Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Attention deficit disorder in adults can be difficult to diagnose and manage. A therapist can help by examining symptoms and their root causes, educating patients on how to add structure and make behavioural changes, and offering medication when needed.
People suffering from ADD/ADHD have issues with hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity. It is evident by the lack of memory and difficulty waiting for their turn, or difficulties working on tasks or games.
Inattentive Type Signs
The most prominent symptoms of this ADHD subtype are high distractibility and difficulty paying attention to the small details. Adults who are inattentive ADHD have difficulty completing tasks or projects that require continuous mental efforts, such as reading and writing. They may have trouble remembering appointments or paying bills, and are more likely to make impulsive mistakes in their work or 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. In the end, the symptoms of inattentive ADHD can last throughout their adult lives and interfere with relationships, school performance, and career advancement.
Inattention ADHD symptoms include fidgeting, having trouble engaging in leisure activities, difficulties waiting for their turn, and blurting out answers when the questions are not finished. They are also often late to meetings or classes and struggle to stay organized. Inattention ADHD sufferers often have trouble staying focused at school or at work. They dislike boring meetings and chew gum or drink coffee to get them through.
A health professional will assess the patient for possible mental health or medical conditions that may cause similar symptoms and then examine their behavior to determine if they suffer from ADD. You can ask to see the person's behavior in different situations by speaking to their parents as well as teachers and colleagues. The health professional will also ask about the person's mood and recent medical history.
The most common medications for inattention ADHD are psychostimulants which improve signals sent to the brain and boost alertness. Adderall, Ritalin, Concerta and methylphenidates, such as Strattera (atomoxetine), Qelbree and Ritalin are all examples of these drugs. Antidepressants that affect neurotransmitters within the brain can be prescribed to people suffering from inattention ADHD to help improve their mood and concentration. Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor, (venlafaxine) are two examples. 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 makes it difficult to focus on schoolwork or work tasks and may result in careless mistakes. They also have difficulty following instructions or completing complicated tasks. They also have trouble staying focused while playing games or participating in leisure activities. They frequently interrupt or interfere on others during conversations, games or other activities and are eagerly waiting for their turn. They might play with their feet or hands, squirm in their seat or walk around 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 may be unable to control their own behavior and be constantly on the move and are unable to slow down or stop during events such as fairs or a theme park. They may have trouble with managing tasks, finishing long-term tasks or committing to schoolwork or other structured activities.
They have a lack of a sense of responsibility and often struggle to form and maintain friendships. They may also have trouble managing their emotions, which can lead to mood swings and depression. They may also be having difficulty managing their time and finances which could make it easier for them to fall victim to scams in the financial industry.
Many people with ADHD are not diagnosed until adulthood when their symptoms become more evident. Teachers or other adults may have missed their symptoms in childhood. They may have sought to alleviate their issues in a safe environment and flourished until they had to face the pressure of finding the job of their dreams or raising a child which is when their issues became evident. The ratio of males to females in diagnosed ADHD is significantly higher in childhood, but the proportions become more similar as they reach adulthood.
Certain nutritional supplements can help reduce the irritability of people suffering from ADHD. These include GABA and taurine, GABA fish oil and Brain Vitale. They can also benefit from techniques for managing stress that include regular exercise and deep breathing. They should talk to their doctor about all treatment options that include stimulants (Strattera) and non-stimulants (Viloxazine) (Qelbree), and antidepressants (Wellbutrin).
Mixed Type symptoms
People with combined type ADHD exhibit symptoms of both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive presentations. They have difficulty focusing on long-term mental activities or remembering things, such as homework, schoolwork, chores or work. They also tend to make a lot of mistakes at school, at work as well as in their personal lives. Attention and impulse issues can cause a lot stress and lead to relationship difficulties.
Symptoms of this presentation often appear at various times throughout the day and range from mild to severe. Being easily distracted, daydreaming and forgetfulness are a few signs. They also include a tendency to misplace things like homework or keys and a difficult time following through with tasks. They also have a difficult time sitting still, and they may interfere with or even take over games or other activities.
It's important to evaluate the results of each medication carefully when you have a mixed presentation. Adults who have had this type of presentation since they were teenagers should have their treatment evaluated every six months, especially in the event of any lifestyle changes that could alter the dosage of medication needed.
It is important to note 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 present with several symptoms that are not explained are usually diagnosed.
There are several ways to deal with ADD in adults, which include 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 boost concentration by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. Non-stimulants are also readily available, and these can be a good choice for adults who aren't keen on taking stimulants or need them at a lower dose.
Symptoms of Combined Type
For people with combined type ADHD, the symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity appear together. Inattention symptoms can include forgetfulness, difficulty completing tasks, or having trouble staying still. Impulsivity and hyperactivity can manifest as restlessness, fidgeting or squirming. They often have a difficult time to stand in line or to follow instructions, which can result in frustration and behavior that is contrary to the rules.
Adults who have a combination of ADHD symptoms often have difficulty reading social boundaries in the context of a particular situation and can cause them to interfere with conversations or activities. symptoms of ADHD in adults female do this without thinking about how others may feel. They are more likely to have a hard working with organizational strategies and tend to be overwhelmed easily by complex projects. In a lot of cases, people who exhibit this ADHD appearance also have a history of depression or other mood disorders.
A correct diagnosis is crucial for determining the best treatment plan. Many adults with ADHD are reluctant to seek help. However an accurate diagnosis can empower them and give 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 age 12 and last for at least six months to qualify as an ADHD diagnosis. Additionally, the symptoms must be severe enough to hinder the person's performance at school, work or home.
Experts aren't entirely sure the reasons ADHD is a problem, but they know that it can be genetic 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 in the development of the disorder, and that some individuals suffer from the disorder without having an ancestry 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 can be more effective than medications.