Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Attention deficit disorder in adults can be challenging to identify and treat. A therapist can help by examining symptoms and reasons, and educating patients on how to create structure and alter their behaviour and offer medication when required.
People with ADD/ADHD have problems with hyperactivity, inattention, and the tendency to be impulsive. The symptoms include forgetfulness and difficulty waiting for their turn, or difficulties working on tasks or games.
Symptoms of Inattentive Type
The defining symptoms of this ADHD subtype are high distractibility and difficulty paying attention to the small details. Adults who are inattentive ADHD struggle to complete tasks or projects that require continuous mental effort, such as reading and writing. They may have trouble remembering appointments or paying bills, and are more prone to making naive mistakes at work or in their home life.
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. This means that their issues can persist throughout their adult lives and cause problems with relationships as well as school performance and career advancement.
Inattention ADHD symptoms include fidgeting, difficulty engaging in leisure activities, problems waiting for their turn, and blurting out answers before the questions are completed. They also tend to be late to classes or meetings and struggle to stay organized. People with inattention ADHD often have trouble staying focused at school or work are bored at meetings and have to chew gum or sip coffee to make it through them.
A health professional will evaluate a patient to determine if they have any mental health or medical conditions that could trigger similar symptoms. Then, they will examine their behavior history to determine if the patient has ADD. This may involve speaking with the person's parents, teachers and colleagues and asking about their behavior in different settings. The health care provider might also ask about the person’s mood and recent medical history.
The most common medications for inattentive ADHD are psychostimulants that streamline signals sent to the brain and improve alertness. Adderall, Ritalin, Concerta and methylphenidates like Strattera (atomoxetine), Qelbree and Ritalin are just a few examples of these drugs. Antidepressants that affect neurotransmitters in the brain, are also sometimes prescribed to those suffering from inattentive ADHD to help improve their mood and concentration. Wellbutrin (bupropion), and Effexor, (venlafaxine) are two examples. Non-stimulant drugs may 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 is a problem for them to concentrate on work or school assignments and may result in careless mistakes. In addition, they typically struggle to follow instructions or performing complex tasks. They also struggle to stay focused when playing games or engaging in leisure activities. They often interrupt or interfere on conversations, games or other activities and are eagerly awaiting their turn. They might squirm or fiddle with their hands or feet or squirm or move in their chairs, or pacing while they listen or talk.
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 may have difficulty controlling themselves and be constantly moving and are unable to slow down or stop at fairs or theme park. They may have difficulty managing tasks, completing long-term projects, or committing themselves to homework or other structured activities.
They have a low sense of accountability and often have difficulty making and keeping friendships. They may also have trouble controlling their emotions, which can lead to mood swings and severe depression. They may also have difficulty managing their finances and time, which can make them more vulnerable to financial scams or other fraudulent activities.
Many people suffering from ADHD don't get a diagnosis until they reach the age of adulthood, when their problems become more evident. Teachers and other adults could have missed their symptoms during their childhood. adult female ADHD symptoms may have compensated for their problems in a supportive atmosphere and thrived until they were faced with the stress of pursuing the job of their dreams or raising a child which is when their issues became evident. In childhood, the male-to-female* ADHD ratio is higher. However it is more even in adulthood.
Certain dietary supplements can 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 discuss all treatment options with their doctor which includes stimulants and non-stimulants like Atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) and antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin).
Mixed Type Signs and symptoms
People with combined type ADHD exhibit symptoms of both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive presentations. They have difficulty staying focused on tasks that require a lot of mental effort for long periods of time or causing things to stick in their minds, such as schoolwork or homework, chores or work. They tend to make careless mistakes at work, school, and in personal life. Attention and impulse control can result in lots of stress and tension in relationships.
The symptoms of this condition typically occur at various times in the course of life, and they may vary from mild to severe. symptoms ADHD in adults , being easily distracted and forgetfulness are a few signs. They also have the tendency to lose items like keys or homework and a difficulty in working through tasks. They may also have difficulty being still, and can interrupt or take over the activities of leisure or games.
A person with a mixed presentation of ADHD may find that some medications help and others don't. Therefore, it's best to try one a time and evaluate the results carefully. Adults who have had this condition since they were teens should have their treatment evaluated every six months, and especially when there are any lifestyle changes that may impact the amount of medication needed.
It is important to know that ADD and ADHD do not impact race gender, ethnicity, gender or age. However it is believed that it will affect more people who were categorized as male at birth. Adults who show a number of symptoms and cannot explain them are usually diagnosed.
There are a variety of ways to manage and treat ADD for adults, which includes behavior therapy, lifestyle modifications, 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 boost concentration by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. Non-stimulants can also be utilized by adults who don't want to take stimulants, or only need them in a low dosage.
Symptoms of Combined Type
For people with combined type ADHD, the symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity appear together. Inattention symptoms can be apparent in the form of difficulty sitting still, forgetfulness or trouble finishing tasks, while hyperactivity and impulsivity may manifest as fidgeting, restlessness and squirming. They may also be able to blurt out answers without waiting for a full question. They are unable to wait in lines or follow instructions. This can lead to frustration and rule-breaking behaviors.
Adults who have an array of ADHD symptoms also often have difficulties reading situational social boundaries which can lead them to encroach on activities or conversations without considering how others might think about it. They are often struggling organizing their thoughts and are overwhelmed by complex projects. Many people with this ADHD also have a history of depression or mood disorders.
A proper diagnosis of ADHD is essential to determine the most effective treatment plan. Many adults with ADHD are hesitant to seek help. However the diagnosis can empower them and give 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. These symptoms must be present prior to the age of 12 and last for at least six months to qualify as ADHD. The symptoms must be severe enough to affect the performance of a child at school, at work or at home.
Experts don't fully understand why ADHD is a problem however they do know that it can be hereditary and that certain genes can increase a person's risk of developing the disorder. They also recognize that brain chemistry and differences in brain structure are a factor and that some people 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. These treatments are often more effective than medication.