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ADHD 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.

ADHD In Adults: Am I ADHD? Interactive Questions For ADHD Assessment

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