Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Adults with attention deficit disorder are difficult to diagnose and treat. Therapists can assist by examining symptoms and root causes, educating patients on how to structure their lives and alter their behaviour and provide medication if necessary.
People with ADD/ADHD may have issues with hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity. Symptoms include forgetfulness and difficulty in waiting for their turn, or difficulty in focusing on tasks or games.
Signs of Inattentive Type
This subtype of ADHD is characterized by a high level of distraction, and a difficulty in paying attention to tiny details. Adults with inattentive ADHD frequently find it difficult to complete tasks or tasks that require a sustained mental effort, such as reading, writing and doing homework. They may have difficulty remembering appointments or paying bills, and are prone to making careless 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. As a result, their problems may persist throughout their adult lives and cause problems with relationships, school performance, and career advancement.
The symptoms of inattention ADHD include frequent fidgeting with hands or feet, difficulties playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly and unable to wait for their turn and answering questions in a hurry before they are answered. They also have trouble staying organized at home and at work and often arrive late for classes or meetings. Inattentive ADHD sufferers often have difficulty staying focused at work or school. They don't like boring meetings and chew gum or drink coffee to get them through.
A medical professional will examine the person for any possible mental health issues or medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms and then analyze their behavior history to identify if they have ADD. You can inquire about the person's behavior under various situations by speaking to their family as well as teachers and colleagues. The health care provider might also ask about the person’s mood and recent medical history.
Most often, psychostimulants are used to boost alertness and improve brain signals. Adderall, Ritalin, Concerta and methylphenidates like Strattera (atomoxetine), Qelbree and Ritalin are a few examples of these medicines. Antidepressants, which affect neurotransmitters in the brain, are also sometimes prescribed to those suffering from inattentive ADHD to help improve their mood and concentration. They may include Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). 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 symptom can make it difficult for people to concentrate on their work or school tasks, and could cause mistakes due to negligence. In addition, they typically struggle to follow instructions or completing complex tasks. They also struggle to stay focused when playing games or engaging in leisure activities. They are often disruptive and interrupt other players during games, discussions or other activities. They might play with their hands or feet, squirm in 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 their own behavior 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 organizing tasks, completing long-term projects, or committing themselves to schoolwork or other structured activities.
They typically have a low sense of personal responsibility and may have difficulties making and maintaining friendships. They may also have difficulty controlling their emotions, which could result in mood swings or depression. They may also have trouble managing their time and finances and can make them more susceptible to financial scams and other frauds.
Many people who suffer from ADHD don't get a diagnosis until they reach the age of adulthood, when their problems become more obvious. During childhood, they may have been overlooked by teachers or other adults who weren't aware of their problems. They may have sought to alleviate their symptoms in a supportive environment and flourished until they were confronted with the pressure of finding a job or raising a child, which is when their issues became evident. The male-to-female* ratio of diagnosed ADHD is higher in the early years, but the rate becomes more similar as they reach adulthood.
People suffering from ADHD typically discover that certain dietary supplements, like multiple vitamin, NeurOmega fish oil, GABA or taurine, and Brain Vitale or NeuroMemory, can help reduce the irritability and improve memory. They can also benefit from techniques for managing stress, such as regular exercises and deep breathing. They should talk to their doctor about all treatments options including stimulants (Strattera) as well as non-stimulants (Viloxazine) (Qelbree), and antidepressants (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 like schoolwork, homework, chores or work. They also tend to make a lot of mistakes at school, at work and in their private lives. The issues with attention and control of impulses can cause a lot of stress and difficulty in relationships.
The symptoms of this disorder are varied in severity and manifest at different stages of life. They can be characterized by daydreaming and being easily distracted by their own thoughts, which can lead to an inability to remember things; a tendency lose things like keys or homework; and difficulties following through on tasks. They might also have trouble sitting still and interrupt or take over the activities of leisure or games.
A person with a mixed presentation of ADHD might find that certain medication helps while others don't. Therefore, it's recommended to test one at each time and analyze the results carefully. Adults with this presentation who have been taking medication since the time they were teenagers should be able to review their treatment every six months, and in particular after any lifestyle changes that could alter the dosage of medication required.
It is important to keep in mind that ADD or ADHD does not affect race or ethnicity, nor gender, though it may affect more people who are assigned male at birth (AMAB). ADHD symptoms in adults males is usually made when adults present with various of the typical symptoms in various areas of their lives and can't explain them satisfactorily.
There are a variety of ways to manage ADD among adults, including 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 the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. Non-stimulants are also readily available and can be an ideal choice for those who do not want to take stimulants or need them at 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 include forgetfulness, difficulty completing tasks or difficulties staying still. Hyperactivity and impulsivity may manifest as restlessness, fidgeting, or squirming. They have a difficult time learning to stand in line or follow directions. This can result in frustration and rule-breaking behaviors.
Adults who suffer from a combination of ADHD symptoms are often having trouble understanding the social boundaries of a given situation and can cause them to interrupt conversations or activities. They do this without considering what others might think. They often have trouble with organizing strategies and get overwhelmed by complex projects. Many people with this ADHD also have a previous history of mood disorders or depression.
Making sure you have a clear diagnosis of ADHD is crucial to determining the most effective treatment strategy. Many people 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 prior to age 12 and persist for at least six months in order to be considered an ADHD diagnosis. In addition the symptoms have to be severe enough to hinder the person's performance at work, school or home.
Experts aren't entirely sure why ADHD is a common occurrence. However, they know that it is genetic and certain genes increase the risk of a person developing the condition. They also know that brain structure and brain chemistry play a role in the development of the disorder, and that some individuals 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 instances, these treatments can be more effective than medication.