Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Attention deficit disorder in adults can be difficult to identify and treat. Therapists can assist by examining the symptoms and their causes, teaching patients ways to create structure and make behavioural changes and offer medication when required.
People with ADD/ADHD may have issues with hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity. The symptoms include forgetfulness and difficulty waiting for their turn, or difficulty in focusing on tasks or games.
Symptoms of Inattentive Type
The most obvious signs of this ADHD subtype include high distraction and difficulty paying attention to the small details. Adults with inattentive ADHD have difficulty completing tasks or projects that require constant mental efforts, such as writing and reading. They may struggle to remember appointments or paying their bills and are prone making careless errors in 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. This means that their problems may persist throughout their adult lives, and may cause issues with relationships as well as school performance and career advancement.
Inattentive ADHD symptoms include fidgeting, difficulty engaging in leisure activities, difficulties waiting for their turn, and blurting out answers before the questions are finished. They also have difficulty staying organized at home and at work and often arrive late for classes or meetings. People with inattention ADHD often have trouble staying focused at school or at work dislike boring meetings and need to chew gum or sip coffee to get through them.
symptoms of ADHD in adults women will examine the person for any possible mental health issues or medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms. Then, they will use their behavioral history to determine if they suffer from ADD. This can involve talking to the person's family, teachers and colleagues and asking about their behavior in different settings. The health care provider may also inquire about the person's mood and their recent medical history.
Psychostimulants are used to boost alertness and boost brain signals. Adderall, Ritalin, Concerta and methylphenidates such as Strattera (atomoxetine), Qelbree and Ritalin are all examples of these medications. Antidepressants that affect neurotransmitters within the brain can be prescribed to people with inattentive ADHD in order to improve their mood and 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 condition can make it difficult for people to concentrate on their studies or work tasks, and can cause mistakes due to negligence. In addition, they often struggle to follow instructions or completing complex tasks. They also have trouble staying on task when playing games or engaging in activities of leisure with others. They are often disruptive and interrupt others 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 themselves and be constantly moving and unable to slow down or stop at fairs or theme parks. They may have difficulties managing tasks, finishing long-term projects or applying themselves to homework or other structured activities.
They typically have a low sense of their personal responsibility and experience difficulties creating and maintaining relationships. They may also have issues regulating their emotions, which can cause mood swings and depression. They may also have trouble managing their finances and time which could make it easier for them to fall victim to financial scams.
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 in childhood. They may have compensated for their issues in a supportive environment and flourished until they were confronted with the pressure of finding an occupation or raising a child which is when their issues became evident. In the beginning, the male-to female* ADHD ratio is higher. However it is more even when they reach adulthood.
People with ADHD typically find that certain nutritional supplements, such as multiple vitamin, NeurOmega fish oil, GABA or taurine, and Brain Vitale or NeuroMemory can help to reduce anxiety and improve memory. They can also benefit from techniques for managing stress that include regular exercise and deep breathing. They must discuss with their physician all treatment options that include stimulants (Strattera), 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 trouble staying focused on tasks that require a lot of mental effort for a long period of time or causing things to stay in their minds, such as schoolwork or chores, homework or even work. They are prone to making careless mistakes at work, school as well as in their personal lives. These issues with attention and impulse can create a lot of stress and lead to relationship difficulties.
The signs of this condition can vary in severity and manifest at various stages of life. Daydreaming, being easily distracted and forgetfulness are just a few signs. They also have a tendency to misplace things like homework or keys and a difficulty in working through tasks. They also struggle to sit still, and they can disrupt or take over games or other leisure activities.
It's important to evaluate the results of each medication carefully when you have a mixed presentation. Adults who have experienced this presentation since they were teens should be re-evaluated every six months, especially in the event of any lifestyle changes that may affect the amount of medication needed.
It is important to know that ADD and ADHD do not affect race gender, ethnicity, gender or age. However it does appear to be more prevalent in those who were assigned male at birth. The diagnosis is typically identified when adults exhibit several of the typical symptoms in various areas of their lives and cannot explain them clearly.
There are a variety of ways to treat and manage 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 help to increase concentration by increasing the amount of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Non-stimulants can also be used by adults who do not want to take stimulants, or require them in a lower dosage.
The symptoms of Combined Type
For people with combined type ADHD, the symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity appear together. Inattention symptoms can be apparent in the form of difficulty sitting still, forgetfulness or difficulty finishing tasks as well as impulsivity and hyperactivity. can manifest as fidgeting, restlessness and squirming. They may also be able to blurt out answers without waiting for a complete answer. They find it hard to stand in line or follow instructions. This leads to frustration and behavior that is contrary to the rules.
Adults who have a mix of ADHD symptoms also often have difficulties reading situational social boundaries which can lead them to encroach on conversations or activities without considering how others might be feeling about it. They are more likely to have a hard to organize their lives and tend to be overwhelmed easily by complex projects. In many cases, people who exhibit this ADHD presentation are also prone to depression or other mood disorders.
Making sure what do you think have a clear diagnosis of ADHD is crucial to determining the most effective treatment strategy. Although many adults with ADHD struggle to seek assistance, obtaining the diagnosis can be an positive experience that provides them with the tools needed 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 the age of 12 and last for at least six month to qualify as ADHD. The symptoms must also be severe enough to affect the performance of a child at school, at work or at home.
Experts do not fully understand the reason ADHD occurs. However, they do know that it is inherited and certain genes increase the risk of someone developing the condition. They also know 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. These treatments are often more effective than prescription medications.