Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Adults suffering from attention deficit disorder may be difficult to identify and treat. Therapists can assist by examining the symptoms and their causes, educating the patient on how to structure their lives and behavioural changes and offer medication when needed.
People with ADD/ADHD may have issues with hyperactivity, inattention, and an impulsive nature. Symptoms include forgetfulness and difficulty in waiting for their turn, or having difficulty in focusing on tasks or games.
Signs of Inattentive Type
The most prominent symptoms of this ADHD subtype include high distraction and difficulty paying attention the small details. Adults who have inattention ADHD often find it hard to finish tasks or complete projects that require constant concentration, such as writing, reading and completing homework. They may struggle to remember appointments or paying bills, and are prone to making careless 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. As a result, the symptoms of inattentive ADHD can last throughout their adult lives, and may cause issues with relationships, school performance, and career advancement.
Symptoms of inattentive ADHD include the habit of fidgeting with your hands or feet, difficulties playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly, trouble waiting for their turn, and blurting out answers before questions are finished. They also are often late to meetings or classes and are unable to stay organized. Those with inattentive ADHD frequently have difficulty staying focused during work or school are bored at meetings and need to chew gum or drink coffee to make it through them.
A medical professional will examine the person for any possible mental health issues or medical conditions that may cause similar symptoms and then use their behavioral history to determine if they suffer from ADD. You can request to observe the person's behavior under various situations by speaking to their family as well as teachers and colleagues. The health professional will also inquire about the person's mood and recent medical background.
The most commonly prescribed medications for inattention ADHD are psychostimulants which 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 also sometimes prescribed for people with inattention ADHD to improve their mood and focus. They may 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 can make it difficult for people to concentrate on their work or school tasks, and can cause mistakes due to negligence. In addition, they typically struggle to follow instructions or completing complex tasks. They also struggle to stay on task while playing games or taking part in leisure activities. They often interrupt or interfere on other people during conversations or games and can't wait for their turn. They might fiddle with their hands or feet, squirm in 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 may have difficulty controlling their own behavior and be constantly moving, unable even to slow down or stop during events such as fairs or a 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 personal responsibility and may have trouble making and maintaining friendships. They may also have trouble controlling their emotions, which could cause mood swings or depression. They may also have difficulty managing their finances and time and can make them more vulnerable to financial scams and other frauds.
Many people with ADHD don't receive a diagnosis until adulthood, when their problems become more apparent. In symptoms of inattentive ADHD in adults , they could have been missed by teachers or other adults who were unaware of their symptoms. They may have sought to alleviate their symptoms in a supportive environment and flourished until they were confronted with the stress of pursuing the job of their dreams or raising a child, when their issues became apparent. The ratio of males to females in diagnosed ADHD is higher in childhood, but the rate becomes more similar in adulthood.
People suffering from ADHD frequently discover that certain dietary supplements, such as multiple vitamin, NeurOmega fish oil, GABA or taurine, and Brain Vitale or NeuroMemory, can help reduce irritability and improve memory. They can also benefit from stress management strategies, such as regular exercise and deep breathing. They should discuss with their doctor all options for treatment including stimulants (Strattera) as well as 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 focusing on long-term mental activities or recalling important things, like chores, schoolwork, homework or work. They also make a lot of mistakes at school, in the workplace, and in their personal lives. These problems with attention and control of impulses can cause lots of stress and tension in relationships.
The symptoms of this condition are varied in severity and can manifest at different times in life. They can be characterized by daydreaming and being easily distracted from their thoughts, which can lead to the tendency to lose things like keys or homework and difficulty focusing on their tasks. They might also have trouble being still, and can interfere with leisure activities or games.
Someone with a mixed presentation of ADHD may find that certain medication helps while others don't, so it's best to try one an time and then evaluate the outcomes carefully. Adults who have this presentation and have been taking medication since the age of a teenager should have a look at their treatment every 6 months, and especially after any changes in lifestyle that could affect the amount of medication needed.
It is important to keep in mind that ADD or ADHD is not a problem of race, ethnicity, or gender, although it may affect more people who are assigned males at birth (AMAB). Adults who present with several symptoms but are unable to explain them are usually diagnosed.
There are many ways to treat and manage ADD in adults, including 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 boost concentration by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. Non-stimulants are also available, and these can be an ideal choice for those who do not want to take stimulants or require them at less of a dose.
The 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 difficulty staying still. Impulsivity and hyperactivity can manifest as restlessness, fidgeting, or squirming. They are unable to stay in line or follow instructions. This can result in frustration and a tendency to break the rules.
Adults who suffer from a mix of ADHD symptoms also often have difficulties recognizing social boundaries within their environment and can be seen to intrude on conversations or activities without thinking about how others feel about it. They tend to have difficulty organizing their thoughts and are overwhelmed by the complexity of projects. Many people with this ADHD also have a previous history of mood disorders or depression.
A proper diagnosis is essential to determine the most effective treatment plan. Although many adults with ADHD struggle to reach out for assistance, getting an accurate diagnosis can be a empowering experience that gives them the tools they need 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. The symptoms must be present before the age of 12 and last for at least six months to be considered an ADHD diagnosis. In addition the symptoms have to be severe enough to hinder the performance of a child at work, school or home.
Experts aren't entirely sure the reason ADHD occurs. However, they know that it is genetic and certain genes increase the risk of someone becoming affected. They also recognize that brain chemistry and variations in the structure of the brain can play a role, 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.