Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Adults with attention deficit disorder may be difficult to identify and treat. A therapist can help by examining symptoms and their causes, teaching patients ways to add structure and change their behavior and offer medication when necessary.
People suffering from ADD/ADHD experience issues with hyperactivity, inattention, and an impulsive nature. Some of the symptoms include memory loss, trouble waiting for their turn, and trouble concentrating on work or playing games.
Inattention Type Signs
The most obvious signs of this ADHD subtype are high levels of distraction and difficulty paying attention to the small details. Adults with inattention ADHD have difficulty completing tasks or projects that require constant mental effort, like reading and writing. They may have trouble remembering appointments or paying their bills, and are prone making 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. The issues they face can last into adulthood and affect their relationships, school performance and career advancement.
The symptoms of inattention ADHD include frequent fidgeting with hands or feet, difficulty engaging in leisure activities quietly as well as difficulty waiting for their turn and blurting out answers before questions are answered. They also have difficulty staying organized at home and work, and are often late for classes or meetings. Inattentive ADHD sufferers often have trouble staying focused at school or at work. They dislike boring meetings and often chew gum or drink coffee to get them through.
A health professional will evaluate 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 or teachers as well as their coworkers. The health professional may also inquire about the person's mood and recent medical history.
Most commonly, psychostimulants are used to boost alertness and improve brain signals. They include amphetamines, such as Adderall, Ritalin and Concerta and methylphenidates such as Strattera (atomoxetine) and Qelbree (viloxazine). signs and symptoms of ADHD in adults that alter neurotransmitters inside the brain are often prescribed to people suffering from inattention ADHD in order to enhance their mood and improve their concentration. 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 makes it difficult to focus on schoolwork or work tasks and can lead to careless errors. They also have difficulty following instructions or completing complicated tasks. They also struggle to stay on track when playing games or engaging in leisure activities with others. They often disrupt and interrupt other people during games, conversations or other activities. They may fiddle or squirm with their feet or hands, squirm or pace in their seats or pacing as they listen or talk.
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 constantly on the move and unable to stop or slow down, even when they're at organized events such as fairs or theme parks. They may struggle with managing tasks, completing projects for a long period of time, or working on routine tasks or assignments.
They lack a sense of responsibility and frequently struggle to form and maintain friendships. They may also have difficulties regulating their emotions which can result in mood swings and depression. They may also have trouble managing their time and finances which could make them more prone to financial scams and other frauds.
Many people who suffer from ADHD are not diagnosed until adulthood when their symptoms become more apparent. As children, they might have been missed by teachers or other adults who were unaware of their symptoms. They may have compensated for their issues in a supportive environment and thrived until they were faced 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 much higher in childhood, however the proportions become more similar in adulthood.
People with ADHD typically find that certain dietary supplements, like multiple vitamin, NeurOmega fish oil, GABA or taurine and Brain Vitale or NeuroMemory, can help reduce the irritability and improve memory. They may also benefit from stress management techniques like regular exercises and deep breathing. They should discuss all options for treatment with their health care provider which includes stimulants and non-stimulants such as atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) and antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin).
Symptoms of Mixed Type
People with combined type ADHD exhibit symptoms of both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive presentations. They are unable to focus on tasks that require a lot of mental effort for long periods of time or causing things to stay in their minds for example, schoolwork homework, chores, or work. They also make careless mistakes at school, at work and in their private lives. Attention and control of impulses can cause an abundance of stress and trouble in relationships.
Symptoms of this presentation often manifest at different times in life and can range from mild to severe. They may include daydreaming and becoming easily distracted from their thoughts, which may lead to the tendency to lose things like keys or homework and having trouble focusing on tasks. They might also have trouble staying still and may interfere with the activities of leisure or games.
Someone who has a mixed manifestation of ADHD may find that certain medications are helpful while others don't, so it's best to try one a time and evaluate the results carefully. Adults who have had this type of presentation since they were teens should have their treatment evaluated every six months, especially if there are any changes in their lifestyle that could alter the dosage of medication required.
It is important to remember that ADD or ADHD doesn't affect race or ethnicity, nor gender, but it does seem to be more prevalent in those who are assigned male at birth (AMAB). Adults who exhibit various symptoms and cannot explain them are typically diagnosed.
There are many methods to treat ADD in adults, which include medications, lifestyle changes, and behavior therapy. 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 availability of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. Non-stimulants can also be used by adults who do not wish to take stimulants, or require them in a lower dose.
Symptoms of Combined Type
For people with combined type ADHD, the symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity appear together. Inattention symptoms may include forgetfulness, difficulty finishing tasks, or having trouble staying still. Hyperactivity and impulsivity may manifest as restlessness, fidgeting, or squirming. They may find it difficult to stand in line or to follow instructions, which can result in frustration and rule-breaking behavior.
Adults with an array of ADHD symptoms also have difficulties reading situational social boundaries, leading them to intrude on activities or conversations without thinking about how others feel about it. They often have trouble in organising their strategies and become overwhelmed by the complexity of projects. Many people suffering from this ADHD also have a history of depression or mood disorders.
A proper diagnosis is essential for determining the best treatment plan. Although many adults with ADHD struggle to reach out for assistance, getting an accurate diagnosis can be a inspiring experience that provides them with the tools they need to manage their symptoms and lead productive, fulfilling 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. These symptoms must be present prior age 12 and persist for at least six months to be considered an ADHD diagnosis. Additionally, the symptoms must be severe enough to hinder the performance of a child at work, school or at home.
Experts do not fully understand why ADHD is a common occurrence. However, they know that it is genetic and certain genes increase the chance of a person becoming affected. They also know that brain structure and brain chemistry play a role in the development of ADHD, and that some people are born with the disorder and have no 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 medications.