Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Attention deficit disorder in adults can be challenging to identify and manage. Therapists can assist by examining symptoms and root causes, educating patients on how to create structure and make behavioural changes and provide medication if necessary.
People suffering from ADD/ADHD may have difficulties with hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity. The symptoms could include forgetfulness, trouble waiting for their turn, and difficulty concentrating on tasks or playing games.
Signs of Inattentive Type
The most prominent symptoms of this ADHD subtype are high levels of distraction and difficulty paying attention to details. Adults with inattentive ADHD have difficulty completing tasks or projects that require continuous mental effort, such as writing and reading. They may have difficulty remembering appointments or paying their bills and are susceptible to making impulsive errors in 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 as well as school performance and career advancement.
Inattention ADHD symptoms include fidgeting, having trouble playing quietly or participating in leisure activities, problems waiting for their turn, and blurting answers when the questions are not finished. They also are often late to meetings or classes and have difficulty staying organized. Inattentive ADHD sufferers often have a hard time staying focused at school or at work. They dislike boring meetings and often chew gum or drink coffee to get them through.
A health care provider will assess a person to determine if they have any medical or mental conditions that could trigger similar symptoms. Then, they'll examine their behavior history to determine if the person is suffering from ADD. You can ask to see the person's behavior in different situations by talking to their parents as well as teachers and colleagues. The health professional will also ask about the person's mood as well as recent medical background.
Most commonly, psychostimulants are used to increase alertness and boost brain signals. Adderall, Ritalin, Concerta and methylphenidates like Strattera (atomoxetine), Qelbree and Ritalin are just a few examples of these medicines. Antidepressants that affect neurotransmitters within the brain can be prescribed to people suffering from inattention ADHD to help improve their mood and focus. Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor, (venlafaxine) are two examples. Other medications that aren't stimulants can 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 focus on their work or school tasks, and could result in a number of mistakes made by careless people. Additionally, they frequently have trouble following instructions or completing complex tasks. They also struggle to stay on track when playing games or in activities of leisure with others. They often interrupt or interfere on other people during conversations or games and can't wait for their turn. They might play with their hands or feet, squirm in 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 struggle to control themselves and are constantly moving and are unable to slow down or stop, even at fairs or theme parks. They may have trouble managing tasks, completing projects over a long time, or working on structured activities or homework.
They typically have a low sense of their personal responsibility and experience difficulty making and maintaining friendships. They may also have difficulties regulating their emotions which can cause mood swings or severe depression. They may also be having difficulty managing their finances and time and this can make it easier for them to fall prey to scams in the financial industry.
Many people who suffer from ADHD are not diagnosed until adulthood when their symptoms become more obvious. Teachers or other adults might have missed their symptoms in the early years of their lives. They might have learned to manage their symptoms and thrived in a nurturing environment until they had to face the pressures of pursuing a career or having a family when their problems were more evident. In the beginning, the male-to female* ADHD ratio is higher. However it becomes more equal in adulthood.
Certain dietary supplements can reduce irritability for people suffering from ADHD. These include GABA, taurine, GABA fish oil and Brain Vitale. They may also benefit from stress management strategies that include regular exercises and deep breathing. They should discuss all treatment options with their physician, including stimulants and non-stimulants like atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) and antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin).
Mixed Type symptoms
People with combined type ADHD exhibit symptoms of both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive presentations. They have difficulty staying focused on tasks that require mental effort for a long period of time or causing things to stick in their heads for example, schoolwork chores, homework or work. They are prone to making careless mistakes in school, at work, and in personal life. These issues with attention and impulse can cause a lot stress and lead to difficulties in relationships.
The symptoms of this condition are varied in severity and can manifest at different stages of life. They may include daydreaming and becoming easily distracted from their thoughts, which may lead to the tendency to lose things, such as homework or keys; and difficulties following through on tasks. They may also have difficulty staying still and may disrupt or take over their leisure activities or games.
Someone who has a mixed manifestation of ADHD may find that some medications help and others don't. Therefore, it's recommended to test one at each time and analyze the outcomes carefully. Adults with this type of presentation who have been taking medication since the time they were teenagers should be able to review their treatment every six months, and in particular after any changes in lifestyle that could alter the amount of medication required.
It is important to remember that ADD and ADHD do not impact race gender, ethnicity, gender or age. However it is believed that it will affect people who were categorized as male at birth. The diagnosis is usually given when people are suffering from many of the common symptoms in various areas of their lives, but can't explain them satisfactorily.
There are many methods to manage and treat ADD for adults, which includes 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 help to increase concentration by increasing the supply of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Non-stimulants can also be utilized by adults who do not wish to take stimulants, or only require them in 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 be evident as difficulty sitting still, forgetfulness or trouble finishing tasks, while hyperactivity and impulsivity can manifest as a lack of concentration, fidgeting and squirming. They may also be able to blurt out answers without waiting for a complete question. They may find it difficult to wait in line or follow instructions, leading to frustration and a tendency to break the rules.
Adults who have an array of ADHD symptoms often also experience difficulties recognizing social boundaries within their environment and can be seen to intrude on activities or conversations without thinking about how others be feeling about it. They are more likely to have a difficult to organize their lives and are often overwhelmed by large-scale projects. In many cases, those with this ADHD appearance are also prone to depression or other mood disorders.
Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD is crucial to determining the most effective treatment plan. Many adults suffering from ADHD are hesitant to seek assistance. However the 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 before the age of 12 and last for a minimum of six months to qualify as ADHD. In addition the symptoms must be severe enough to affect the performance of a child at work, school or home.
Experts aren't sure the reason ADHD occurs. However, they are aware that it is inherited and certain genes increase the likelihood of developing the condition. They also know that brain chemistry and variations in the structure of the brain play a part in the development of the disorder, and that some individuals have the disorder despite not having 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. In severe ADHD symptoms adults , these therapies can be more effective than medications.
