Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Adults with attention deficit disorder may be difficult to diagnose and treat. A therapist can assist by analyzing the signs and causes, teaching the patient how to structure their lives and behavioural changes and provide medication if needed.
People suffering from ADD/ADHD may have difficulties with hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity. It is evident by the lack of memory, difficulty waiting for their turn, or difficulties concentrating on games or tasks.
Symptoms of Inattentive Type
This subtype of ADHD is characterized by high distractibility, and difficulty paying attention to small details. Adults with inattentive ADHD frequently find it difficult to finish tasks or complete projects that require sustained mental effort, such as writing, reading and completing homework. They may have difficulty remembering appointments or paying their bills, and are more likely to make careless 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. In the end, their problems may persist throughout their adult lives, and may cause issues with relationships, school performance and career advancement.
Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms include fidgeting, difficulty being quiet or engaging in leisure activities, difficulties waiting for their turn, and blurting out answers when the questions are not finished. They also have difficulty staying well-organized at home and at work and are often late for classes or meetings. Inattentive ADHD sufferers often have a hard time staying focused at school or at work. They are not a fan of boring meetings and prefer to chew gum or drink coffee to help them through.
A health professional will assess the patient for potential mental health issues or medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms. They will then examine their behavior to determine if they suffer from ADD. This may involve speaking with the person's parents, teachers and colleagues and asking them to observe their behavior in various settings. The health care provider may also inquire about the person's mood and medical history.
The most commonly prescribed medications for inattention 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 all examples of these medications. Antidepressants that affect neurotransmitters within the brain are often prescribed to those with inattentive ADHD in order to enhance their mood and improve their concentration. They could 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 can make it difficult for people to concentrate on their schoolwork or job tasks, and can result in a number of mistakes made by careless people. Additionally, they frequently struggle to follow instructions or performing complex tasks. They also struggle to stay focused while playing games or taking part in leisure activities. They often interrupt or intrude on others during conversations, games or other activities and are eagerly waiting for their turn. They might play with their feet or hands or squirm in their seats, or pace while they're 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 struggle with self-control and may often be on the go and unable to stop or slow down, even when they are at events that are organized like fairs and theme parks. They may have trouble with managing tasks, completing long-term tasks or committing to schoolwork or other structured activities.
They have a lack of a sense of responsibility and often have a difficult time forming and maintaining friendships. They may also have issues controlling their emotions, which can result in mood swings and depression. They might also have issues managing their time and finances which could make them more prone to financial scams or other frauds.
Many people with ADHD are not diagnosed until they reach adulthood, when their symptoms become more obvious. Teachers or other adults may have missed their symptoms during their childhood. They could have reacted to their issues in a supportive environment and flourished until they had to face the pressure of finding the job of their dreams or raising a child, when their problems became apparent. In childhood, the male-to-female* ADHD ratio is higher. However it is more even in adulthood.
People with ADHD frequently discover that certain dietary supplements, like multiple vitamin, NeurOmega fish oil, GABA or taurine, and Brain Vitale or NeuroMemory can help to 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 treatments options that include stimulants (Strattera) as well as non-stimulants (Viloxazine) (Qelbree), and antidepressants (Wellbutrin).
Signs of Mixed Type
People with combined type ADHD exhibit symptoms of both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive presentations. They have trouble staying focused on tasks that require mental effort for a long period of time or causing things to stay in their heads for example, schoolwork homework, chores, or work. They tend to make careless errors at school, work, and in personal life. The issues with attention and impulse control can result in a lot of stress and difficulty in relationships.
Symptoms of this presentation often appear at various times throughout the day, and they may vary from mild to severe. They can be characterized by daydreaming and being easily distracted by their own thoughts, which can lead to the tendency to lose things like homework or keys; and difficulties following through on tasks. They also have a difficult time sitting still, and they can interrupt or take over games or other leisure activities.
Someone who has a mixed manifestation of ADHD may find that some medications help and others don't. Therefore, it's wise to try one at a time and evaluate the results carefully. Adults who have this presentation and have been taking medications since the age of a teenager should be able to review their treatment every six months, and especially after any lifestyle changes that could alter the amount of medication required.
It is crucial to remember that ADD or ADHD doesn't affect race or ethnicity, nor gender, although it may be more prevalent in those who are assigned males at birth (AMAB). The diagnosis is usually identified when adults exhibit many of the common symptoms in several aspects of their lives but cannot explain them clearly.
There are a variety of ways to treat and manage ADD in adults, such as 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 increase concentration by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. adult ADHD symptoms quiz -stimulants are also available, and these can be a good choice for adults who aren't keen on taking stimulants or need them at a lower dose.
Signs and 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 finishing tasks or having difficulty staying still. Hyperactivity and impulsivity may manifest as restlessness, fidgeting or squirming. They often have a difficult time to stay in line or follow instructions, leading to frustration and behavior that is contrary to the rules.
Adults with a combination of ADHD symptoms also have difficulty recognizing social boundaries in a situation, leading them to intrude on activities or conversations without considering how others might feel about it. They are often struggling organizing their thoughts and are overwhelmed by the complexity of projects. Many people who suffer from this ADHD also have a past history of depression or mood disorders.
A correct diagnosis is crucial to determine the most effective treatment plan. Many adults suffering from ADHD are reluctant to seek help. However, a 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. The symptoms must be present prior to the age of 12 and last for at least six months in order to be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis. The symptoms must be severe enough to impact a person's performance in the workplace, at school or at home.
Experts aren't entirely sure the reasons ADHD is a problem but they do know that it can be hereditary and that certain genes can increase the likelihood of developing the condition. They also know that brain chemistry and differences in brain structure can play a role and that some people have the disorder despite not 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. These treatments are often more effective than prescription medications.
