Miami Psychiatrists Are Seeing More Adult Patients with ADHD

Miami psychiatrists
are seeing more cases of adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) than ever before as people are becoming increasingly aware that ADHD is not limited to children. Many people who suffer from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder as children learn coping methods that allow them to function somewhat better as they grow older. For others, it creates havoc that interferes with work, interpersonal relationships, and family life. It has been estimated that between 30 and 70 percent of children with this disorder carry their symptoms into adulthood.

How is Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Diagnosed?

A psychiatrist will diagnose the patient by taking a careful history. First, symptoms will have been apparent by the age of seven, as this is not a disorder that appears suddenly in adulthood. The psychiatrist will rule out other possible diagnoses that also cause problems with focus and concentration, including, bi-polar disorder, depression, Asberger syndrome, and anxiety disorders. ADHD symptoms in adults vary from person to person, but there are three main categories recognized in the DSM-IV, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders: Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type; Predominantly Inattentive Type; and Combined Type.

A person with the hyperactive-impulsive type of ADHD will exhibit a high level of activity, will tend to fidget, will usually have difficulty sitting still or engaging in quiet activities, and may often interrupt others.

A person with non-attentive ADHD is more likely to be female and less likely to be diagnosed. The element of hyperactivity is not present, and those with this form of ADHD are less disruptive, so it can be more easily overlooked. A person with this manifestation of the disorder is frequently disorganized, forgetful, and easily distracted, has trouble staying on task, appears to "space out," and is often labeled as "careless" or "lazy."

A person with the combined type will exhibit characteristics of both non-attentive and hyperactive-impulsive types.

While people with ADHD have great difficulty staying focused on many tasks, paradoxically, most will hyperfocus on something of particular interest, usually to the exclusion of nearly everything else.

What Treatment Options Are Available for ADHD in Adults?

Treatments for adults include medication, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and skills training.

Stimulant medications—various amphetamine drugs—are commonly the first treatment a psychiatrist will try. These drugs often yield positive results with minimal side effects. For those who should avoid amphetamines because of their potential for addiction, non-stimulant medications atomoxetine and amantadine are sometimes prescribed.

Many adults with ADHD experience depression and anxiety, and the psychiatrist may also prescribe antidepressants to help with these problems. Buproprion can help alleviate both depression and attention deficit symptoms.

Psychiatrists may recommend cognitive-behavioral therapy to help their patients understand the condition and develop alternative behaviors and strategies to cope with the disorder to help lessen its negative impact on daily life. They may also suggest engaging the services of life-skills coaches and professional organizers, who are sometimes able to help with the everyday frustrations of disorganization that often wreaks havoc in the lives of adults who suffer from ADHD.

Author writes about a variety of topics. If you would like to learn more about psychiatrists in Miami, visit http://www.lifescript.com/doctor-directory/index.aspx.