Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Attention deficit disorder in adults can be challenging to recognize and treat. Therapists can assist by examining symptoms and their reasons, and educating patients on how to structure their lives and alter their behaviour, and offering medication when necessary.
People suffering from ADD/ADHD may have difficulties with hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity. Symptoms include forgetfulness, difficulty waiting for their turn, or difficulty concentrating on games or tasks.
Inattention Type symptoms
The defining symptoms of this ADHD subtype are high distractibility and difficulty paying attention particulars. Adults with inattentive ADHD have difficulty completing tasks or projects that require sustained mental effort, like writing and reading. They may struggle to remember appointments or paying bills, and are more likely to make impulsive mistakes in their daily or personal 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, their problems may persist throughout their adult lives and cause problems with relationships, school performance, and career advancement.
Inattention ADHD symptoms include fumbling, difficulty engaging in leisure activities, problems waiting for their turn, and blurting out answers before the questions are completed. They are also often late to meetings or classes and are unable to stay organized. Those with inattentive ADHD are often unable to stay focused during work or school are bored at meetings and require chewing gum or drink coffee to make it through them.
A medical professional will assess the patient for potential mental health issues or medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms and then analyze their behavior history to determine if they suffer from ADD. You can ask to see the person's behavior under various situations by talking to their parents, teachers, and co-workers. The health care provider may also inquire about the person's mood and recent medical history.
The most frequently prescribed drugs for inattentive ADHD are psychostimulants that improve the brain's signals 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 within the brain are often prescribed to people suffering from inattention ADHD in order to improve their mood and focus. Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor, (venlafaxine) are two examples. Non-stimulant medications 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 could lead to careless mistakes. They also have difficulty following instructions or completing difficult tasks. They also struggle to stay focused when playing games or participating in leisure activities. They can be disruptive and disrupt other people during games, conversations or other activities. They might fiddle 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 may have difficulty controlling themselves and be constantly moving and unable to slow down or stop at events like fairs or theme park. They may have difficulty with managing tasks, completing projects over a long time, or focusing on scheduled tasks or homework.
They usually have a weak sense of personal responsibility and have difficulties creating and maintaining relationships. They may also have difficulty regulating their emotions which can cause mood swings and depression. They may also have trouble managing their finances and time and can make them more prone to financial scams or other fraudulent activities.
inattentive ADHD in adults symptoms suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed until adulthood, when their symptoms become more obvious. Teachers and other adults could have missed their symptoms during childhood. They might have learned to compensate for their symptoms and thrived in a supportive environment until they faced the stresses of working or having a family when their problems became more apparent. In the beginning, the male-to female* ADHD ratio is higher. However, it becomes more equal as they grow older.
People suffering from ADHD typically find 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. Techniques for managing stress, such as deep breathing and regular exercise can be beneficial. They should talk to their doctor about all treatments options that include stimulants (Strattera) and non-stimulants (Viloxazine) (Qelbree), and antidepressants (Wellbutrin).
Symptoms of Mixed Type
People with combined type ADHD exhibit symptoms of both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive presentations. They have trouble focusing on long-term mental tasks or remembering things, such as chores, schoolwork, homework or work. They tend to make impulsive errors at school, work, and in personal life. These issues with attention and impulse can create a lot of stress and lead to relationship difficulties.
Symptoms of this presentation often occur at different times in life and can range from mild to severe. Daydreaming, being easily distracted and forgetfulness are a few signs. They also include the tendency to lose things like keys or homework, and having difficulty keeping track of tasks. They may also have difficulty being still, and can interrupt or take over leisure activities or games.
A person with a mixed presentation of ADHD may find that certain medications are helpful while others don't, so it's wise to try one at a time and evaluate the results carefully. Adults with this presentation who have been taking medications since the age of a teenager should get a review of their treatment every 6 months, and in particular after any changes in lifestyle that could affect the amount of medication required.
It is important to remember that ADD and ADHD are not influenced by race or gender, ethnicity, or age. However it does appear to be more prevalent in those who were assigned male at birth. Adults who exhibit a number of symptoms that are not explained are typically diagnosed.
There are a variety of ways to treat and manage ADD in adults, such as behavior therapy, lifestyle modifications and medications. 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 aid in increasing concentration by increasing the availability of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Non-stimulants can also be used by adults who don't want to use stimulants, or who only need them in a low dosage.
Signs and symptoms of Combined Type
For people with combined type ADHD, the symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity appear together. Inattention symptoms include forgetfulness, difficulty finishing tasks or having difficulty sitting still. Impulsivity and hyperactivity can manifest as restlessness, fidgeting or squirming. They have a difficult time learning to stand in line or follow instructions. This can result in frustration and rule-breaking behaviors.
Adults who suffer from a combination of ADHD symptoms usually have trouble understanding the social boundaries of a given situation, which can lead them to disrupt conversations or activities. They do this without thinking about how others may feel. They are often struggling with organizing strategies and get overwhelmed by complex projects. In many cases, people with this ADHD display may also be suffering from depression or other mood disorders.
Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD is key to identifying the most effective treatment plan. Many people suffering from ADHD are reluctant 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. These symptoms must be present prior age 12 and last for at least six months to qualify as an ADHD diagnosis. The symptoms must be severe enough to impact the performance of a child at school, at work or at home.
Experts do not fully understand why ADHD is a common occurrence. However, they do know that it is genetic and certain genes increase the risk of a person being diagnosed with the disorder. They also recognize that brain chemistry and variations in the structure of the brain are a factor 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. These treatments are typically more effective than medication.