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 root causes, educating patients on how to create structure and change their behavior and provide medication if needed.
People with ADD/ADHD have problems with hyperactivity, inattention, and an impulsive nature. The symptoms could include memory loss, trouble waiting for their turn and difficulty concentrating on tasks or playing games.
Signs of Inattentive Type
This subtype of ADHD is distinguished by high distractibility, and a difficulty in paying attention to tiny details. Adults with inattentive ADHD are unable to complete tasks or projects that require constant mental effort, 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. In the end, their problems may persist throughout their adult lives and interfere with relationships, school performance, and career advancement.
Inattention ADHD symptoms include fidgeting, having trouble engaging in leisure activities, issues waiting for their turn, and blurting out answers when the questions are not finished. They also have difficulty staying well-organized at home and at work, and are often late for classes or meetings. Inattention ADHD sufferers often have difficulty staying focused at school or at work. They are not a fan of boring meetings and chew gum or drink coffee to get them through.
A health professional will examine a person to determine if there are any medical or mental illnesses that may cause similar symptoms. Then, they will examine their behavior history to determine if a person has ADD. This can involve talking to the person's parents, colleagues and teachers and asking about their behavior in different situations. The health care provider might also inquire about the person's mood and medical history.
The most commonly prescribed medications for inattention ADHD are psychostimulants that streamline signals sent to the brain and increase alertness. They include amphetamines, such as Adderall, Ritalin and Concerta and methylphenidates like Strattera (atomoxetine) and Qelbree (viloxazine). Antidepressants that affect neurotransmitters within the brain, are sometimes prescribed for people with inattentive ADHD to help improve their mood and concentration. Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor, (venlafaxine) are two examples. Non-stimulant drugs may 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 can make it difficult for people to focus on their work or school tasks, and may result in a number of mistakes made by careless people. They also have difficulty following directions or completing complex tasks. They also struggle to stay on task when playing games or engaging in activities of leisure with others. They often disrupt and disrupt other people during games, conversations or other activities. They might play with their hands or feet or even squirm 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 struggle to control themselves and be constantly on the move, unable even to slow down or stop, even at events like fairs or theme parks. They may have difficulty managing tasks, finishing long-term projects or applying themselves to schoolwork or other structured activities.
They typically have a low sense of personal responsibility and may have difficulties creating and maintaining relationships. adult symptoms of ADHD may also have trouble controlling their emotions, which could cause mood swings and depression. They might also have issues managing their finances and time which could make them more vulnerable to financial scams or other fraudulent activities.
Many people with ADHD are not diagnosed until they reach adulthood when their symptoms become more evident. Teachers or other adults may have missed their symptoms throughout their childhood. They may have learned to compensate for their symptoms and thrived in a supportive environment until they had to face the stress of pursuing a career or raising a family which is when their issues became more evident. In the beginning, the male-to female* ADHD ratio is higher. However, it becomes more equal when they reach adulthood.
Certain supplements in the diet can help reduce irritability for people suffering from ADHD. These include GABA and taurine, GABA fish oil and Brain Vitale. They can also benefit from stress management strategies, such as regular exercise and deep breathing. They must discuss with their physician all treatment options, including stimulants (Strattera) as well as non-stimulants (Viloxazine) (Qelbree), and antidepressants (Wellbutrin).
Signs of Mixed Type
People with combined type ADHD exhibit symptoms of both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive presentations. They are unable to focus on tasks that require a lot of mental effort for long periods of time or causing things to stay in their mind for example, schoolwork chores, homework or even work. They also make careless mistakes at 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 disorder typically manifest at various times throughout the day and range from mild to severe. They may include daydreaming and becoming easily distracted from their thoughts, which may lead to an inability to remember things; a tendency lose things, such as keys or homework and having trouble focusing on tasks. They also struggle to sit still, and they may interfere with or even take over games or other leisure activities.
It is crucial to analyze the results of each drug carefully if you have mixed presentation. Adults with this type of presentation who have been taking medication since the age of a teenager should have a look at their treatment every 6 months, and in particular after any lifestyle changes that could alter the dosage of medication required.
It is important to note that ADD and ADHD do not affect race gender, ethnicity, gender or age. However, it does appear to affect people who were deemed male at birth. Adults who show various symptoms but are unable to explain them are usually diagnosed.
There are many methods to treat and manage ADD for adults, which includes 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 boost concentration by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. Non-stimulants are also available, and these can be an excellent option for adults who aren't keen on taking stimulants or require a lower dose.
Signs and 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, while hyperactivity and impulsivity may manifest as a lack of concentration, fidgeting and squirming. They may also be able to blurt out answers without waiting for a complete question. They have a difficult time learning to stay in line or follow instructions. This can lead to frustration and rule-breaking behaviors.
Adults who suffer from a combination of ADHD symptoms often have difficulty understanding social boundaries in the context of a particular situation and can cause them to interrupt conversations or activities. They do this without considering what others might think. They often have trouble in organising their strategies and become overwhelmed by large-scale projects. In many cases, those with this ADHD appearance may also be suffering from depression or other mood disorders.
Making sure you have a clear diagnosis of ADHD is essential to determine the most effective treatment plan. Many people suffering from ADHD are hesitant to seek help. However the diagnosis can empower them and give them the tools 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 have been present before the age of 12 and persist for at least six month to qualify as ADHD. Additionally, the symptoms must be severe enough to hinder the performance of a child at work, school or home.
Experts aren't sure why ADHD occurs, but they are aware that it could be genetic and that certain genes increase a person's risk of developing the disorder. They also know that brain structure and brain chemistry play a role in the development of ADHD, and that some people 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. In many cases, these treatments can be more effective than medications.