Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Attention deficit disorder in adults can be challenging to identify and treat. A therapist can help by examining symptoms and causes, teaching patients ways to create structure and alter their behaviour and offer medication when needed.
People suffering from ADD/ADHD may have difficulties with hyperactivity, inattention, and an impulsiveness. It is evident by the lack of memory and difficulty waiting for their turn, or difficulty concentrating on games or tasks.
Inattentive Type Signs
This type of ADHD is distinguished by high distractibility, and a difficulty in paying attention to tiny details. Adults with inattention ADHD typically have difficulty to complete tasks or projects that require constant mental effort, like writing, reading and completing homework. They may struggle to remember appointments or paying bills, and are more likely to make impulsive mistakes at work or in their home 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. Their issues can continue throughout their adulthood and impact their relationships, school performance, and even their career development.
Inattention ADHD symptoms include fidgeting, having trouble playing quietly or participating 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 have difficulty staying organized. People with inattention ADHD are often unable to stay focused at school or at work dislike boring meetings and require chewing gum or sip coffee to make it through them.
A health care provider will examine a person to determine if they have any medical or mental conditions that could trigger similar symptoms. Then, they'll use their behavioral history to determine if the patient is suffering from ADD. You can ask to see the person's behavior in different situations by speaking to their parents, teachers, and co-workers. The health professional may also inquire about the individual's mood and medical history.
The most commonly prescribed medications for inattention ADHD are psychostimulants that streamline signals sent to the brain and increase alertness. These 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 to help improve their mood and 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 condition can make it difficult for people to concentrate on their work or school tasks, and may cause mistakes due to negligence. They also have trouble following instructions or completing complicated tasks. They also struggle to stay on task when playing games or in leisure activities with others. They can be disruptive and disrupt other players during games, discussions or other activities. They might squirm or fiddle with their feet or hands or squirm or move in their chairs or pacing as they talk or listen.
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 frequently be in a hurry, unable to stop or slow down, even if they're attending organized events such as fairs or theme parks. They may have difficulty with managing tasks, completing projects over a long time, or focusing on scheduled tasks or homework.
They often have a poor sense of personal responsibility and may have difficulty creating and maintaining relationships. They may also have difficulty controlling their emotions, which can cause mood swings and extreme depression. They may also have trouble managing their time and finances and this can make it easier for them to fall victim to financial scams.
Many people suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed until they reach adulthood when their symptoms become more obvious. In their early years, they could have been missed by teachers or other adults who weren't aware of their problems. They may have learned to cope with their symptoms and thrived in a nurturing environment until they had to face the pressures of working or raising 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 nutritional supplements can help reduce irritability in people with ADHD. These include GABA and taurine, GABA fish oil, and Brain Vitale. They can also benefit from stress management techniques like regular exercise and deep breathing. They should discuss all options for treatment with their physician which includes 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 focusing on long-term mental activities or remembering things like homework, schoolwork, chores or work. They also tend to make careless mistakes at school, in the workplace, and in their personal lives. These problems with attention and impulse control can lead to lots of stress and trouble in relationships.
The signs of this condition are varied in severity and can manifest at different times in life. The ability to be easily distracted, daydreaming and forgetfulness are a few symptoms. They also have a tendency to misplace things like keys or homework and a difficulty in keeping track of tasks. They also struggle to stay 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, so it's wise to try one at an time and then evaluate the outcomes carefully. Adults who have experienced this condition since the time they were teenagers should be re-evaluated every six months, especially if there are any lifestyle changes that could impact the amount of medication needed.
It is important to know that ADD and ADHD do not impact 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 various of the typical symptoms in several areas of their lives and are unable to explain them in a satisfactory manner.
There are several ways to manage ADD among adults, including 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 increase concentration by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. Non-stimulants are also used by adults who do not want to use stimulants, or who only need them in a low 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 completing tasks or difficulties sitting still. Hyperactivity and impulsivity may manifest as restlessness, fidgeting, or squirming. They often find it difficult to stay in line or follow directions, which can lead to frustration and a tendency to break the rules.
Adults who suffer from a mix of ADHD symptoms also have difficulties reading situational social boundaries and can be seen to intrude on activities or conversations without thinking about how others think about it. They tend to have difficulty organizing their thoughts and are overwhelmed by complex projects. In many cases, those with this ADHD display are also prone to depression or other mood disorders.
Getting symptoms for ADHD in adults of ADHD is essential to determine the most effective treatment plan. Many adults suffering from ADHD are reluctant to seek assistance. However an accurate 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. These symptoms must have been present before the age of 12 and continue for at least six month to qualify as ADHD. In addition the symptoms have to be severe enough to hinder the person's performance at work, school or at home.
Experts aren't entirely sure the reasons ADHD occurs but they know that it can be hereditary and that certain genes increase a person's risk of developing the condition. More Support recognize that differences in brain structure and the brain's chemical makeup play a role in the development of the disorder, and that some individuals get the disorder on their own, with 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 therapies are usually more effective than medication.