Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Adults with attention deficit disorder may be difficult to identify and treat. A therapist can assist by examining the symptoms and their root causes, and then teaching the patient how to structure their lives, make behavioural modifications and offer medication if necessary.
People with ADD/ADHD experience difficulties with hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity. The symptoms include forgetfulness, difficulty waiting for their turn, or having difficulty in focusing on tasks or games.
Inattention Type symptoms
This type of ADHD is distinguished by high distractibility, and a difficulty in paying attention to tiny details. Adults who are inattentive ADHD struggle to complete tasks or projects that require sustained mental effort, like writing and reading. They may have trouble remembering appointments or paying bills, and are more likely to make impulsive 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 problems can persist throughout their adulthood and impact their relationships, school performance and even their career development.
Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms include fidgeting, having trouble engaging in leisure activities, issues waiting for their turn, and blurting answers when the questions are not finished. They are also often late to meetings or classes and struggle to stay organized. Inattention ADHD sufferers often have a hard time staying focused at work or school. They dislike boring meetings and chew gum or drink coffee to help them through.
A health care provider will evaluate a patient to determine if there are any medical or mental conditions that could trigger similar symptoms. Then, they will analyze their behavior to determine if the person has ADD. You can ask to see the person's behavior in different situations by speaking to their parents or teachers as well as their coworkers. The health care provider will also ask about the person's mood and recent medical background.
Most often, psychostimulants are used to enhance alertness and streamline brain signals. Adderall, Ritalin, Concerta and methylphenidates such as Strattera (atomoxetine), Qelbree and Ritalin are just a few examples of these drugs. Antidepressants that affect neurotransmitters in the brain, are also sometimes prescribed to those suffering from inattention ADHD to help improve their mood and focus. 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 is a problem to focus on their work or schoolwork and could lead to unintentional errors. In addition, they typically struggle to follow instructions or performing complex tasks. They also have difficulty staying on track when playing games or engaging in leisure activities with others. They are often disruptive and interrupt other players during games, discussions or other activities. They may fiddle or squirm using their hands or feet, squirm or pace 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 have difficulty controlling themselves and are constantly on the move and unable to slow down or stop during events such as fairs or a theme parks. They may have difficulty with organizing tasks, completing projects over a long time, or focusing on scheduled tasks or homework.
They lack a sense of responsibility and frequently have a difficult time forming and maintaining friendships. They may also have trouble controlling their emotions, which can result in mood swings and extreme depression. They may also be having difficulty managing their finances and time which could make it easier for them to fall victim to scams in the financial industry.
Many people who suffer from ADHD are not diagnosed until adulthood when their symptoms become more apparent. As children, they might have been overlooked by teachers or other adults who were unaware of their symptoms. adult male ADHD symptoms may have compensated for their issues in a supportive environment and flourished until they were faced with the pressure of finding an occupation or raising a child when their problems became apparent. The male-to-female* ratio of diagnosed ADHD is higher in the early years, but the proportions become more similar in adulthood.
People suffering from ADHD frequently find that certain nutritional supplements, like multiple vitamin, NeurOmega fish oil, GABA or taurine, and Brain Vitale or NeuroMemory can reduce anxiety and improve memory. They may also benefit from techniques for managing stress like regular exercise and deep breathing. They should discuss with their doctor all options for treatment including stimulants (Strattera) and 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. They have trouble focusing on long-term mental activities or remembering things like schoolwork, homework, chores or work. They also tend to make a lot of mistakes at school, in the workplace as well as in their personal lives. The issues with attention and impulse control can result in a lot of stress and trouble in relationships.
Symptoms of this presentation often appear at various times in the course of life, and they may vary from mild to severe. The ability to be easily distracted, daydreaming and forgetfulness are just a few signs. They also include the tendency to lose items like keys or homework, and having difficulty keeping track of tasks. They might also have trouble being still, and can disrupt or take over leisure activities or games.
A person with a mixed presentation of ADHD might find that certain medication helps while others don't, so it's wise to try one at a time and evaluate the results carefully. Adults who have experienced this type of presentation since they were teenagers should have their treatment evaluated every six months, especially when there are any changes in their lifestyle that could affect the amount of medication needed.
It is important to remember that ADD and ADHD are not influenced by race, gender, ethnicity or age. However it is believed that it will be more prevalent in those who were deemed male at birth. Adults who present with several symptoms that are not explained are typically diagnosed.
There are many ways to treat and manage ADD for adults, which includes behavioral therapy, lifestyle changes, 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 amount of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Non-stimulants can also be used by adults who do not wish to take stimulants, or only require them in a small dosage.
Signs and symptoms of Combined Type
For people with combined type ADHD, the symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity appear together. The signs of inattention could be apparent in the form of difficulty sitting still, forgetfulness, or having trouble finishing tasks and impulsivity, hyperactivity can show up as a lack of concentration, fidgeting or squirming, or blurting out answers without waiting for the complete answer. They may find it difficult to stay in line or follow directions, which can lead to frustration and a tendency to break the rules.
Adults with an array of ADHD symptoms often also experience difficulties recognizing social boundaries within their environment and can be seen to intrude on activities or conversations without considering how others might be feeling about it. They tend to have difficulty in organising their strategies and become overwhelmed by complex projects. Many people suffering from this ADHD also have a history of depression or mood disorders.
Making sure you have a clear diagnosis of ADHD is key to identifying the most effective treatment strategy. Many adults suffering from ADHD are reluctant to seek assistance. However the 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. The symptoms must be present before age 12 and persist for at least six months to be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis. Additionally the symptoms have to be severe enough to reduce the person's performance at work, school or home.
Experts aren't sure the reason ADHD is a common occurrence. However, they are aware that it is hereditary and certain genes increase the risk of a person developing the condition. They also know that differences in brain structure and brain chemistry 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.