Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Adults with attention deficit disorder may be difficult to diagnose and treat. Therapists can assist by examining symptoms and causes, teaching patients ways to add structure and make behavioural changes and offer medication when required.
People with ADD/ADHD experience difficulties with hyperactivity, inattention and an impulsiveness. Some of the symptoms include forgetfulness, trouble waiting for their turn and trouble concentrating on work or playing games.
Symptoms of Inattentive Type
The most prominent symptoms of this ADHD subtype are high distractibility and difficulty paying attention to particulars. Adults who are inattentive ADHD are unable to complete tasks or projects that require constant mental efforts, such as reading and writing. They may have difficulty 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 even their career development.
The signs of inattention ADHD include frequent fidgeting with hands or feet, having difficulty engaging in leisure activities at a relaxed pace and unable to wait for their turn and blurting out answers before questions are answered. They also tend to be late to classes or meetings and struggle to stay organized. Those with inattentive ADHD frequently have difficulty staying focused at school or at work are bored at meetings and need to chew gum or drink coffee to pass the time.
A health care provider will assess a person to determine if they have any mental health or medical conditions which could cause similar symptoms. Then, they will examine their behavior history in order to determine if the patient has ADD. You can inquire about the person's behavior in different situations by speaking to their family as well as teachers and colleagues. The health care provider might also inquire about the individual's mood and their 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 like Strattera (atomoxetine) and Qelbree (viloxazine). Antidepressants that alter neurotransmitters inside the brain are sometimes prescribed to people with inattentive ADHD to help enhance their mood and improve their concentration. Wellbutrin (bupropion), and Effexor, (venlafaxine) are two examples. Other drugs that are not stimulants are also available. 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 for them to concentrate on schoolwork or work tasks and can lead to careless mistakes. They also have difficulty following instructions or completing difficult tasks. They also struggle to stay focused when playing games or taking part in leisure activities. They frequently interrupt or interfere on others during conversations or games and can't wait for their turn. They may fiddle or squirm using their hands or feet, squirm or pace in their chairs 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 may be unable to control their own behavior and be constantly on the move and unable to slow down or stop during events such as fairs or a theme park. They may have trouble managing tasks, completing projects for a long period of time or applying themselves to routine tasks or assignments.
They have a lack of a sense of accountability and often have difficulty making and keeping friendships. They may also have trouble regulating their emotions, which could lead to mood swings and depression. They might also have issues managing their finances and time which could make them more susceptible to financial scams and other fraudulent activities.
Many people who suffer from ADHD are not diagnosed until adulthood, when their symptoms become more evident. As children, they might have been overlooked by teachers or other adults who were unaware of their issues. They may have compensated for their issues in a supportive environment and thrived until they were confronted with the pressure of finding an occupation or raising a child when their problems became apparent. In the early years, the male-to-female* ADHD ratio is higher. However it becomes more equal as they grow older.
Certain dietary supplements can reduce the irritability of people suffering from ADHD. These include GABA as well as taurine. GABA fish oil and Brain Vitale. They may also benefit from stress management techniques that include regular exercises and deep breathing. They should discuss with their doctor all options for treatment that include stimulants (Strattera) as well as non-stimulants (Viloxazine) (Qelbree), and antidepressants (Wellbutrin).
The symptoms of mixed type
People with combined type ADHD exhibit symptoms of both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive presentations. They have trouble staying focused on tasks that require a lot of mental effort for a long time or making things stick in their heads for example, schoolwork homework, chores, or work. They also tend to make mistakes in school, at work, and in their personal lives. Attention and impulse control can result in a lot of stress and difficulty in relationships.
The signs of this condition are varied in severity and manifest at various stages of life. They may include daydreaming and becoming easily distracted by their own thoughts, which may lead to the tendency to lose things like keys or homework; and difficulties following through on tasks. They may also have a difficult time sitting still and disrupt 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. Therefore, it's recommended to test one at a time and evaluate the results carefully. Adults who have had this type of presentation since they were teenagers should have their treatment evaluated every six months, particularly when there are any lifestyle changes that could affect the amount of medication needed.
It is important to remember that ADD or ADHD doesn't affect race or ethnicity, nor gender, but it is believed to affect more people who are assigned male at birth (AMAB). The diagnosis is typically identified when adults exhibit many of the common symptoms in various areas of their lives and cannot explain them clearly.
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 boost concentration by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. There are also non-stimulants available and can be a good choice for adults who do not want to take stimulants or require them at lower doses.
The symptoms of Combined Type
For people with combined type ADHD, the symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity appear together. Inattention symptoms include forgetfulness, difficulties completing tasks or having difficulty being still. Impulsivity and hyperactivity can manifest as restlessness, fidgeting, or squirming. They often find it difficult to stay in line or follow directions, which can lead to frustration and rule-breaking behavior.
Adults who suffer from a combination of ADHD symptoms usually have trouble understanding social boundaries in an environment which could cause them to interrupt conversations or activities. They do this without considering the feelings of others. They tend to have difficulty organizing their thoughts and are overwhelmed by complex projects. In ADHD in adults symptoms women , people with this ADHD appearance are also prone to depression or other mood disorders.
A proper diagnosis of ADHD is essential to determine the most effective treatment strategy. While many adults who have ADHD struggle to seek help, receiving an accurate diagnosis can be a positive experience that provides them with the tools they need to manage their symptoms and lead a 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 to age 12 and last for at least six months in order to be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis. The symptoms must be severe enough to impact the student's performance at the workplace, at school or at home.
Experts aren't sure why ADHD is a problem but they do know that it can be inherited and that certain genes can increase the likelihood of developing the condition. They also recognize that brain chemistry and differences in brain structure are a factor, and that some people get the disorder without 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 can be more effective than medications.
