Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Adults with attention deficit disorder may be difficult to diagnose and treat. Therapists can help by analyzing the symptoms and their causes, educating the patient on how to build structure and behavioural changes, and offering medication when needed.
People with ADD/ADHD have problems with hyperactivity, inattention and the tendency to be impulsive. Some of the symptoms include forgetfulness, difficulty waiting for their turn, and difficulty concentrating on tasks or playing games.
Symptoms of Inattentive Type
The most obvious signs of this ADHD subtype are high distractibility and difficulty paying attention details. Adults with inattention ADHD struggle to complete tasks or projects that require continuous mental effort, such as reading and writing. They may have difficulty remembering appointments or paying their bills and are prone making careless mistakes at the workplace 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. In the end, the symptoms of inattentive ADHD can last throughout their adult lives and cause problems with relationships as well as school performance and career advancement.
The symptoms of inattention ADHD include frequent fidgeting with hands or feet, difficulty engaging in leisure activities quietly as well as difficulty waiting for their turn and blurting out answers before questions are completed. They are also often late to classes or meetings and have difficulty staying organized. People with inattention ADHD frequently have difficulty staying focused at school or work are bored at meetings and need to chew gum or drink coffee to pass the time.
A health care provider will examine a person to determine if they have any mental health or medical conditions that could trigger similar symptoms. Then, they'll examine their behavior history to determine if the person has ADD. This can involve talking to the person's family, colleagues and teachers and asking them to observe their behavior in various settings. The health professional may also ask about the person’s mood and recent medical history.
The most common medications for inattention ADHD are psychostimulants that improve signals sent to the brain and improve alertness. They include amphetamines, such as Adderall, Ritalin and Concerta and methylphenidates, such as Strattera (atomoxetine) and Qelbree (viloxazine). Antidepressants that affect neurotransmitters in the brain are often prescribed to people suffering from inattention ADHD in order to improve their mood and concentration. They can include Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). Other drugs that aren't stimulants are also available. 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 symptom makes it difficult to focus on their work or schoolwork and could lead to unintentional mistakes. In addition, they often struggle to follow instructions or performing complex tasks. They also have difficulty staying on task when playing games or engaging in leisure activities with other people. They often interrupt or interfere on other people during conversations, games or other activities and are eagerly awaiting their turn. They might play with their hands or feet, squirm in their seat, or pace while they're 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 have trouble with self-control and can frequently be in a hurry, unable to stop or slow down, even when they're attending organized events like fairs or theme parks. They may struggle with organizing tasks, completing projects over a long time, or focusing on scheduled tasks or homework.
They often have a poor sense of their personal responsibility and experience difficulty creating and maintaining relationships. They may also have issues regulating their emotions, which can cause mood swings and severe depression. They may also have difficulty managing their time and finances and this can make it easier for them to fall victim to financial scams.
Many people suffering from ADHD do not get a diagnosis until they reach the age of adulthood, when their problems become more obvious. Teachers or other adults may have missed their symptoms during the early years of their lives. They may have compensated for their problems in a supportive environment and thrived until they had to face the pressure of pursuing a job or raising a child when their issues became apparent. In the early years, the male-to-female* ADHD ratio is higher. However it is more even in adulthood.
People suffering from ADHD typically find that certain dietary supplements, such as multiple vitamin, NeurOmega fish oil, GABA or taurine, and Brain Vitale or NeuroMemory, can help reduce the irritability and improve memory. Stress management techniques like deep breathing and regular exercise can be beneficial. They should talk to their doctor about all treatments options including stimulants (Strattera) as well as 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 are unable to focus on long-term mental activities or remembering things like chores, schoolwork, homework or work. They tend to make careless errors at school, work, and in personal life. These issues with attention and impulse can cause a lot stress and cause relationship difficulties.
The symptoms of this condition can vary in severity and appear at different stages of life. Being easily distracted, daydreaming, and forgetfulness are all signs. They also have a tendency to misplace items like keys or homework, and having difficulty working through tasks. They also have a difficult time sitting still, and they can interfere with or even take over games or other activities.
Someone with a mixed presentation of ADHD may find that certain medications are helpful while others don't. Therefore, it's best to try one an time and then evaluate the results 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 in particular when they make any changes to their lifestyle that may affect the amount of medication needed.
It is important to know that ADD and ADHD are not influenced by race gender, ethnicity, gender or age. However, it does appear to affect people who were categorized as male at birth. Adults who present with a number of symptoms but are unable to explain them are usually diagnosed.
There are a variety of ways to manage and treat ADD for adults, which includes lifestyle modification, behavior therapy, and medication. 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 increase concentration by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. There are also non-stimulants available and can be a good choice for adults who do not want to take stimulants or require them at lower doses.
The symptoms of Combined Type
For people with combined type ADHD, the symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity appear together. The signs of inattention could be apparent as a struggle to sit still, forgetfulness, or having trouble finishing tasks, while hyperactivity and impulsivity may manifest as restlessness, fidgeting or squirming, or blurting out answers without waiting for a complete answer. They have a difficult time learning to stay in line or follow directions. This leads to frustration and behavior that is contrary to the rules.
Adults who have a combination of ADHD symptoms usually have trouble reading social boundaries in a given situation which could cause them to interfere with conversations or activities. They do this without thinking about how others may feel. They are more likely to have a hard working with organizational strategies and tend to get overwhelmed easily by complex projects. In symptoms of ADHD in adults women , those who exhibit this ADHD appearance may also be suffering from depression or other mood disorders.
A clear diagnosis is crucial to determine the best treatment plan. Many people suffering from ADHD are reluctant to seek assistance. However an accurate diagnosis can empower them and provide them the tools 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. These symptoms must be present before the age of 12 and continue for a minimum of six months to qualify as ADHD. Additionally the symptoms must be severe enough to affect the performance of a child at work, school or at home.
Experts don't fully understand the reasons ADHD is a problem, but they are aware that it could be hereditary and that certain genes increase the likelihood of developing the disorder. They also recognize that brain chemistry and differences in brain structure play a part in the development of the disorder, and that some individuals get the disorder without any 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 cases, these treatments are more effective than medications.