Blog

Adults with ADHD find most aspects of their life are impaired in one way or another. Adults who have recently been diagnosed with adult ADHD report that they have previously experienced significant difficulties in their personal or social relationships, in being an effective parent or role model, to even their employment – UCLA’s Psychiatry Department research shows that when comparing similar job positions, those adults with ADHD make significantly less income.

Impact of Undiagnosed Adult ADHD Widespread

Adults with undiagnosed ADHD find that when they finally receive the correct diagnosis and begin treatment with a qualified health care practitioner they are able to look back and see all the “signs and symptoms” missed for years and even decades.

Adults with untreated ADHD have a higher divorce rate, higher percentage rate of unemployment in the population, discover themselves at a loss at developing effective parenting skills especially if their child has ADHD, find the struggle with substance abuse challenging and even end up paying higher car insurance rates from their ongoing history of multiple car accidents or tickets.

Misdiagnosis of Adult ADHD

Adults with ADHD often do seek out help from the medical community but are often misdiagnosed. Doctors inexperienced in working with adult ADHD may provide a diagnosis of depression or anxiety and prescribe antidepressants or anti-anxiety medication. These medicines may improve the overall situation somewhat as adults with ADHD often do have both of these overlapping conditions – the treatment is incomplete and not effective as the core problem is missed or misdiagnosed.

Telltale Symptoms of Adult ADHD

While the number and severity of symptoms as well as the disruption adult ADHD may cause vary widely, receiving the correct diagnosis and starting on the right treatment can bring about positive changes to their life as well as to all those they interact with regularly.

• Problems with Attention – easily distracted by noise, movement or activity; adults with ADHD are able to focus on what interests them but have difficulty paying attention to tasks or activities they find boring, dull or require too much cognitive concentration or effort.
• Forgetfulness – some adults with ADHD may perform a task or job well but find they forget or get tripped up by the details involved; others may find they are constantly forgetting and misplacing items; still others may find they need frequent reminders to complete a task fully or to “finish up any missing ends.”
• Feeling Restless or Acting Impulsively – adults with undiagnosed ADHD may not find themselves hyperactive, however they may make rash impulsive decisions, blurt out thoughts or feelings without thinking, frequently interrupt others as they have trouble waiting their turn, or they may display a “habit” of fidgeting or wriggling around in their seat.
• Disorganization or Procrastination – adults with ADHD may find it difficult to gather all needed material or items to start or finish a project properly, tasks may be put off until the last minute even if there are negative consequences involved, or they may constantly run late, lose track of time, and never feel like they “have their life together.”

Find the Right Diagnosis Once and For All

The correct diagnosis and treatment for adult ADHD is a phone call away. Call the office for a confidential appointment.

When it comes to describing common symptoms of adult ADHD, the list would probably not contain hyperfocus or the intense concentration on something to such a degree that all else is ignored. Hyperfocus is the “flip side” of distractibility that is expected with ADHD; while it may not be a deficit of attention, it is a problem of being able to regulate one’s attention span when involved in a specific task or activity that is found stimulating and personally rewarding.

Hyperfocus and Dis-Regulation 

Research from Georgetown University Medical School in Washington, D.C. reports that hyperfocus is a coping mechanism for dealing with the distraction so typical with ADHD.  In understanding how ADHD affects adults, it can be said that ADHD does not mean having a short attention span – adult ADHD means having a dis-regulated attention system.

Hyperfocus as a Coping Mechanism

Hyperfocus acts as a coping mechanism for tuning out the chaos in one’s mind, making them oblivious to everything else that is going on around them. Health-line.com reports that hyperfocus makes a person completely lose track of time, neglect their work, forget to keep track of their finances or bills, ignore those around them, as well as causing relationship misunderstandings and problems.

Positive Side of Hyperfocus

Working with an experienced Adult ADHD psychiatrist who has had success treating hyperfocus issues is critical for a positive outcome. Treatment may include learning how to channel hyperfocus into a productive activity or task instead of finding themselves deep into unproductive or negative activities in addition to ignoring their daily responsibilities and tasks.

Adult Hyperfocus and Medication

The use of medication does decrease the distractibility issues; likewise the frequency of hyperfocus episodes will also decrease. Working with a specially trained mental health professional is key to developing the medication schedule and treatment strategies for the best possible outcome.

Call the office for an appointment with Dr. Hege today!

Male smokers account for significantly higher numbers than female smokers, with the World Health Organization (WHO) reporting worldwide numbers that show men smoke about 5 times as much as women. In the U.S., with an estimated 47 million smokers, 24% of men smoke compared to 18% of women. The numbers for nicotine addiction in Georgia run slightly lower with 23% of male smokers versus 15% of women smokers.

Men vs. Women on Nicotine Addiction

Research has shown more men have a nicotine addiction than women. Data also shows that women make fewer attempts to quit smoking, quit for shorter periods of time for each attempt, and smoke for a longer period of time over their lifetime than men. Males with a nicotine addiction report an easier time than females when trying to “kick the habit.”

Hormonal Fluctuations Often Keep Women Smoking

The Psychiatry Journal published a new study from the University of Montreal detailing the impact the menstrual cycle has on the strength of nicotine cravings. Adding in the symptoms that accompany the menstrual cycle results in frequent lengthy times when the decision to quit smoking is at battle with the incontrollable urge to smoke.

The university’s data indicates that the urge to smoke is strongest for a period of time after the monthly menses; additionally decreases in both estrogen and progesterone during a woman’s cycle significantly deepen any withdrawal symptoms at the same time those with a nicotine addiction crave a “smoke.”

Five Top Reasons Women Have Harder Time Ending Nicotine Addiction

• Stress and anxiety are the top relapse triggers for women
• Women tend to experience more severe withdrawal symptoms than men
• Smoking cessation products (nicotine gum, nicotine patches, etc) more effective in men due to gender differences in how nicotine affects the brain; females are typically less responsive to products to help end nicotine addiction
• Weight gain is a frequent reason women start smoking again
• Fluctuating hormones that occur monthly during the menstrual cycle often de-rail attempts at quitting

An experienced and well-practiced psychiatrist will consider the different effectiveness of treatment unique to women when designing the overall medication and treatment plan to successfully achieve smoking cessation.

Dr. Darvin Hege is the local psychiatrist of choice for your nicotine addiction and smoking cessation. Medication and adjunct therapies may be part of your recovery from nicotine addiction. Let a doctor design a treatment plan that meets your unique needs. Dr. Hege’s office is located in Atlanta in the Sandy Springs/Dunwoody area, and he provides convenient appointment times for patients who need flexible hours.

Prescription drug addiction affects more than 15 million people in the U.S. The numbers of adult abuse of prescription drugs now far exceeds all of those that abuse cocaine, inhalants, heroin and hallucinogens combined.  The National Institute on Drug Abuse estimates that 48 million have used prescription medication for non-medical purposes at some point in their lifetime; this number indicates that around 20% of the U.S. population have abused at least one of their prescription drugs.

Prescription Drugs and OTC Medications Commonly Abused

In recent years WebMD reports that studies of the reasons for doctor or ER visits show a dramatic increase in the abuse of prescription and OTC (over-the-counter) medications. Addiction drug treatment programs show just as sharp an increase in drug addiction admissions. The drugs most commonly abused are:

• Opioid Pain Relievers such as Vicodin, Opana, or OxyContin, codeine, morphine
• Stimulants used for ADHD such as Adderall, Concerta, or Ritalin
• Depressants for relieving anxiety or sleep disorders such as Valium, Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin

The OTC drugs that are most commonly abused are:

• Cough and cold OTC remedies that contain dextromethorphan

What is Prescription Drug Addiction?

Addiction is a chronic brain disease that typically has numerous periods of relapse into abuse. Abusing drugs, including prescription medication leads to actual changes in the function and structure of the adult brain.

Following the dosage and frequency of a prescription may become more and more difficult to follow, affecting self control and the ability to make good sound decisions. Visits to the ER or to multiple doctors for more medications is abuse and the intense impulses to take more drugs become more and more frequent.

There is Help for Prescription Drug Addiction

Prescription and OTC medications are very effective when they are taken as ordered. Long term pain relief medication use however, such as with an opioid, can lead to drug abuse with both physical dependence and addiction. Professional help is crucial for a sound recovery.

An experienced psychiatrist and other medical professionals can help change the direction your prescription drug use is heading. Call the office for an appointment.

Being a parent is no easy task, but if you have adult ADHD the challenge dramatically increases. Medical News Today reports that ADHD parents find it difficult to be consistent with discipline, have a harder time problem solving when conflict arises, may be less likely to give praise, and tend to give commands or directions that are ineffective for follow through.

Medications Help ADHD Parents Manage

Being properly diagnosed and taking the right combination of medications provides parents with the extra help they may need to reduce the impact their adult ADHD has on their children, the family as a whole, and on themselves as well. Adult ADHD symptoms can affect all aspects of your life, but with parenting, the impact can make for a negative home atmosphere. Reacting to your child’s misbehavior or tantrums may turn an emotional event into feeling like you are losing control of the whole situation, sending you on an emotional roller coaster where you are unable regain control of the volatile situation. Proper adult ADHD medications help to keep you on an even keel.

ADHD Parents Who Seek Help Are Proactive

ADHD parents who look for help should be commended for taking a proactive step and admitting that they have special needs that need to be treated first. While many parents may put the needs of their family first, the ADHD parent may come to realize with help that having their ADHD under control will create the most positive changes for all.

Common Symptoms of Adult ADHD

While you may have one or several of the symptoms noted below, receiving a comprehensive evaluation and diagnosis by a qualified psychiatrist is important as you may have one or more forms of adult ADHD, or other psychological issues that impact your mental health and ability to be the parent you want to be. Some common symptoms include:

For hyperactive episodes of adult ADHD:

• Fidgeting (a foot, a leg, tapping fingers, shifting in their seats)
• Difficulty with Relaxation (difficulty doing quiet activities, or seated activities)
• Feeling energized where they feel they need to be up and on the go

For ADHD adults with inattention and focus deficits:

• Distracted easily
• Impulsive behaviors
• Forgetfulness – misplacing items or frequently losing things
• Difficulty keeping a relationship for long periods of time
• Problems with keeping focus or attention on a conversation, a book, or a task
• May move from job to job
• Avoids or does not bother to finish tasks that are not easy or interesting

Atlanta Psychiatrist for Adult ADHD Parents

If you are an adult who is having difficulty with parenting issues and feel you may have ADHD, take the proactive step and call for an appointment.

Bipolar’s depressive episodes can be difficult to treat. Very often the use of anti-depressants to treat bipolar depression can have unexpected and unwanted effects. Patients diagnosed with clinical depression without a bipolar component often have several treatment options to choose from, but options for bipolar depression are more limited and the side effects may prove more limiting than any positive outcomes hoped for.

Bipolar Depression Difficult to Treat

Bipolar depression has been a very frustrating component of bipolar disorder to effectively treat. Research studies often report mixed findings or contradictory conclusions. Recent data has found little support for the trial or use of anti-depressants to treat bipolar depression.

Latuda: An Atypical Anti-Psychotic for Bipolar Depression

Latuda or lurasidone, a relatively new medication, was first approved for the treatment of schizophrenia in 2010. Since that time Latuda has been approved for use in the treatment of bipolar depression. While the use of anti-depressants in bipolar depression remains a controversial issue, the prescribed use through an experienced and well-practiced psychiatrist does have positive results and provides those with bipolar depression another treatment choice option that helps to alleviate depression symptoms.

Over the past year I have used Latuda for more than 100 patients. It has been quite helpful for many of these patients who have bipolar depression and/or treatment resistant depression. It usually does not cause weight gain. Latuda is a member of the second-generation antipsychotic medicines. The other members are Zyprexa, Risperdal, Seroquel, Abilify, Geodon, Fanapt, and Saphris. It appears that the only member of the family that is equally less apt to cause weight gain is Geodon. However, Geodon does not have an indication for bipolar depression and more often causes restlessness or muscle pulling then does Latuda.

Most insurances cover Latuda now. It costs several hundred dollars per month if you have no insurance. However, the company provides free Latuda through their patient assistance program to those who qualify.

Common Side Effects of Latuda

Patient reports indicate that the use of Latuda has been well tolerated. Some of the most common side-effects documented include:

• Somnolence or a strong desire to sleep which affects 22% of patients
• Akathisia or a feeling of inner restlessness that makes it difficult to sit or stay still for long periods of time; this side-effect is reported in 15% of patients
• Nausea has been reported in 12% of patients
• Fasting glucose levels have shown a significant increase in up to 14% of patients

Less common side-effects patients complain of include:

• Muscle stiffness
• Muscle twitching
• Uncontrollable movements of the eyes, lips, tongue, face, arms or legs

Many to all of the side effects from use of Latuda are often dosage related. Your psychiatrist can often control the degree or impact of the side-effects by changing the dose prescribed. In addition to Latuda, your bipolar depression practitioner may utilize other medications and adjunct therapies that as a whole treatment regime bring the highest level of success for the management and treatment of bipolar depression.

Bipolar Depression Psychiatrist

Call the office for an appointment that can bring positive feelings and happiness back into your life.

In the not so distant past it may have taken months to years of worry, fear and distress before finally being correctly diagnosed with a panic disorder. While mental health professionals today may make the proper diagnosis of panic more quickly, many people suffer through their panic attack not knowing they have a disorder that is easily treated.

Panic Attack Mimics Heart Disease

The ADAA (Anxiety and Depression Association of America) reports that hundreds of thousands of emergency room and medical appointments are directly related to panic attack. The patient reports symptoms during their panic attack that mimic cardiac or heart disease. In fact the medical symptoms are so close to resembling a life threatening issue that an EKG is generally ordered for a correct diagnosis.

Panic Attack Mimics Many Medical Disorders

While panic attacks are most often compared to diagnoses of heart disease, heart attack, and severe angina, they also mimic other medical disorders as well. A panic attack can mimic breathing disorders, thyroid problems, and impede proper organ functioning which can affect the whole body and feelings of wellness. People who suffer from panic symptoms often do so in private, slowly distancing themselves from their support systems.

Symptoms of Panic Attack

A panic attack comes on abruptly and brings the feelings of intense fear developing within a few short minutes. For a diagnosis of panic attack includes at least four of the following symptoms:

• Heart palpitations, pounding heart, fast heart rate, chest pain or heavy discomfort
• Feeling short of breath, or of being smothered or choked
• Body trembling or shaking
• Numbness or tingling of body parts or extremities
• Sweating with alternating feelings of being chilled or hot
• Nausea or having abdominal or GI distress
• Feeling of “losing control,” or “going crazy”
• Fears of dying
• Feeling faint or light-headed

Panic Attack among the Sexes

Research studies show that women are more likely to have a psychiatric disorder during their lifetime. In fact, from puberty to about age 50, a woman is two times more likely than a man to have an anxiety disorder. Brain chemistry, female hormones and sensitivity to specific hormones that regulate stress responses make women two times more vulnerable than a man. While women may be more susceptible to panic attacks or panic disorder, fewer women than men seek out help and often suffer in silence never knowing how close the “cure” to their disorder is. There is no need to suffer in silence or to endure the pain and fear of a panic disorder. Atlanta panic attack psychiatrist Dr. Darvin Hege has successfully diagnosed and treated panic attack and panic disorder for over two decades.

In a recent study on addiction relapse by the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, it was found that illicit drug use is now at its highest level in the U.S. One reason for the escalating rate of drug abuse are those with a prior drug addiction who now present with an addiction relapse. The National Institute on Drug Abuse makes note there is a 40% to 60% addiction relapse rate.

Statistics of Addiction Relapse

Addiction affects everyone, from family and friends, work buddies, employers, and even affects the community cost of caring for those with addiction from the local to state level. There are more than 2.1 million U.S. ER visits a year directly related to drug abuse. Addiction to prescribed medications is at 27.1% of the ER visits or well over 1/2 million people, and it actually has higher rates of occurrence than the 21.2% related to illicit drug use, which is still more than 425,000 people.

Long Term Addiction Relapse Data

Addiction and substance abuse is typically viewed as “addiction relapse prone.” While the rates of relapse may seem overwhelming, receiving vital mental health treatment from an experienced practitioner has significant impact on the rate of relapse, making recovery possible.

Long term study data has found that among drug abusers (prescribed and illicit) 27% died within a 20 year period, and only 27% still remained in recovery. Proper treatment is critical not only for recovery; continuing treatment is vital for long term health and to protect against the pull of addiction relapse.

Quality of Life Parameters versus Addiction Relapse

Achieving recovery and avoiding addiction relapse does reap the rewards of leading a functional life that can be measured in strength of relationships and friendships, mental health status, gainful employment and optimal physical health. Recovery with proper addiction relapse therapy can and does work to bring you into a fuller, positive life.

Atlanta Addiction Specialist

Dr. Hege has decades of experience working in Atlanta with addiction concerns. His successful treatment regime may include medication, detox, individual treatment, outpatient recovery, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or any number of adjunct therapies to meet your individual needs. Call the office and get back on the road to recovery and a functional satisfying life.

Oxford University researchers report that while the reason remains unclear, women are more apt than men to develop one or more forms of mental illness during their lifetime. The research project was intensive with 12 large scale studies focused specifically on mental illness. It was determined that for both males and females diagnosed with depression and anxiety disorders, the women were 75% more likely than their counterparts to suffer from either of these two mental health issues.

Differences between Men and Women Clear

Studies which have looked at the differences in mental illness occurrence between men and women have been worldwide. The results of all of these studies have determined that there are very clear differences between men and women when looking at the prevalence of mental illness. After the data was carefully analyzed, it was found women are about 60% more likely than men to report an anxiety disorder and 75% more likely to report depression. In addition, women were found to be up to 40% more likely to be diagnosed with any type of mental health illness.

Pattern of Internal versus External Problems

Throughout the research findings it was found that women tend to have more “internal” problems that may be self-defeating in terms of depressive thoughts and actions or via sleep issues where they either sleep too much or are unable to get proper sleep for days on end. Women tend to internalize their issues, putting the problem on themselves and then being unable to escape the negative self-concept. Men tend to “externalize” where they are more likely to abuse alcohol and drugs, develop anger problems, or become easily agitated and “hot-headed.”

Treatment for Depression and Anxiety Reduces Symptoms

MentalHealth.org reports that receiving the proper treatment for depression and anxiety diagnoses will not reduce the significant numbers of women with mental illness, but it does decrease the numbers of women who suffer from one or both of these diagnoses. Treatment is necessary to successfully address depression and anxiety disorders in women and allow them to begin if not return to a satisfying life with excitement for the future.

Atlanta Women’s Mental Health Psychiatrist

Calling upon his decades of successful treatment of mental health issues Dr. Hege hopes to bring some peace to lives impacted by a mental disorder.

Call today to set up an appointment that’s convenient for you.

MedicineNet.com reports that there are at least 4 million adult women with ADHD with up to 75% who have not been properly diagnosed yet. In a separate study the Daily Beast, a highly regarded online e-newspaper, supports the data that adult women with ADHD between the ages of 24 to 36 are the fastest growing population undergoing treatment for ADHD – in fact, between 2008 and 2012 the use of ADHD medication by this age group of women increased by 85%.

Diagnosis of Women With ADHD Often Missed

Girls that are not diagnosed with ADHD typically grow into adult women who continue to avoid proper diagnosis as they are not seen displaying the stereotypical symptoms and behaviors. Many girls and women tend to fall into the inattentive type of ADHD, and even when they do display episodes of hyperactivity, these bursts of energy are funneled into dealing with the multiple tasks involved with, for example, household duties, work, school, raising children, running errands, spending time with their partner, and maybe finding some “me” time along the way.

Women With ADHD Aged 26 to 34 Show Biggest Increases

It has been a common finding that women with ADHD tend to cope until they become unable to do so anymore.  Women between the ages of 26 to 34 find themselves facing multiple life changes and responsibilities such as college, employment, working on a permanent relationship and becoming a mother for the first time. Career, time constraints and financial demands require greater attention as well as add on to the stress of juggling the many hats that a woman wears. Women with undiagnosed ADHD find that they can no longer cope as the pressure and stress of daily life add up and reach a breaking point.

The Personal Cost of Undiagnosed ADHD in Women

There are many significant impacts of adult ADHD on women. The most common personal price that is paid is in developing a low self-esteem or poor self-concept. Women with undiagnosed ADHD are more likely to suffer through divorce and periods of unemployment. These women often have difficulty in making social connections, or in “living up” to their standard of what they think a good wife, mother or partner should be like. They often find themselves frustrated and under attack even when things are going well in their work or home life.

With an increased awareness of how adult ADHD affects women, the numbers of those seeking help is growing at a significant rate. With proper diagnosis and treatment often comes relief with the understanding of how ADHD has impacted their life.

Dr. Darvin Hege is ready to help you change your life now and for the future. Dr. Hege’s flexible office hours include evenings and weekends to better fit your schedule and needs. Call us today!