Tag Archives: adhd

ADHD: Not Just for Kids

By: SNEHA SHETH, M.D.

When you hear the term ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), do you imagine a noisy child bouncing from room to room, making a mess as they go?

ADHD is often diagnosed in childhood, but about 4% of adults also deal with it. Among adults, Millennials have the highest rate of ADHD, and that is growing. From 2014 to 2018, for example, the number of Millennials diagnosed with ADHD rose by a whopping 39%.

It’s in your head
ADHD is a common neurological (brain) disorder with symptoms that include impulsiveness/lack of self-control, restlessness/hyperactivity and difficulty paying attention. If you have the condition as an adult, it may be hard for you to focus and prioritize, leading to missed deadlines and forgotten meetings or social plans. The inability to control impulses can range from impatience waiting in line or driving in traffic to mood swings and outbursts of anger.

Nailing down a diagnosis
To find out if you have ADHD, your doctor may do a series of tests, including psychological screening and ADHD rating scale. The condition typically falls into one of three categories:

  • Impulsive-hyperactive —The least common form of ADHD, it makes you impulsive and restless.
  • Inattentive and distractible — This type reduces your ability to pay attention.
  • Combined — This is the most common kind and includes symptoms from the other two forms.

Treating ADHD
Without treatment, ADHD can get you into trouble. It may lead to money issues, cause problems with the law, and make it hard for you to keep a job. It can increase your risk for substance or alcohol abuse, car accidents, and relationship troubles.

ADHD can’t be cured but it can be managed with education, support and treatment. Your MPCP healthcare provider can offer resources to help you learn about your condition, such as the organization Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Your provider may recommend taking medicine to control your symptoms. You may also benefit from counseling or therapy to help you get organized, improve relationships and manage your time.

Hacks for living with ADHD
In addition to treatment, many adults with ADHD use strategies to help them stay organized and focused. Here are some tips from a woman with ADHD:

  • Make a list: Use written reminders and lists to keep track of your day. This may include grocery lists, event planning, and to-do checklists.
  • Use visual reminders: Post notes around your house or office to remind you of what you need to do and when. They will jog your memory and help you stay on track.
  • Keep it clean: An organized, uncluttered house or workspace reduces distractions and helps you focus on the task at hand.
  • Be accountable: Ask friends and family to remind you about things you need to do, such as appointments, work deadlines, paying bills and personal commitments. This will make you less likely to forget and miss something important.

 

Dr. Sheth sees patients at MPCP’s Arundel Mills office. She earned her medical degree at St. George`s University School of Medicine and is certified by the American Board of Family Medicine.

ADD in Adults

by Janice Rutkowski, M.D.

add-160ADD & ADHD* are similar disorders that often first present in childhood, but can extend into adulthood as well. It is estimated that a full third of children with ADD will continue to be affected later in life. Since this disorder was not well understood in the past, many individuals were un-diagnosed. But the onset of the internet and better understanding of disordered human behavior, have helped many patients realize they may have a problem.

Most adults with ADD find they have difficulty with organization and planning, are easily distracted, feel a sense of restlessness or anxiety, and lack ability to resist impulses to stray from a task or project. Unfortunately, this inability to stay on task can lead to problems at school, in the workplace, and in personal relationships. Serious consequences such as divorce, job loss and substance abuse can be more common for those with ADD/ADHD.
However, there are several treatment options to help! The first step is talking with your doctor. While there is no one test to diagnose the condition, detailed information from the patient and sometimes family members can be very useful. A physical, including blood work and an EKG, should be done to ensure there are no other health issues causing the symptoms.

Treatment is usually very effective with a combination of diet, behavioral therapy and stimulant drugs, such as Adderall or Ritalin. There are many newer medications as well and your doctor will work with you to find the most effective. Some drugs come in extended-release form so you do not have to take multiple doses during the day, and some non-stimulant drugs are also available. Side effects may include sleeplessness, loss of appetite, mood changes or heart rhythm abnormalities. But most patients tolerate the therapy quite well and are amazed at the difference in their work and home life.

So, please talk with your doctor if you are concerned you might have ADD or ADHD- or the symptoms- so you can work together to treat it effectively.

*ADD stands for Attention Deficit Disorder. ADHD is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

Janice Rutkowski, M.D.Dr. Rutkowski is a Maryland Primary Care Physicians, LLC partner and is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine. She received her medical degree from the University of Limoges in 1981 and completed her residency program in Internal Medicine at Maryland General Hospital in 1984.