Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Adults with attention deficit disorder may be difficult to diagnose and treat. Therapists can assist by examining the symptoms and their causes, educating the patient on how to add structure and behavioral changes, and offering medication if necessary.
People with ADD/ADHD have problems with hyperactivity, inattention and the tendency to be impulsive. The symptoms could include memory loss, trouble waiting for their turn, and trouble concentrating on work or playing games.
Signs of Inattentive Type
This subtype of ADHD is distinguished by high distractibility, and a lack of focus on small details. Adults who are inattentive ADHD are unable to complete tasks or projects that require continuous mental efforts, such as reading and writing. severe ADHD symptoms adults may have difficulty remembering appointments or paying their bills, and are more likely to make 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. The issues they face can last throughout their adulthood and impact their relationships, school performance and their career progression.
The symptoms of inattention ADHD include the habit of fidgeting with your hands or feet, difficulty engaging in leisure activities at a relaxed pace, trouble waiting for their turn and answering questions in a hurry before they are answered. They also have trouble staying organized at home and at work, and are often late for classes or meetings. Inattentive ADHD sufferers often have difficulty staying focused at work or school. They are not a fan of boring meetings and chew gum or drink coffee to help them through.
A health care provider will evaluate the person for potential mental health issues or medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms. They will then use their behavioral history to identify if they have ADD. You can request to observe the person's behavior in different situations by talking to their family, teachers, and co-workers. The health professional may also inquire about the individual's mood and their recent medical history.
The most frequently prescribed drugs for inattentive ADHD are psychostimulants that improve the brain's signals and improve alertness. Adderall, Ritalin, Concerta and methylphenidates, such as Strattera (atomoxetine), Qelbree and Ritalin are just a few examples of these medicines. Antidepressants that affect neurotransmitters within the brain are sometimes prescribed to those with inattentive ADHD in order to enhance their mood and improve their concentration. They may include Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). 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 symptom can make it difficult for people to concentrate on their work or school tasks, and can result in a number of mistakes made by careless people. severe ADHD symptoms adults have trouble following instructions or completing complicated tasks. They also struggle to stay on task while playing games or participating in leisure activities. They are often disruptive and disrupt others during games, conversations or other activities. They might fiddle or squirm with their feet or hands or squirm in their chairs or pacing as they talk or listen.
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 are constantly moving and are unable to slow down or stop, even at events like fairs or theme park. They may struggle with managing tasks, completing projects over a long period of time, or working on routine tasks or assignments.
They often have a poor sense of personal responsibility and may have difficulty making and keeping friends. They may also have difficulties managing their emotions, which can cause mood swings or depression. They may also have trouble managing their time and finances which could make them more susceptible to financial scams and other fraudulent activities.
Many people who suffer from ADHD are not diagnosed until adulthood when their symptoms become more obvious. In their early years, they could be overlooked by teachers or other adults who weren't aware of their problems. They might have learned to cope with their symptoms and thrived in a nurturing environment until they had to face the stresses of working or raising a family, as their issues were more evident. The ratio of males to females in diagnosed ADHD is higher in childhood, but the proportions become more similar in adulthood.
People suffering from ADHD often discover that certain dietary supplements, like multiple vitamin, NeurOmega fish oil, GABA or taurine, and Brain Vitale or NeuroMemory, can help reduce anxiety and improve memory. Stress management techniques such as deep breathing and regular exercise can be beneficial. They should talk to their doctor about all treatment options, including stimulants (Strattera) and non-stimulants (Viloxazine) (Qelbree), and antidepressants (Wellbutrin).
The symptoms of mixed type
People with combined type ADHD exhibit symptoms of both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive presentations. They have difficulty staying focused on tasks that require mental effort for a long time or causing things to stick in their minds, such as schoolwork or homework, chores or work. They also tend to make careless mistakes at school, at work as well as in their personal lives. These issues with attention and impulse can cause a lot stress and lead to problems in relationships.
The symptoms of this disorder are varied in severity and manifest at different stages of life. The ability to be easily distracted, daydreaming and forgetfulness are just a few symptoms. They also have the tendency to lose things like homework or keys and a difficult time keeping track of tasks. They also struggle to stay still, and they may interfere with or even take over games or other leisure activities.
It is important to assess the results of each medication carefully in the event of an unbalanced presentation. Adults who have this presentation and have been taking medication since the age of a teenager should be able to review their treatment every six months, and especially after any changes in lifestyle that could alter the amount of medication needed.
It is crucial to remember that ADD or ADHD is not a problem of race or ethnicity, nor gender, although it is believed to affect more people who are assigned a male at birth (AMAB). The diagnosis is usually made when adults present with many of the common symptoms in various aspects of their lives but are unable to explain them in a satisfactory manner.
There are a variety of ways to deal with ADD for adults, such as medication, lifestyle changes, 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 improve concentration by increasing levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. severe ADHD symptoms in adults -stimulants are also readily available and are an excellent option for adults who do not want to take stimulants or require them at a lower dose.
The symptoms of Combined Type
For people with combined type ADHD, the symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity appear together. Inattention symptoms can be evident as difficulty sitting still, forgetfulness, or having trouble finishing tasks and impulsivity, hyperactivity may manifest as restlessness, fidgeting or squirming, or blurting out answers without waiting for a complete question. They are unable to wait in lines or follow instructions. This can lead to frustration and a tendency to break the rules.
Adults with an array of ADHD symptoms also often have difficulties recognizing social boundaries within their environment which can lead them to encroach on conversations or activities without considering how others might be feeling about it. They are more likely to have a difficult working with organizational strategies and are often overwhelmed easily by complex projects. Many people with this ADHD also have a previous history of depression or mood disorders.
Making sure you have a clear diagnosis of ADHD is essential to determine the most effective treatment strategy. Many adults suffering from ADHD are hesitant 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 prior to age 12 and persist for at least six months in order to be considered an ADHD diagnosis. Additionally the symptoms must be severe enough to hinder the person's performance at work, school or at home.
Experts aren't sure the reasons ADHD occurs but they are aware that it could be inherited and that certain genes increase the risk of developing the condition. They also know that brain structure and brain chemistry play a part in the development of ADHD, and that some people get the disorder on their own, 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 treatments are more effective than medication.