Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Attention deficit disorder in adults can be challenging to recognize and treat. Therapists can assist by examining the symptoms and their root causes, and then teaching the patient how to structure their lives and behavioral changes, and offering medication when needed.
People with ADD/ADHD may have issues with hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity. Some of the symptoms include forgetfulness, difficulty waiting for their turn, and difficulty concentrating on tasks or playing games.
The Signs of Inattention Type
This type of ADHD is characterized by high distractibility, and a lack of focus on tiny details. Adults who have inattention ADHD often find it hard to complete tasks or tasks that require a sustained concentration, such as writing, reading or doing homework. They may struggle to remember appointments or paying bills, and are prone to making careless 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. Their issues can continue into adulthood and affect their relationships, school performance and career advancement.
The signs of inattention ADHD include frequent fidgeting with hands or feet, having difficulty taking part in leisure activities without interruption, trouble waiting for their turn and answering questions before they are completed. They are also often late to meetings or classes and struggle to stay organized. Inattentive ADHD sufferers often have a hard time staying focused at school or at work. They dislike boring meetings and prefer to chew gum or drink coffee to help them through.
A health professional will evaluate the person for potential mental health issues or medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms and then examine their behavior to determine if they suffer from ADD. You can ask to see the person's behavior in various situations by talking to their family or teachers as well as their coworkers. The health professional may also inquire about the person's mood and their recent medical history.
Psychostimulants are used to boost alertness and streamline brain signals. Adderall, Ritalin, Concerta and methylphenidates like Strattera (atomoxetine), Qelbree and Ritalin are all examples of these medicines. Antidepressants, which affect neurotransmitters in the brain, are also sometimes prescribed to those suffering from inattentive ADHD to improve their mood and focus. They may include Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). 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 is a problem for them to concentrate on work or school assignments and can lead to careless errors. Additionally, they frequently have trouble following instructions or completing complex tasks. They also struggle to stay on task while playing games or participating in leisure activities. They can be disruptive and disrupt others during games, conversations or other activities. They might fiddle with their feet or hands, squirm in their seat or jog while 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 be unable to control themselves and be constantly on the move and are unable to slow down or stop, even at fairs or theme parks. ADHD symptoms adults may have trouble organizing tasks, completing projects for a long period of time, or working on structured activities or homework.
They typically have a low sense of personal responsibility and have difficulty making and keeping friends. They may also have trouble managing their emotions, which could result in mood swings and depression. They may also have trouble managing their finances and time, which can make it easier for them to fall victim to scams in the financial industry.
Many people who suffer from ADHD do not receive a diagnosis until adulthood, when their problems become more evident. Teachers or other adults might have missed their symptoms throughout childhood. They may have learned to manage their symptoms and thrived in a supportive environment until they encountered the stresses of working or having a family as their issues became more apparent. The ratio of males to females in diagnosed ADHD is much higher in childhood, but the rate becomes more similar as they reach adulthood.
Certain nutritional supplements can help reduce irritability in people with ADHD. These include GABA, taurine, GABA fish oil, and Brain Vitale. Techniques for managing stress, such as deep breathing and regular exercise can be beneficial. They should discuss all options for treatment with their doctor including non-stimulants and stimulants like atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) and antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin).
Symptoms of Mixed Type
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, such as homework, schoolwork, chores or work. They also make a lot of mistakes at school, in the workplace and in their private lives. These problems with attention and impulse control can result in a lot of stress and difficulty in relationships.
The signs of this disorder typically appear at various times throughout the day, and they may vary from mild to severe. The ability to be easily distracted, daydreaming and forgetfulness are just a few symptoms. They also include the tendency to lose things like keys or homework and a difficulty in working through tasks. They also struggle to stay still and may disrupt or take over games or other leisure activities.
It is important to assess the results of each drug carefully when you have an unbalanced presentation. Adults who have had this presentation since the time they were teenagers should be re-evaluated every six months, particularly when there are any lifestyle changes that could affect the amount of medication required.
It is important to note that ADD and ADHD do not impact race gender, ethnicity, gender or age. However it does appear to affect people who were deemed male at birth. The diagnosis is typically identified when adults exhibit several of the typical symptoms across a variety of aspects of their lives but can't explain them satisfactorily.
There are a variety of ways to manage and treat ADD in adults, including lifestyle modification, behavior therapy 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 improve concentration by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. Non-stimulants are also available and are an excellent option for adults who aren't keen on taking stimulants or require a lower dose.
Symptoms of Combined Type
For people with combined type ADHD, the symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity appear together. The signs of inattention could be apparent in the form of difficulty sitting still, forgetfulness or difficulty finishing tasks and impulsivity, hyperactivity may manifest as a lack of concentration, fidgeting or squirming, or blurting out answers without waiting for a full answer. They often have a difficult time to wait in line or to follow instructions, which can result in frustration and rule-breaking behavior.
Adults with a mix of ADHD symptoms also often have difficulties reading situational social boundaries, leading them to intrude into conversations or activities without considering how others might think about it. They are more likely to have a difficult time with organizational strategies and are often overwhelmed by large-scale projects. Many people suffering from this ADHD also have a history of mood disorders or depression.
Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD is crucial to determining the most effective treatment strategy. While many adults who have ADHD struggle to seek assistance, getting the diagnosis can be an 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 before age 12 and last for at least six months to qualify as an ADHD diagnosis. In addition the symptoms have to be severe enough to hinder the performance of a child at school, work or at home.
Experts don't fully understand the reasons ADHD occurs, but they know that it can be genetic and that certain genes can increase a person's risk of developing the disorder. They also know that differences in brain structure and brain chemistry play a role in the development of the disorder, and that some individuals 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.