Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Attention deficit disorder in adults can be challenging to identify and manage. A therapist can help by examining symptoms and their reasons, and educating patients on how to add structure and change their behavior and provide medication if needed.
People suffering from ADD/ADHD experience issues with hyperactivity, inattention and an impulsive nature. Some of the symptoms include forgetfulness, difficulty waiting for their turn, and trouble concentrating on work or playing games.
Symptoms of Inattentive Type
This subtype of ADHD is distinguished by a high degree of distraction and difficulty paying attention to tiny details. Adults who are inattentive ADHD struggle to complete tasks or projects that require continuous mental effort, like reading and writing. They may have difficulty remembering appointments or paying bills and are prone to making careless mistakes in their work or 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 problems can persist into adulthood, affecting their relationships, school performance, and career advancement.
The signs of inattention ADHD include the habit of fidgeting with your hands or feet, having difficulty engaging in leisure activities quietly and unable to wait for their turn, and blurting out answers before questions are finished. They also tend to be late to meetings or classes and are unable to stay organized. Those with inattentive ADHD frequently have difficulty staying focused at school or work, despise boring meetings and have to chew gum or drink coffee to make it through them.
A health professional will examine a person to determine if there are any mental health or medical conditions that could trigger similar symptoms. Then, they will examine their behavior history to determine if the patient is suffering from ADD. This can involve talking to the person's parents, teachers and colleagues and asking them to observe their behavior in various settings. The health care provider will also inquire about the person's mood and recent medical background.
Psychostimulants are used to enhance alertness and improve brain signals. They include amphetamines, such as Adderall, Ritalin and Concerta and methylphenidates such as Strattera (atomoxetine) and Qelbree (viloxazine). Antidepressants that affect neurotransmitters in the brain can be prescribed to those with inattentive ADHD in order to improve their mood and concentration. They can include Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). Non-stimulant drugs can also be utilized. 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 lead to careless mistakes. They also have difficulty following directions or completing complex tasks. They also have trouble staying on task when playing games or in leisure activities with other people. They are often disruptive and disrupt other people during games, conversations or other activities. They might fiddle or squirm with their hands or feet or squirm or move in their seats or pacing while 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 are unable to slow down or stop at events like fairs or theme park. They may struggle with organizing tasks, working on projects over a long time, or focusing on scheduled tasks or homework.
They typically have a low sense of their personal responsibility and experience difficulty making and maintaining friendships. They may also have trouble controlling their emotions, which can lead to mood swings and depression. They may also have difficulty managing their finances and time, which can make them more vulnerable to financial scams or other frauds.
Many people suffering from ADHD do not be diagnosed until the age of adulthood, when their problems become more apparent. In their early years, they could be overlooked by teachers or other adults who were unaware of their symptoms. They may have compensated for their problems in a supportive atmosphere and thrived until they had to face the pressure of pursuing an occupation or raising a child, when their issues became apparent. In the early years, the male-to-female* ADHD ratio is higher. However ADHD in adults symptoms quiz becomes more equal as they grow older.
People suffering from ADHD typically discover that certain dietary supplements, like multiple vitamin, NeurOmega fish oil, GABA or taurine and Brain Vitale or NeuroMemory, can help reduce irritability and improve memory. Stress management techniques such as deep breathing and regular exercise can be beneficial. They should discuss with their doctor all options for treatment that include stimulants (Strattera) as well as non-stimulants (Viloxazine) (Qelbree), and antidepressants (Wellbutrin).
Symptoms of Mixed Type
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 stay in their heads for example, schoolwork chores, homework or even 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 lots of stress and difficulty in relationships.
The symptoms of this condition can be varied in severity and can manifest at different times in life. They include daydreaming and being easily distracted from their own thoughts, which can cause the tendency to lose things like homework or keys and difficulty focusing on tasks. They may also have a difficult time being still, and can disrupt or take over leisure activities or games.
It is important to assess the results of each drug carefully when you have a mixed presentation. Adults who have experienced this presentation since the time they were teenagers should be re-evaluated every six months, and especially if there are any changes in their lifestyle that could impact the amount of medication required.
It is important to remember that ADD and ADHD do not impact race, gender, ethnicity or age. However it is believed that it will affect people who were categorized as male at birth. Adults who show a number of symptoms that are not explained are typically diagnosed.
There are several methods to treat ADD in adults, which include lifestyle changes, medication 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 improve concentration by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. Non-stimulants are also readily available and are an excellent option for adults who don't want to take 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. Inattention symptoms may include forgetfulness, difficulty finishing tasks or having difficulty staying still. Hyperactivity and impulsivity can manifest as restlessness, fidgeting, or squirming. They find it hard to stay in line or follow directions. This can lead to frustration and rule-breaking behaviors.
Adults with a combination of ADHD symptoms also often have difficulties reading situational social boundaries, leading them to intrude on activities or conversations without considering how others might think about it. They are more likely to have a hard working with organizational strategies and tend to be overwhelmed by complicated projects. Many people suffering from this ADHD also have a history of depression or mood disorders.
A clear diagnosis is crucial for determining the best treatment plan. Although many adults with ADHD struggle to seek assistance, obtaining an accurate diagnosis can be a empowering experience that gives them the tools they require to manage their symptoms and live productive, satisfying 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 the age of 12 and last for at least six months to be considered ADHD. The symptoms must be severe enough to impact the performance of a child at the workplace, at school or at home.
Experts aren't sure why ADHD occurs, but they are aware that it could be hereditary and that certain genes can increase a person's risk of developing the disorder. They also know that differences in brain structure and the brain's chemical makeup play a role in the development of the disorder, and that some individuals develop the disorder spontaneously 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. In many instances, these treatments are more effective than medication.