Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Attention deficit disorder in adults can be challenging to diagnose and treat. A therapist can help by examining symptoms and their root causes, educating patients on how to structure their lives and make behavioural changes and offer medication when required.
People suffering from ADD/ADHD experience issues with hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity. The symptoms could include memory loss, trouble waiting for their turn and difficulties concentrating on tasks or playing games.
The Signs of Inattention Type
The defining symptoms of this ADHD subtype are high levels of distraction and difficulty paying attention to details. Adults who are inattentive ADHD have difficulty completing tasks or projects that require sustained mental efforts, such as reading and writing. They may have trouble remembering appointments or paying bills and are more prone to making naive mistakes at work or in their 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. This means that their issues can persist throughout their adult lives, and may cause issues with relationships, school performance, and career advancement.
The signs of inattention ADHD include frequent fidgeting with hands and feet, having difficulty playing or taking part in leisure activities without interruption as well as difficulty waiting for their turn and answering questions before they are answered. They also have difficulty staying organized at home and at work and are often late for classes or meetings. People with inattention ADHD often have trouble staying focused at school or work, despise boring meetings and need to chew gum or sip coffee to pass the time.
A health care provider will evaluate the person for possible mental health or medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms and then examine their behavior to determine if they suffer from ADD. This may involve speaking with the person's family, colleagues and teachers and asking them to observe their behavior in different situations. The health professional will also inquire about the person's mood and recent medical history.
Most commonly, psychostimulants are used to enhance alertness and streamline brain signals. These include amphetamines like Adderall, Ritalin and Concerta and methylphenidates such as Strattera (atomoxetine) and Qelbree (viloxazine). Antidepressants that affect neurotransmitters in the brain, are also sometimes prescribed to those suffering from inattentive ADHD to help 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 can make it difficult for people to focus on their studies or work tasks, and could lead to careless mistakes. In addition, they often have trouble following instructions or performing complex tasks. They also have difficulty staying on task when playing games or in activities of leisure with others. They often interrupt or interfere on others during conversations or games and are eagerly awaiting their turn. They might play with their feet or hands or squirm in their seats 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 and are unable to slow down or stop, even during events such as fairs or a theme parks. They may struggle with organizing tasks, completing projects for a long period of time, or working on routine tasks or assignments.
They often have a poor sense of personal responsibility and have difficulties making and keeping friends. They may also have difficulties controlling their emotions, which could result in mood swings or depression. symptoms of ADHD in adults women may also be having difficulty managing their time and finances which could make it easier for them to fall victim to financial scams.
Many people suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed until they reach adulthood when their symptoms become more evident. In their early years, they could have been overlooked by teachers or other adults who were unaware of their issues. They may have sought to alleviate their symptoms in a supportive atmosphere and thrived until they were faced with the pressure of finding the job of their dreams or raising a child, which is when their issues became evident. In the early years, 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. Techniques for managing stress, such as deep breathing and regular exercise can be beneficial. They should discuss with their doctor all treatments options including stimulants (Strattera) and 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 are unable to focus on tasks that require mental effort for a long time or causing things to stick in their mind, such as schoolwork or chores, homework, or work. They also make careless mistakes at school, in the workplace and in their private lives. These attention and impulse problems can cause a lot stress and cause relationship difficulties.
The signs of this condition are varied in severity and manifest at various stages of life. They may include daydreaming and becoming easily distracted from their thoughts, which may lead to forgetfulness; a tendency to lose things, like homework or keys; and difficulties following through on tasks. They also struggle to sit still and may interrupt or take over games or other leisure activities.
It's important to evaluate the results of each drug carefully in the event of an unbalanced presentation. Adults with this type of presentation who have been taking medications since the age of a teenager should have a look at their treatment every 6 months, and especially when they make any changes to their lifestyle that might alter the dosage of medication needed.
It is important to keep in mind that ADD or ADHD doesn't affect race or ethnicity, nor gender, although it may be more prevalent in those who are assigned a male at birth (AMAB). Adults who exhibit several symptoms that are not explained are usually diagnosed.
There are a variety of ways to deal with ADD for adults, such as 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 levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Non-stimulants are also readily available and can be a good choice for adults who don't want to take stimulants or need them at less of a dose.
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 having trouble finishing tasks and impulsivity, hyperactivity may manifest as restlessness, fidgeting and squirming. They may also be able to blurt out answers without waiting for a full question. They often find it difficult to wait in line or to follow instructions, leading to frustration and a tendency to break the rules.
Adults who have a combination of ADHD symptoms are often having trouble understanding social boundaries in the context of a particular situation which could cause them to interfere with conversations or activities. They do this without thinking about how others may feel. They are more likely to have a difficult working with organizational strategies and tend to get overwhelmed by complicated projects. In many cases, people who exhibit this ADHD appearance also have a history of depression or other mood disorders.
Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD is essential to determine the most effective treatment strategy. Many adults with ADHD are hesitant to seek assistance. However an accurate 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 be present prior to age 12 and last for at least six months to be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis. In addition, the symptoms must be severe enough to affect a person's performance at school, work or at home.
Experts aren't entirely sure why ADHD occurs. However, they do know that it is hereditary and certain genes increase the risk of a person being diagnosed with the disorder. They also know that brain chemistry and variations in the structure of the brain can play a role and that some people have the disorder despite not having any 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.