Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Adults with attention deficit disorder may be difficult to diagnose and treat. A therapist can help by examining the symptoms and their reasons, and educating patients on how to create structure and change their behavior, and offering medication when needed.
People with ADD/ADHD may have issues with hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity. Symptoms may include problems with forgetfulness, trouble waiting for their turn and trouble concentrating on work or playing games.
The Signs of Inattention Type
This type of ADHD is distinguished by high distractibility, and difficulty paying attention to the smallest details. Adults who have inattention ADHD frequently find it difficult to complete tasks or tasks that require a sustained mental effort, such as writing, reading or doing homework. They may struggle to remember 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. In the end, their issues can persist throughout their adult lives, and may cause issues with relationships, school performance and career advancement.
The symptoms of inattention ADHD include the habit of fidgeting with your hands or feet, difficulties taking part in leisure activities without interruption and unable to wait 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. Those with inattentive ADHD are often unable to stay focused at school or at work are bored at meetings and need to chew gum or sip coffee to make it through them.
A health professional will assess the patient for any possible mental health issues or medical conditions that may cause similar symptoms. Then, they will examine their behavior to determine if they suffer from ADD. This can involve talking to the person's family members, teachers and colleagues, and asking them to observe their behavior in different situations. The health care provider will also inquire about the person's mood and recent medical history.
Most often, psychostimulants are used to increase alertness and boost brain signals. These 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 sometimes prescribed to people suffering from inattention ADHD in order to improve their mood and concentration. They can include Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). Non-stimulant drugs can also be used. 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 lead to careless mistakes. Additionally, they frequently have trouble following instructions or completing complex tasks. They also have trouble staying focused while playing games or engaging in leisure activities. They often disrupt and interrupt other players during games, discussions or other activities. They might play with their hands or feet or even squirm their seat, 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 can often be on the go, unable to stop or slow down, even when they're at organized events such as fairs or theme parks. They may have difficulties managing tasks, completing long-term projects, or committing themselves to schoolwork or other structured activities.
They usually have a weak sense of their personal responsibility and experience difficulty making and maintaining friendships. They may also have trouble managing their emotions, which can lead them to mood swings or depression. They may also have trouble managing their time and finances and can make them more vulnerable to financial scams and other frauds.
Many people who suffer from ADHD do not receive a diagnosis until adulthood, when their issues become more obvious. During childhood, they may be overlooked by teachers or other adults who were unaware of their issues. They may have compensated for their issues in a supportive atmosphere and thrived until they had to face the stress of pursuing a job or raising a child which is when their issues became evident. In the early years, the male-to-female* ADHD ratio is higher. However symptoms of inattentive ADHD in adults is more even in adulthood.
People with ADHD often find that certain nutritional supplements, such as multiple vitamin, NeurOmega fish oil, GABA or taurine and Brain Vitale or NeuroMemory can reduce anxiety and improve memory. Stress management techniques like deep breathing and regular exercise can be beneficial. They should discuss with their doctor all treatment options, including stimulants (Strattera) as well as 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 trouble staying focused on tasks that require mental effort for long periods of time or causing things to stay in their minds for example, schoolwork chores, homework or work. They are prone to making careless mistakes at work, school and even in their personal life. Attention and impulse control can lead to lots of stress and trouble in relationships.
The symptoms of this disorder can vary in severity and manifest at different stages of life. Being easily distracted, daydreaming, and forgetfulness are all symptoms. They also include a tendency to misplace items like keys or homework, and having difficulty keeping track of tasks. They also struggle to stay still, and they can disrupt or take over games or other activities.
It's important to evaluate the effects of each medication carefully when you have an unbalanced presentation. what is ADHD symptoms in adults with this type of presentation who have been taking medications since the time they were teenagers should get a review of their treatment every 6 months, and in particular when they make any changes to their lifestyle that could alter the amount of medication needed.
It is important to note that ADD and ADHD do not affect race or gender, ethnicity, or age. However, it does appear to affect more people who were deemed male at birth. The diagnosis is typically identified when adults exhibit several of the typical symptoms across a variety of aspects of their lives but can't explain them satisfactorily.
There are many ways to treat and manage ADD for adults, which includes behavioral therapy, lifestyle changes, 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 assist in increasing concentration by increasing the availability of dopamine and norepinephrine within the brain. Non-stimulants can also be used by adults who do not wish to take stimulants, or only need them in a low 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 completing tasks or difficulties staying still. Hyperactivity and impulsivity can manifest as a lack of concentration, fidgeting or squirming. They find it hard to wait in lines or follow instructions. This can lead to frustration and a tendency to break the rules.
Adults who suffer from a combination of ADHD symptoms also have difficulties recognizing social boundaries within their environment and can be seen to intrude on conversations or activities without considering how others might think about it. They are more likely to have a difficult time with organizational strategies and tend to be overwhelmed by large-scale projects. Many people suffering from this ADHD also have a past history of mood disorders or depression.
A correct diagnosis is crucial for determining the best treatment plan. Many people 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. The symptoms must be present prior the age of 12 and last for at least six months to qualify as 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 sure the reason ADHD occurs. However, they are aware that it is inherited and certain genes increase the risk of developing the condition. They also are aware that brain chemistry as well as variations in the structure of the brain can play a role and that some people have the disorder despite not having a 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 cases, these treatments are more effective than medications.