Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Adults with attention deficit disorder can be difficult to diagnose and treat. Therapists can assist by examining the symptoms and their reasons, and educating patients on how to create structure and alter their behaviour and offer medication when necessary.
People with ADD/ADHD have problems with hyperactivity, inattention, and the tendency to be impulsive. Some of the symptoms include forgetfulness, trouble waiting for their turn, and difficulty concentrating on tasks or playing games.
The Signs of Inattention Type
This type of ADHD is distinguished by a high degree of distraction and a difficulty in paying attention to the smallest details. Adults who are inattentive ADHD struggle to complete tasks or projects that require constant mental effort, such as reading and writing. They may have difficulty remembering appointments or paying bills and are more prone to making naive 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 issues can continue into adulthood, affecting their relationships, school performance and career advancement.
The symptoms of inattention ADHD include frequent fidgeting with hands and feet, difficulty engaging in leisure activities quietly, trouble waiting for their turn, and answering questions in a hurry before they are completed. They also are often late to classes or meetings and are unable to stay organized. Those with inattentive ADHD often have trouble staying focused at school or at work, despise boring meetings and need to chew gum or sip coffee to pass the time.
A health professional will examine a person to determine if there are any mental health or medical conditions which could cause similar symptoms. Then, they will analyze their behavior in order to determine if a person has ADD. You can inquire about the person's behavior in different situations by speaking to their parents, teachers, and co-workers. The health professional will also inquire about the person's mood as well as recent medical background.
The most commonly prescribed medications for inattentive ADHD are psychostimulants that improve the brain's signals and boost alertness. These include amphetamines such as Adderall, Ritalin and Concerta and methylphenidates like Strattera (atomoxetine) and Qelbree (viloxazine). Antidepressants that alter neurotransmitters inside the brain are often prescribed to people with inattentive ADHD in order to enhance their mood and improve their concentration. Wellbutrin (bupropion), and Effexor, (venlafaxine) are two examples. Other drugs 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 for them to concentrate on work or school assignments and could lead to unintentional errors. Additionally, they frequently struggle to follow instructions or completing complicated tasks. They also have difficulty staying on track when playing games or engaging in leisure activities with others. They frequently interrupt or interfere on others during conversations or games and are eagerly waiting for their turn. They might fiddle or squirm using their hands or feet or squirm or move in their chairs or pacing as 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 moving and are unable to slow down or stop during events such as fairs or a theme parks. They may have difficulty organizing tasks, completing long-term projects or applying themselves to schoolwork or other structured activities.
They usually have a weak sense of their personal responsibility and experience trouble making and maintaining friendships. They may also have difficulties controlling their emotions, which could lead them to mood swings and depression. They may also have trouble managing their finances and time and can make them more prone to financial scams and other frauds.
Many people with ADHD do not be diagnosed until the age of adulthood, when their problems become more obvious. In their early years, they could have been missed by teachers or other adults who were unaware of their symptoms. They may have adapted to compensate for their symptoms and thrived in a nurturing environment until they faced the stresses of pursuing a career or having a family as their issues became more evident. The male-to-female* ratio of diagnosed ADHD is significantly higher in childhood, however the ratio becomes more comparable as they reach adulthood.
People with ADHD frequently find that certain nutritional supplements, like multiple vitamin, NeurOmega fish oil, GABA or taurine and Brain Vitale or NeuroMemory, can help reduce the irritability and improve memory. Stress management techniques like 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 such as bupropion (Wellbutrin).
Mixed Type symptoms
People with combined type ADHD exhibit symptoms of both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive presentations. They have difficulty focusing on long-term mental tasks or remembering things, such as schoolwork, homework, chores or work. They also tend to make a lot of mistakes at school, in the workplace and in their private lives. Attention and impulse control can lead to a lot of stress and tension in relationships.
Symptoms of this presentation often appear at different times in life and range from mild to severe. Daydreaming, being easily distracted and forgetfulness are just a few signs. They also have a tendency to misplace items like keys or homework and a difficulty in following through with tasks. They also struggle to stay still, and they may disrupt or take over games or other leisure activities.
It's important to evaluate the results of each drug carefully when you have an unbalanced presentation. Adults with this type of presentation who have been taking medications since the age of a teenager should be able to review their treatment every 6 months, and particularly after any lifestyle changes that may affect the amount of medication needed.
It is important to note that ADD and ADHD are not influenced by race gender, ethnicity, gender or age. However symptoms of ADHD in adult women does appear to affect people who were assigned male at birth. Adults who present with a number of symptoms but are unable to explain them are typically diagnosed.
There are many methods to manage and treat ADD in adults, including lifestyle modification, behavior therapy, and medication. 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 aid in increasing concentration by increasing the supply of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Non-stimulants are also readily available and can be an ideal choice for those who aren't keen on taking stimulants or require them at less of a dose.
Signs and symptoms of Combined Type
For people with combined type ADHD, the symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity appear together. Inattention symptoms include forgetfulness, difficulty finishing tasks or difficulties sitting still. Hyperactivity and impulsivity may manifest as restlessness, fidgeting, or squirming. They have a difficult time learning to stay in line or follow instructions. This leads to frustration and rule-breaking behaviors.
Adults who suffer from an array of ADHD symptoms also often have difficulties recognizing social boundaries within their environment and can be seen to intrude on conversations or activities without considering how others might be feeling about it. They tend to have difficulty with organizing strategies and get overwhelmed by large-scale projects. Many people suffering from this ADHD also have a previous history of depression or mood disorders.
A proper diagnosis is essential to determine the best treatment plan. While many adults who have ADHD struggle to seek help, receiving the diagnosis can be an positive experience that provides them with the tools needed 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 before the age of 12 and continue for at least six months to be considered ADHD. The symptoms must also be severe enough to negatively impact a person's performance in school, at work or at home.
Experts aren't entirely sure why ADHD is a problem however 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, 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. These treatments are typically more effective than prescription medications.