Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Adults suffering from attention deficit disorder can be difficult to identify and treat. Therapists can assist by examining symptoms and root causes, educating patients on how to create structure and make behavioural changes and offer medication when needed.
People with ADD/ADHD may have issues with hyperactivity, inattention, and the tendency to be impulsive. Some of the symptoms include memory loss, trouble waiting for their turn, and difficulties concentrating on tasks or playing games.
Inattention Type Symptoms
The most prominent symptoms of this ADHD subtype are high levels of distraction and difficulty paying attention to details. Adults who are inattentive ADHD struggle to complete tasks or projects that require constant mental effort, such as reading and writing. They may have trouble remembering appointments or paying their bills, and are susceptible to making impulsive mistakes at 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. This means that their issues can persist throughout their adult lives and interfere with relationships, school performance and career advancement.
Symptoms of inattentive ADHD include frequent fidgeting with hands and feet, difficulty playing or taking part in leisure activities without interruption as well as difficulty waiting for their turn and blurting out answers before questions are answered. They also have trouble staying organized at home and work, and are often late for classes or meetings. People with inattention ADHD are often unable to stay focused during work or school, despise boring meetings and require chewing gum or drink coffee to get through them.
A health professional will examine the person for any possible mental health issues or medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms and then use their behavioral history to identify if they have ADD. This could involve speaking to the person's parents, teachers and colleagues, and asking to see their behavior in various settings. The health care provider may also inquire about the individual's mood and their recent medical history.
The most frequently prescribed drugs for inattentive ADHD are psychostimulants that streamline the brain's signals and boost alertness. They include amphetamines, such as Adderall, Ritalin and Concerta and methylphenidates like Strattera (atomoxetine) and Qelbree (viloxazine). Antidepressants that alter neurotransmitters inside the brain are sometimes prescribed to people suffering from inattention ADHD in order to improve their mood and concentration. They can include Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). Other medications 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 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. In addition, they typically have trouble following instructions or completing complex tasks. They also struggle to stay focused when playing games or engaging in leisure activities. They often interrupt or interfere on others during conversations or games and are eagerly waiting for their turn. They may fiddle with their feet or hands or even squirm their seat 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 have trouble with self-control, and often be on the go, unable to stop or slow down, even when they're attending organized events like fairs and theme parks. They may have difficulties organizing tasks, completing long-term tasks or committing to homework or other planned activities.
They often have a poor sense of personal responsibility and have difficulties creating and maintaining relationships. They may also have issues managing their emotions, which could cause mood swings and depression. They might also have issues managing their time and finances which could make them more susceptible to financial scams and other fraudulent activities.
Many people suffering from ADHD do not be diagnosed until the age of the age of adulthood, when their problems become more obvious. In their early years, they could have been overlooked by teachers or other adults who were unaware of their symptoms. They may have learned to cope with their symptoms and thrived in a nurturing environment until they encountered the stress of pursuing a career or having a family when their problems became more evident. In childhood, the male-to-female* ADHD ratio is higher. However it becomes more equal as they grow older.
Certain supplements in the diet can help reduce irritability in people with ADHD. These include GABA as well as taurine. GABA fish oil and Brain Vitale. They may also benefit from stress management strategies, such as regular exercises and deep breathing. They should discuss with their doctor all treatments options that include stimulants (Strattera) and 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 difficulty focusing on long-term mental tasks, or remembering things, such as chores, schoolwork, homework or work. They also make a lot of mistakes at school, at work as well as in their personal lives. These problems with attention and impulse control can result in lots of stress and tension in relationships.
The symptoms of this condition can be varied in severity and appear at different times in life. They may include daydreaming and becoming easily distracted from their own thoughts, which can lead to forgetfulness; a tendency to lose things, such as homework or keys; and difficulties following through on their tasks. They may also have difficulty sitting still and interfere with leisure activities or games.
It's important to evaluate the effects of each medication carefully if you have a mixed presentation. Adults who have had this condition since they were teens should be re-evaluated every six months, especially if there are any changes in their lifestyle that could alter the dosage of medication needed.
It is important to know that ADD and ADHD do not impact race, gender, ethnicity or age. However, it does appear to affect more people who were categorized as male at birth. Adults who exhibit various symptoms but are unable to explain them are usually diagnosed.
There are a variety of ways to deal with ADD in adults, which include 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 improve concentration by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. Non-stimulants are also used by adults who do not wish to take stimulants, or require them in a small dosage.
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 evident as difficulty sitting still, forgetfulness or difficulty finishing tasks, while hyperactivity and impulsivity can show up as restlessness, fidgeting or squirming, or blurting out answers without waiting for a full question. They often have a difficult time to stand in line or follow instructions, which can result in frustration and rule-breaking behavior.
Adults who suffer from a combination of ADHD symptoms usually have trouble reading social boundaries in an environment, which can lead them to interrupt conversations or activities. They do this without thinking about what others might think. They are more likely to have a difficult to organize their lives and are often overwhelmed by complicated projects. Many people who suffer from this ADHD also have a past history of mood disorders or depression.
A proper diagnosis of ADHD is key to identifying the most effective treatment strategy. While many adults who have ADHD struggle to reach out for assistance, obtaining an accurate diagnosis can be a empowering experience that gives them the tools they require to manage their symptoms and live productive, satisfying lives.
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 age 12 and persist for at least six months to be considered an ADHD diagnosis. In addition the symptoms must be severe enough to affect the person's performance at work, school or at home.
severe ADHD symptoms in adults aren't entirely sure why ADHD occurs. However, they are aware that it is inherited and certain genes increase the likelihood of someone becoming affected. They also recognize that brain chemistry and differences in brain structure can play a role 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. These therapies are usually more effective than medication.