Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Attention deficit disorder in adults can be challenging to identify and treat. Therapists can assist by examining symptoms and reasons, and educating patients on how to create structure and change their behavior, and offering medication when necessary.
People with ADD/ADHD experience difficulties with hyperactivity, inattention and an impulsiveness. Some of the symptoms include forgetfulness, 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 writing and reading. They may have trouble remembering appointments or paying bills and are prone to making careless mistakes in their daily or personal 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. The issues they face can last into adulthood and affect their relationships, school performance, and even their career development.
The symptoms of inattention ADHD include the habit of fidgeting with your hands or feet, difficulty engaging in leisure activities at a relaxed pace as well as difficulty waiting for their turn, and blurting out answers before questions are finished. They also are often late to classes or meetings and have difficulty staying organized. Those with inattentive ADHD are often unable to stay focused at school or at work dislike boring meetings and need to chew gum or sip coffee to make it through them.
A health professional will examine the person for any possible mental health issues or medical conditions that may cause similar symptoms. They will then analyze their behavior history to determine if they suffer from ADD. You can inquire about the person's behavior in different situations by speaking to their family or teachers as well as their coworkers. The health care provider might also inquire about the individual's mood and their recent medical history.
The most commonly prescribed medications for inattentive ADHD are psychostimulants that streamline signals sent to the brain and boost alertness. Adderall, Ritalin, Concerta and methylphenidates such as Strattera (atomoxetine), Qelbree and Ritalin are just a few examples of these drugs. Antidepressants that affect neurotransmitters within the brain, are also sometimes prescribed to those suffering from inattention ADHD to improve their mood and focus. They may include Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). 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 is a problem to focus on work or school assignments and can lead to careless errors. Additionally, they frequently have trouble following instructions or completing complex tasks. They also struggle to stay focused when playing games or in activities of leisure with others. They are often disruptive and disrupt others during games, conversations or other activities. They may fiddle or squirm with 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 struggle with self-control and may frequently be in a hurry, unable to stop or slow down, even when they're attending organized events like fairs and theme parks. They may struggle with managing tasks, completing projects for a long period of time, or focusing on scheduled tasks or homework.
They have a low sense of responsibility and often struggle to form and maintain friendships. They may also have trouble controlling their emotions, which could lead them to mood swings or depression. They may also have trouble managing their finances and time, which can 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. Teachers or other adults might have missed their symptoms throughout their childhood. They may have adapted to cope with their symptoms and thrived in a supportive environment until they had to face the pressures of working or having a family when their problems were more evident. In the beginning, the male-to female* ADHD ratio is higher. However it is more even as they grow older.
People suffering from ADHD typically find that certain nutritional supplements, such as multiple vitamin, NeurOmega fish oil, GABA or taurine, and Brain Vitale or NeuroMemory can reduce anxiety and improve memory. Stress management techniques such as deep breathing and regular exercise can be beneficial. They should talk to their doctor about all treatment options that include stimulants (Strattera) as well as non-stimulants (Viloxazine) (Qelbree), and antidepressants (Wellbutrin).
The symptoms of mixed type
People with combined type ADHD exhibit symptoms of both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive presentations. symptoms of ADHD in adults quiz have difficulty staying focused on tasks that require mental effort for long periods of time or causing things to stay in their minds, such as schoolwork or chores, homework, or work. They tend to make careless mistakes at work, school and even in their personal life. The issues with attention and impulse control can result in lots of stress and trouble in relationships.
The symptoms of this condition can be varied in severity and can manifest at various stages of life. They may include daydreaming and becoming easily distracted by their own thoughts, which can cause the tendency to lose things like keys or homework and having trouble focusing on tasks. They also struggle to stay still and may interrupt or take over games or other leisure activities.
It is crucial to analyze the effects of each medication carefully when you have mixed presentation. Adults with this type of presentation who have been taking medication since they were teens should get a review of their treatment every six months, and particularly when they make any changes to their lifestyle that might alter the dosage of medication needed.
It is important to know that ADD and ADHD do not impact race, gender, ethnicity or age. However, it does appear to be more prevalent in those who were categorized as male at birth. Adults who show a number of symptoms that are not explained are usually diagnosed.
There are many ways to deal with ADD among adults, including 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 assist in increasing concentration by increasing the amount of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. There are also non-stimulants available and are an ideal choice for those who aren't keen on taking stimulants or require them at a lower dose.
Symptoms of Combined Type
For people with combined type ADHD, the symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity appear together. Symptoms of inattention may be apparent in the form of difficulty sitting still, forgetfulness, or having trouble finishing tasks and impulsivity, hyperactivity can manifest as restlessness, fidgeting, squirming or blurting out answers without waiting for a full question. They often find it difficult to wait in line or follow instructions, leading to frustration and a tendency to break the rules.
Adults with a mix of ADHD symptoms also have difficulties recognizing social boundaries within their environment, leading them to intrude on conversations or activities without thinking about how others be feeling about it. They are more likely to have a hard time with organizational strategies and are often overwhelmed by large-scale projects. Many people with this ADHD also have a history of mood disorders or depression.
Making sure you have a clear diagnosis of ADHD is essential to determine the most effective treatment strategy. Many adults suffering from ADHD are reluctant to seek help. However, a diagnosis can empower them and provide 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 continue for at least six month to be considered ADHD. The symptoms must be severe enough to impact the performance of a child at the workplace, at school or at home.
Experts aren't sure the reason ADHD occurs. However, they are aware that it is hereditary and certain genes increase the chance of a person developing the condition. They also recognize that brain chemistry and differences in brain structure can play a role and that some people have the disorder despite not having an ancestry 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 treatments can be more effective than medications.