Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Adults with attention deficit disorder are difficult to diagnose and treat. A therapist can help by examining symptoms and reasons, and educating patients on how to structure their lives and change their behavior, and offering medication when necessary.
People suffering from ADD/ADHD experience issues with hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity. The symptoms could include forgetfulness, difficulty waiting for their turn, and difficulties concentrating on tasks or playing games.
Inattention Type Signs
This subtype of ADHD is characterized by a high level of distraction, and a lack of focus on tiny details. Adults with inattention ADHD have difficulty completing tasks or projects that require sustained mental effort, like writing and reading. They may have difficulty remembering appointments or paying their bills, and are prone making careless mistakes at the workplace 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. Their issues can continue throughout their adulthood and impact their relationships, school performance, and their career progression.
Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms include fidgeting, having trouble engaging in leisure activities, difficulties waiting for their turn, and blurting out answers when the questions are not finished. They also have difficulty staying organized at home and work and are often late for classes or meetings. Inattentive ADHD sufferers often have a hard time staying focused at school or at work. They don't like boring meetings and chew gum or drink coffee to get them through.
A health care provider will assess a person to determine if they have any mental health or medical illnesses that may cause similar symptoms. Then, they'll analyze their behavior to determine if the person is suffering from ADD. You can ask to see the person's behavior in various situations by speaking to their parents, teachers, and co-workers. The health care provider will also inquire about the person's mood as well as recent medical history.
The most frequently prescribed drugs for inattention ADHD are psychostimulants which improve signals sent to the brain and increase alertness. These include amphetamines like 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 inattentive ADHD to improve their mood and focus. 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 makes it difficult to focus on work or school assignments and may result in careless mistakes. In addition, they often have trouble following instructions or completing complicated tasks. They also have trouble staying focused when playing games or engaging in activities of leisure with others. They are often disruptive and disrupt others during games, conversations or other activities. They might fiddle with their feet or hands or squirm in their seats or walk around 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 have difficulty controlling themselves and are constantly moving and unable to slow down or stop, even at events like fairs or theme parks. They may have trouble organizing tasks, working on projects over a long time or applying themselves to scheduled tasks or homework.
They have a lack of a sense of responsibility and often have a difficult time forming and maintaining friendships. They may also have trouble managing their emotions, which can lead them to mood swings or depression. They might also have issues managing their finances and time, which can make them more susceptible to financial scams and other frauds.
Many people suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed until adulthood when their symptoms become more evident. Teachers and other adults could have missed their symptoms throughout the early years of their lives. They may have adapted to compensate for their symptoms and thrived in a nurturing environment until they had to face the pressures of working or raising a family, which is when their issues were more evident. In the early years, the male-to-female* ADHD ratio is higher. However it becomes more equal as they grow older.
what are ADHD symptoms in adults suffering from ADHD frequently find that certain dietary supplements, such as multiple vitamin, NeurOmega fish oil, GABA or taurine, and Brain Vitale or NeuroMemory can help to reduce irritability and improve memory. They can also benefit from techniques for managing stress that include regular exercises and deep breathing. They should discuss all treatment options with their health care provider including non-stimulants and stimulants like atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) and antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin).
Mixed Type Signs and symptoms
People with combined type ADHD exhibit symptoms of both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive presentations. They have difficulty staying focused on tasks that require a lot of mental effort for a long period of time or causing things to stick in their mind like schoolwork, chores, homework or work. They also make careless mistakes at school, at work and in their private lives. The issues with attention and control of impulses can cause a lot of stress and trouble in relationships.
The symptoms of this condition typically manifest at different times in life, and they may vary from mild to severe. Being easily distracted, daydreaming, and forgetfulness are all signs. They also include a tendency to misplace items like keys or homework and a difficulty in following through with tasks. They may also have a difficult time staying still and may disrupt or take over their leisure activities or games.
Someone 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 outcomes carefully. Adults who have had this condition since they were teenagers should have their treatment evaluated every six months, particularly in the event of any lifestyle changes that may affect the amount of medication needed.
It is important to note that ADD and ADHD do not impact race or gender, ethnicity, or age. However it is believed that it will be more prevalent in those who were deemed male at birth. The diagnosis is usually made when adults present with several of the typical symptoms in various areas of their lives and cannot explain them clearly.
There are many ways to manage 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 increase concentration by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. There are also non-stimulants available and are a good choice for adults who don't want to take stimulants or need 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 may include forgetfulness, difficulties completing tasks or difficulties sitting still. Impulsivity and hyperactivity can manifest as restlessness, fidgeting or squirming. They often have a difficult time to wait in line or to follow instructions, leading to frustration and behavior that is contrary to the rules.
Adults who suffer from a combination of ADHD symptoms are often having trouble understanding social boundaries in the context of a particular situation which could cause them to disrupt conversations or activities. They do this without considering how others may feel. They tend to have difficulty in organising their strategies and become overwhelmed by large-scale projects. In many cases, people with this ADHD display are also prone to depression or other mood disorders.
A proper diagnosis of ADHD is key to identifying the most effective treatment plan. Many adults suffering from ADHD are reluctant to seek assistance. However the 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 be present prior to the age of 12 and last for at least six months in order to be considered an ADHD diagnosis. The symptoms must also be severe enough to impact the performance of a child at school, at work or at home.
Experts aren't entirely sure why ADHD is a common occurrence. However, they know that it is genetic and certain genes increase the chance of someone being diagnosed with the disorder. They also know that brain structure and brain chemistry play a part in the development of ADHD, and that some people 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. In many instances, these therapies are more effective than medications.