meetara-lab/vectorstore-mental_health huggingface dataset:
Therapy is especially helpful if ADHD co-occurs with other mental disorders, such as anxiety, depression, conduct problems, or substance use disorders. You can learn about other mental disorders at www.nimh.nih.gov/health.

Several psychosocial interventions have been shown to help manage symptoms and improve functioning. 

 ► Behavioral therapy helps a person change their behavior. It might involve practical assistance, such as organizing tasks or completing schoolwork, learning social skills, or monitoring one’s behavior. 

 ► Cognitive behavioral therapy helps a person become aware of attention and concentration 

challenges and work on skills to improve focus and organization and complete daily tasks (for instance, by breaking large tasks into smaller, more manageable steps).

 ► Family and marital therapy helps family members learn to handle disruptive behaviors, encourage 

behavior changes, and improve interactions with children and partners.
► Family and marital therapy helps family members learn to handle disruptive behaviors, encourage 

behavior changes, and improve interactions with children and partners.

Some people find it helpful to get support from a professional life coach or ADHD coach who can teach them skills to improve daily functioning. 

For more information on psychotherapy, including what to look for in a therapist and how to find one, visit www.nimh.nih.gov/psychotherapies.

Parent education and support Therapy for children and teens requires parents to play an active role. Treatment sessions with the child alone are more likely to be effective for treating symptoms of anxiety or depression that may co-occur with ADHD than for managing core symptoms of the disorder.
Mental health professionals can educate parents about the disorder and how it affects a family. They also can help parents develop new skills, attitudes, and ways of relating to their child. Examples include parenting skills training, stress management techniques for parents, and support groups that help parents and families connect with others who have similar concerns.

School-based programs Many children and teens with ADHD benefit from school-based behavioral interventions and academic accommodations. Interventions include behavior management plans or classroom-taught organizational and study skills. Accommodations include preferential seating in the classroom, reduced classwork, and extended time on tests and exams. Schools may provide accommodations through what is called a 504 Plan or, for children who qualify for special education services, an Individualized Education Plan (IEP).
To learn more about special education services and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, visit https://idea.ed.gov. Cognitive training Cognitive training approaches involve repeatedly using a program or activity over several weeks to improve specific functions, such as memory or attention. Exercises are tailored to the person’s ongoing performance. 

Cognitive training is shown to modestly improve the tasks being practiced. For instance, research shows the training can help memory, attention, inhibition, planning, and cognitive flexibility in people with ADHD. However, these improvements don’t usually translate to changes in core ADHD symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity.
Neurofeedback Neurofeedback is a noninvasive technique in which an electronic device monitors and records a person’s brain activity, providing them with immediate feedback to support self-regulation. The device measures brain activity through such means as EEG or fMRI scans and feeds the information back to the person, usually in the form of a computer screen or visual cue. Through this feedback, people learn to self-regulate their brain activity to directly alter the associated behavior. The assumption is that, with repeated, real-time information, people can change their internal brain activity, with observable effects on behavior and cognition.
For people with ADHD, neurofeedback is used to train and improve specific cognitive functions. Although it is shown to help reduce some ADHD symptoms, the effects of neurofeedback remain lower than those seen from medication and psychotherapy. Additional research is needed to refine the treatment and determine for whom it works and under what conditions.

Complementary health approaches Some people may explore complementary health approaches to manage symptoms of ADHD. These can include natural products, vitamins and supplements, diet changes, and acupuncture. Others find it helpful to make lifestyle changes, like adding more physical exercise to their daily schedule.

Unlike psychotherapy and medication that are scientifically shown to improve ADHD symptoms, complementary health approaches generally have not been found to treat ADHD effectively and do not qualify as evidence-supported interventions.
For more information, visit the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health at www.nccih.nih.gov/health/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-at-a-glance. 

How can I find help?

If you’re unsure of where to get help, a health care provider is a good place to start. They can refer you to a qualified mental health professional, such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, or clinical social worker, who can help figure out the next steps. Find tips for talking with a health care provider about your or your child’s mental health at www.nimh.nih.gov/talkingtips. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has information about ADHD symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment, as well as additional resources for families and providers, at www.cdc.gov/adhd.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has information about ADHD symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment, as well as additional resources for families and providers, at www.cdc.gov/adhd.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) also has resources for finding support at https://findsupport.gov and locating mental health services in your area at https://findtreatment.gov. For additional resources, visit www.nimh.nih.gov/findhelp. How can I help myself?

Medication and therapy are the most effective treatments for ADHD. Other strategies may also help manage symptoms.

 ► Get regular exercise, especially when feeling hyperactive or restless.

 ► Eat regular, healthy meals.

 ► Get plenty of sleep. Try to turn off screens at least 1 hour before bedtime and get between 

7–9 hours of sleep every night.

 ► Stick to a consistent routine. 

 ► Work on time management and organization. Prioritize time-sensitive tasks and write down
7–9 hours of sleep every night.

 ► Stick to a consistent routine. 

 ► Work on time management and organization. Prioritize time-sensitive tasks and write down 

assignments, messages, appointments, reminders, and important thoughts. 

 ► Take short breaks during tasks that require sustained attention to help maintain focus and prevent 

burnout. Break large tasks into smaller, more manageable steps.

 ► Connect with people and maintain relationships. Schedule activities with friends, particularly 

supportive people who understand your challenges with ADHD. 

 ► Take medications as directed. Avoid alcohol, tobacco, and drugs not prescribed for you.

How can I help my child?

 ► Be patient, flexible, and understanding. ADHD can be frustrating both for people who have it and 

the people in their lives. ADHD may make it hard for your child to perform certain tasks or behaviors. Some children may need to use different strategies to help them succeed.
the people in their lives. ADHD may make it hard for your child to perform certain tasks or behaviors. Some children may need to use different strategies to help them succeed. 

 ► Use clear, simple, direct language to explain rules and expectations. Reward behaviors that meet 

these expectations with positive reinforcement. Provide consistent praise or rewards for acting in a desired way.

 ► Offer practical help, such as on tasks like cleaning and organizing, or simply be present and 

engaged while your child works, which can give them a sense of accountability and motivation and help them stay focused and on track.

 ► Provide opportunities to explore different activities and interests. Help your child discover their 

unique talents and build confidence in their abilities.
► Provide opportunities to explore different activities and interests. Help your child discover their 

unique talents and build confidence in their abilities.

If you or someone you know is struggling or having thoughts of suicide, call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. In life-threatening situations, call 911. Clinical trials

Clinical trials are research studies that look at ways to prevent, detect, or treat diseases and conditions. These studies help show whether a treatment is safe and effective in people. Some people join clinical trials to help doctors and researchers learn more about a disease and improve health care. Other people, such as those with health conditions, join to try treatments that aren’t widely available.
NIMH supports clinical trials across the United States. Talk to a health care provider about clinical trials and whether one is right for you. For more information, visit www.nimh.nih.gov/clinicaltrials. 

For more information

Learn more at www.nimh.nih.gov/health. For information about various health topics, visit the National Library of Medicine’s MedlinePlus resource at https://medlineplus.gov.

Contact us

National Institute of Mental Health Office of Science Policy, Planning, and Communications 6001 Executive Boulevard, MSC 9663 Bethesda, MD 20892-9663 Phone: 1-866-615-6464 Email: nimhinfo@nih.gov Website: www.nimh.nih.gov En español: www.nimh.nih.gov/espanol 

Reprints
Reprints

The information in this publication is in the public domain and may be reused or copied without permission. However, you may not reuse or copy images. Please cite the National Institute of Mental Health as the source. Read our copyright policy to learn more about our guidelines for reusing NIMH content at www.nimh.nih.gov/copyright. 

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES National Institutes of Health NIH Publication No. 24-MH-8300 2024

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[Table: table_8_1] | Col0 | Col1 | | --- | --- | | Clinical trials Clinical trials are research studies that look at ways to prevent, detect, or treat diseases and conditions. These studies help show whether a treatment is safe and effective in people. Some people join clinical trials to help doctors and researchers learn more about a disease and improve health care. Other people, such as those with health conditions, join to try treatments that aren’t widely available. NIMH supports clinical trials across the United States. Talk to a health care provider about clinical trials and whether one is right for you. For more information, visit www.nimh.nih.gov/clinicaltrials. For more information Learn more at www.nimh.nih.gov/health. For information about various health topics, visit the National Library of Medicine’s MedlinePlus resource at https://medlineplus.gov. Contact us National Institute of Mental Health Office of Science Policy, Planning, and Communications
National Library of Medicine’s MedlinePlus resource at https://medlineplus.gov. Contact us National Institute of Mental Health Office of Science Policy, Planning, and Communications 6001 Executive Boulevard, MSC 9663 Bethesda, MD 20892-9663 Phone: 1-866-615-6464 Email: nimhinfo@nih.gov Website: www.nimh.nih.gov En español: www.nimh.nih.gov/espanol Reprints The information in this publication is in the public domain and may be reused or copied without permission. However, you may not reuse or copy images. Please cite the National Institute of Mental Health as the source. Read our copyright policy to learn more about our guidelines for reusing NIMH content at www.nimh.nih.gov/copyright. U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES National Institutes of Health NIH Publication No. 24-MH-8300 2024 | |
ADHD in Adults: 4 Things to Know

From the NATIONAL INSTITUTE of MENTAL HEALTH

1 Adults can have ADHD. 

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is marked by a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity and impulsivity that makes it hard to function in at least two areas of life, such as at home, school, or work.

Adults with ADHD may experience the following types of symptoms: ► Inattention: Difficulty paying attention, staying on 

task, or being organized

 ► Hyperactivity: Excessive activity or restlessness, 

even at inappropriate times, and difficulty engaging in quiet activities 

 ► Impulsivity: Acting without thinking or having 

trouble with self-control

Based on their symptoms, a person can be diagnosed with one of three types of ADHD: inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive, or combined.
trouble with self-control

Based on their symptoms, a person can be diagnosed with one of three types of ADHD: inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive, or combined.

Adults with ADHD often have a history of poor academic performance, work problems, or strained relationships. They may find it challenging to stay organized, stick to a job, keep appointments, perform daily tasks, or complete large projects. They may be restless, try to do multiple things at once, or engage in risky or impulsive behaviors. 

ADHD is considered a developmental disorder because symptoms must begin in childhood—but many adults also have ADHD.

2 ADHD symptoms can cause problems in daily life.
ADHD is considered a developmental disorder because symptoms must begin in childhood—but many adults also have ADHD.

2 ADHD symptoms can cause problems in daily life.

ADHD symptoms interfere with daily functioning. In adults, symptoms can lead to: ► Difficulty paying attention and often getting distracted ► Disorganization and procrastination ► Poor time management, planning, or organization ► Trouble remembering daily tasks ► Frequently losing things or being forgetful in activities ► Frequently interrupting others or being very talkative ► Trouble focusing on a large task or multitasking ► Trouble following instructions or finishing projects ► Difficulty sitting still for long periods and often 

moving or fidgeting

 ► Feelings of restlessness and a need for constant 

activity or stimulation

 ► Choosing immediate rewards over future rewards 

or consequences
moving or fidgeting

 ► Feelings of restlessness and a need for constant 

activity or stimulation

 ► Choosing immediate rewards over future rewards 

or consequences

Many people show some of these behaviors some of the time. However, for adults with ADHD, they are more severe, frequent, and persistent, interfering with daily life, occurring across multiple situations, and lasting at least 6 months.

ADHD often co-occurs with other mental disorders and can make them harder to treat. Sleep problems are especially prevalent, affecting up to 70% of adults with ADHD.

Symptoms continue into adulthood for many people with ADHD, but they may change with age. For instance, inattentive symptoms often persist as people get older, whereas hyperactivity and impulsivity are more likely to decline. Learn more about symptoms and types of ADHD at www.nimh.nih.gov/ADHD. 3 ADHD is diagnosed differently in children and adults.

Why wasn’t I diagnosed with ADHD earlier?
Why wasn’t I diagnosed with ADHD earlier? 

There are many reasons someone may not be diagnosed with ADHD until adulthood. For instance, your teachers and parents may not have recognized the disorder or may have provided supportive environments that helped you thrive despite it. Or you may have a milder form of ADHD that could be managed well until faced with the stresses and demands of adulthood, especially at work. 

ADHD symptoms among girls and women are especially likely to have been missed in childhood. Sex differences in diagnosis rates begin to even out in adulthood. 

It is never too late to seek a diagnosis and treatment for ADHD and any other mental health condition that may occur with it. Effective treatment can make day-to-day life easier for many adults and their families. Find tips for talking with a health care provider at www.nimh.nih.gov/talkingtips.
You can learn more about getting help at www.nimh.nih.gov/findhelp. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides information about finding support at https://findsupport.gov and locating mental health services in your area at https://findtreatment.gov. 

ADHD can be diagnosed in childhood or adulthood. However, adults must have shown symptoms much earlier, starting before age 12. 

The main difference between diagnosing ADHD in children and adults is the number of symptoms. Adults or adolescents over 16 years must show five (instead of six) symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity and impulsivity. 

How can a provider know if I showed ADHD symptoms as a child?

Diagnosing ADHD in adulthood is complicated by the need to show symptoms before age 12. For this reason, a diagnosis relies heavily on past reports of behavior.
Diagnosing ADHD in adulthood is complicated by the need to show symptoms before age 12. For this reason, a diagnosis relies heavily on past reports of behavior. 

To help diagnose ADHD, a primary care provider or mental health professional may ask to talk to people who know you well, such as a partner, family members, and friends, to learn about your behavior in different situations and during childhood. They may look at school reports or other childhood records.

A provider will also talk to you and may ask you to do the following: 

 ► Complete clinical interviews, behavior rating scales, or symptom checklists to determine whether you meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD.

 ► Take psychological tests that look at cognitive processes, such as memory, planning, decision- making, reasoning, and thinking, to identify strengths and challenges and possible learning disabilities.
► Report on your mood and current and past medical conditions to rule out alternative diagnoses and establish an overall treatment plan. 4 Treatment is available for adults with ADHD.

Some adults may find it helpful to get support from a life coach or ADHD coach who can teach them executive function skills to improve daily functioning. Others try lifestyle changes, like adding more physical exercise to their daily schedule.

People whose ADHD symptoms cause impairment at work may qualify for reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). You can learn more about the ADA at www.ada.gov.

Treatment for ADHD can reduce symptoms and improve functioning. The most common treatments for ADHD in adults are: 

 ► Medication, usually stimulant medications ► Psychotherapy, like behavioral and cognitive 

behavioral therapy
► Medication, usually stimulant medications ► Psychotherapy, like behavioral and cognitive 

behavioral therapy

Effective treatment often involves a combination of elements. Sometimes, people must try several treatments before finding the one that works for them.

NIMH has information on stimulants and other mental health medications at www.nimh.nih.gov/medications. You can learn about psychotherapy, including what to look for in a therapist and how to find one, at www.nimh.nih.gov/psychotherapies.

Find additional resources

The following organizations have more information on ADHD:

 ► Attention Deficit Disorder Association: 

Offers an array of resources to find help, including virtual support groups and a professional directory, at https://add.org

 ► Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: 

Hosts a National Resource Center with information, links, and resources at https://chadd.org/nrc
► Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: 

Hosts a National Resource Center with information, links, and resources at https://chadd.org/nrc

 ► Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: 

Provides information and resources on ADHD symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options at www.cdc.gov/adhd

Note: This resource list is for informational purposes only. It is not comprehensive, and an organization’s inclusion does not constitute an endorsement by NIMH. What are clinical trials and why are they important? 

Clinical trials are research studies that look at ways to prevent, detect, or treat diseases and conditions.

Other people, such as those with health conditions, join to try treatments that aren’t widely available.

These studies help show whether a treatment is safe and effective in people. Some people join clinical trials to help doctors and researchers learn more about a disease and improve health care.
NIMH supports clinical trials across the United States. Talk to a health care provider about clinical trials and whether one is right for you. For more information, visit www.nimh.nih.gov/clinicaltrials.

For more information

Reprints

Learn more at www.nimh.nih.gov/ health. For information about various health topics, visit the National Library of Medicine’s MedlinePlus resource at https://medlineplus.gov.

National Institute of Mental Health Office of Science Policy, Planning, and Communications 6001 Executive Boulevard, MSC 9663 Bethesda, MD 20892-9663 Phone: 1-866-615-6464 Email: nimhinfo@nih.gov Website: www.nimh.nih.gov

The information in this publication is in the public domain and may be reused or copied without permission. However, you may not reuse or copy images. Please cite the National Institute of Mental Health as a source. Read our copyright policy to learn more about our guidelines for reusing NIMH content at www.nimh.nih.gov/copyright.
NIH Publication No. 24-MH-3573 2024

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PDF file: GENERALANXITYDISORDER.pdf (content extraction failed)
Obsessive- Compulsive Disorder: When Unwanted Thoughts or Repetitive Behaviors Take Over What is OCD?

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a long-lasting disorder in which a person experiences uncontrollable and recurring thoughts (obsessions), engages in repetitive behaviors (compulsions), or both. People with OCD have time-consuming symptoms that can cause significant distress or interfere with daily life. However, treatment is available to help people manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

What are the signs and symptoms of OCD?

People with OCD may have obsessions, compulsions, or both. Obsessions are repeated thoughts, urges, or mental images that are intrusive, unwanted, and make most people anxious. Common obsessions include:
● Fear of germs or contamination ● Fear of forgetting, losing, or misplacing something ● Fear of losing control over one’s behavior ● Aggressive thoughts toward others or oneself ● Unwanted, forbidden, or taboo thoughts involving sex, religion, or harm ● Desire to have things symmetrical or in perfect order

Compulsions are repetitive behaviors a person feels the urge to do, often in response to an obsession. Common compulsions include:

 ● Excessive cleaning or handwashing ● Ordering or arranging items in a particular, precise way ● Repeatedly checking things, such as that the door is locked or the oven is off ● Compulsive counting ● Praying or repeating words silently

OCD symptoms may begin anytime but usually start between late childhood and young adulthood. Most people with OCD are diagnosed as young adults.