Adult ADHD

You may think of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as a childhood problem, but for many, it’s a lifelong challenge affecting their ability to succeed at work, build relationships, and maintain positive self-esteem. At Mental Health and Wellness Associates, based in Santa Monica, California, the empathetic team specializes in diagnosing ADHD and providing personalized treatments that dramatically improve your symptoms. To learn more, call the office or book online today.

What is adult ADHD?

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder. The condition begins in childhood, and by definition, developmental disorders may last a lifetime. The neurological part of “neurodevelopmental” refers to the fact that ADHD is caused by differences in brain growth and neurotransmitter levels.

Though some signs appear in childhood (before age 12), some people aren’t diagnosed until their adult years. Additionally, ADHD continues throughout adulthood for at least one-third of those diagnosed in childhood.

What are the symptoms of adult ADHD?

The neurological changes in people with ADHD affect organizational skills, make it hard to regulate emotions, and result in the disorder’s core challenges. You may have one of three types of ADHD: inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive, or combined. 

Adults with inattentive ADHD may:

• Not notice important details
• Get easily distracted
• Struggle to stay on task
• Put tasks off to the last minute
• Frequently lose important items
• Lack organizational skills
• Not follow through on promises
• Not pay attention (often because your mind is elsewhere)

You may have a history of missing important dates or leaving tasks unfinished.

Adults with hyperactive-impulsive ADHD may:

• Feel restless or irritable
• Talk too much (verbal impulsivity)
• Feel the need to keep moving
• Struggle to be patient or wait
• Have angry outbursts
• Cross boundaries without thinking

Crossing boundaries is an impulsive quality. For example, you may enter rooms without knocking or by interrupting a conversation.

Adults with combined ADHD have some symptoms from both categories.

How is ADHD diagnosed and treated?

The team at Mental Health and Wellness Associates uses an evidence-based and comprehensive psychiatric evaluation to make a diagnosis of ADHD using the criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5 TR).

After determining you have ADHD, your doctor works with you to create a customized treatment plan that meets your unique challenges and goals.

There are both non-stimulant and stimulant treatment options. Some adults need stimulant medications. These medications balance brain chemicals, significantly improving attention and diminishing hyperactivity.

Therapy and/or coaching is also an essential part of ADHD treatment for adults to address the behavioral aspects of the diagnosis.

During therapy or coaching, you can learn new skills, often called “compensatory mechanisms,” for managing the wide range of life challenges caused by ADHD. For example, you may learn to plan your time and organize your environment or manage emotional outbursts or improve your social and communication skills.

If you need help with diagnosing or managing ADHD, you can depend on the skilled team at Mental Health and Wellness Associates. Call the office or book an appointment online today.