and might take a few weeks for their effect to come. These medications
are best-suited if stimulants cannot be taken due to any reason, such as any health condition, tic disorder, drug abuse or suffer with the side effects of stimulants.
Side effects of atomoxetine can include sweating, painful urination, decreased libido, slightly elevated blood pressure and heart rate,
decreased appetite, nausea and insomnia.
