Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Adults suffering from attention deficit disorder may be difficult to diagnose and treat. Therapists can assist by examining the symptoms and their causes, teaching patients ways to add structure and alter their behaviour and provide medication if required.
People suffering from ADD/ADHD have issues with hyperactivity, inattention, and the tendency to be impulsive. Symptoms may include problems with forgetfulness, trouble waiting for their turn, and difficulty concentrating on tasks or playing games.
Inattention Type Signs
The most prominent symptoms of this ADHD subtype are high distractibility and trouble paying attention to details. Adults who have inattention ADHD typically have difficulty to complete tasks or tasks that require a sustained mental effort, like writing, reading and completing homework. They may struggle to remember appointments or paying their bills, and are prone making careless errors in work or at home.
While the symptoms of inattentive ADHD may have first appeared during childhood, they tend to go undiagnosed because adults are expected to manage their impulsive and hyperactive/impulsive symptoms on their own. Their problems can persist into adulthood, affecting their relationships, school performance and career advancement.
Inattention ADHD symptoms include fidgeting, having trouble being quiet or engaging in leisure activities, problems waiting for their turn, and blurting out answers before the questions are finished. They also have difficulty staying organized at home and at work, and are often late for classes or meetings. Those with inattentive ADHD frequently have difficulty staying focused during work or school are bored at meetings and need to chew gum or drink coffee to pass the time.
A health professional will examine the person for possible mental health or medical conditions that may cause similar symptoms. They will then examine their behavior to determine if they suffer from ADD. You can request to observe the person's behavior in different situations by speaking to their family, teachers, and co-workers. The health professional will also ask about the person's mood and recent medical background.
Most often, psychostimulants are used to increase alertness and improve brain signals. Adderall, Ritalin, Concerta and methylphenidates such as Strattera (atomoxetine), Qelbree and Ritalin are all examples of these medications. Antidepressants that alter neurotransmitters inside the brain are often prescribed to people suffering from inattention ADHD to help improve their mood and concentration. Wellbutrin (bupropion), and Effexor, (venlafaxine) are two examples. Non-stimulant medications can also be utilized. These are less likely to cause side effects and include guanfacine (Intuniv), bupropion/atomoxetine, and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors such as Strattera.
Symptoms of Hyperactive/Impulsive Type
People with the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD struggle to sit still and remain focused. This makes it difficult to focus on schoolwork or work tasks and can lead to careless mistakes. In addition, they typically struggle to follow instructions or performing complex tasks. They also struggle to stay on task while playing games or engaging in leisure activities. They often interrupt or interfere on conversations or games and are eagerly waiting for their turn. They might fiddle with their feet or hands or squirm in their seats or jog while talking or listening.
Children with the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADD often have trouble waiting for their turn to speak or play, and they may blurt out their answers before other people have finished speaking. They struggle with self-control and may frequently be in a hurry, unable to stop or slow down, even when they're attending organized events like fairs and theme parks. They may have difficulties managing tasks, completing long-term projects or applying themselves to homework or other structured activities.
They often have a poor sense of their personal responsibility and experience trouble creating and maintaining relationships. They may also have difficulty controlling their emotions, which can cause mood swings and extreme depression. They may also have trouble managing their finances and time which could make it easier for them to fall victim to scams in the financial industry.
Many people who suffer from ADHD don't be diagnosed until the age of adulthood, when their issues become more obvious. As children, they might be overlooked by teachers or other adults who were unaware of their symptoms. They may have compensated for their problems in a supportive environment and thrived until they were faced with the stress of pursuing the job of their dreams or raising a child, when their issues became apparent. In the early years, the male-to-female* ADHD ratio is higher. However it becomes more equal in adulthood.
Certain nutritional supplements can help reduce the irritability of people suffering from ADHD. These include GABA as well as taurine. GABA fish oil, and Brain Vitale. Stress management techniques such as deep breathing and regular exercise can be beneficial. They should talk to their doctor about all options for treatment including stimulants (Strattera), non-stimulants (Viloxazine) (Qelbree), and antidepressants (Wellbutrin).
Mixed Type Signs and symptoms
People with combined type ADHD exhibit symptoms of both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive presentations. They have trouble staying focused on tasks that require a lot of mental effort for long periods of time or making things stick in their mind like schoolwork, homework, chores or work. They tend to make impulsive mistakes in school, at work and even in their personal life. The issues with attention and impulse control can lead to a lot of stress and tension in relationships.
inattentive ADHD in adults symptoms of this condition can vary in severity and appear at different stages of life. Daydreaming, being easily distracted and forgetfulness are a few signs. They also have a tendency to misplace things like keys or homework, and having difficulty following through with tasks. They also struggle to sit still, and they can interfere with or even take over games or other leisure activities.
Someone who has a mixed manifestation of ADHD may find that some medications help and others don't, so it's wise to try one at each time and analyze the outcomes carefully. Adults with this presentation who have been taking medication since the time they were teenagers should be able to review their treatment every six months, and particularly after any changes in lifestyle that could alter the dosage of medication needed.
It is important to keep in mind that ADD or ADHD does not affect race or ethnicity, nor gender, though it may affect more people who are assigned male at birth (AMAB). The diagnosis is usually given when people are suffering from various of the typical symptoms in various areas of their lives, but cannot explain them clearly.
There are several methods to treat ADD among adults, including lifestyle changes, medication, and behavior therapy. A combination of treatments is usually the best option, and medication can be prescribed in various forms, such as methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall), lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse), and atomoxetine (Strattera). These medications aid in increasing concentration by increasing the availability of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Non-stimulants are also used by adults who do not want to take stimulants, or need them in a low dose.
Signs and symptoms of Combined Type
For people with combined type ADHD, the symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity appear together. Inattention symptoms can include forgetfulness, difficulties completing tasks or difficulties staying still. Hyperactivity and impulsivity may manifest as restlessness, fidgeting, or squirming. They are unable to stay in line or follow instructions. This can lead to frustration and a tendency to break the rules.
Adults with a combination ADHD symptoms usually have trouble understanding social boundaries in a given situation, which can lead them to interrupt conversations or activities. They do this without thinking about how others may feel. They are more likely to have a difficult time with organizational strategies and tend to get overwhelmed by large-scale projects. In many cases, people who exhibit this ADHD presentation are also prone to depression or other mood disorders.
Making sure you have a clear diagnosis of ADHD is essential to determine the most effective treatment plan. Many adults suffering from ADHD are reluctant to seek assistance. However an accurate diagnosis can empower them and provide them the tools needed to manage their symptoms.
To receive a diagnosis, doctors must identify at least six symptoms of inattention and at least five symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity to a degree that interferes with daily functioning. The symptoms must be present before age 12 and last for at least six months to qualify as an ADHD diagnosis. In addition the symptoms have to be severe enough to reduce a person's performance at school, work or home.
Experts do not fully understand why ADHD is a common occurrence. However, they do know that it is inherited and certain genes increase the likelihood of someone becoming affected. They also know that differences in brain structure and brain chemistry play a role in the development of ADHD, and that some people develop the disorder spontaneously with no family history.
There are various behavioral treatments for adult ADHD, including structured routines and organizational strategies, talk therapy (Cognitive-behavioral therapy or Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), exercise and healthy sleep habits. In many instances, these therapies are more effective than medication.