Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Attention deficit disorder in adults can be difficult to diagnose and manage. A therapist can help by examining symptoms and root causes, educating patients on how to create structure and change their behavior and offer medication when required.
People with ADD/ADHD have problems with hyperactivity, inattention, and the tendency to be impulsive. The symptoms include forgetfulness and difficulty in waiting for their turn, or having difficulty in focusing on tasks or games.
The Signs of Inattention Type
This subtype of ADHD is distinguished by a high level of distraction, and difficulty paying attention to the smallest details. Adults with inattentive ADHD often find it hard to finish tasks or complete tasks that require a sustained mental effort, like writing, reading or doing homework. They may struggle to remember appointments or paying their bills and are susceptible to making impulsive errors in the workplace or at home.
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 the symptoms of inattentive ADHD can last throughout their adult lives and interfere with relationships as well as school performance and career advancement.
Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms include fumbling, difficulty engaging in leisure activities, problems waiting for their turn, and blurting out answers before the questions are finished. 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 are bored at meetings and require chewing gum or sip coffee to get through them.
A health professional will assess the patient for potential mental health issues or medical conditions that may cause similar symptoms. Then, they will use their behavioral history to determine if they suffer from ADD. You can ask to see the person's behavior in different situations by speaking to their parents, teachers, and co-workers. The health professional will also ask about the person's mood as well as recent medical history.
Psychostimulants are used to boost 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 sometimes prescribed to those suffering from inattentive ADHD to improve their mood and focus. They may include Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). related resource site -stimulant drugs may also be utilized. 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 makes it difficult to focus on work or school assignments and could lead to unintentional errors. In addition, they typically struggle to follow instructions or completing complicated tasks. They also struggle to stay on task while playing games or engaging in leisure activities. They are often disruptive and interrupt other people during games, conversations or other activities. They may fiddle with their hands or feet or squirm in their seats or walk around 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 have trouble with self-control, and 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 have trouble with managing tasks, finishing long-term projects, or committing themselves to schoolwork or other structured activities.
They lack a sense of responsibility and frequently have difficulty making and keeping friendships. They may also have trouble managing their emotions, which can cause mood swings or depression. They may also have trouble managing their time and finances which could make it easier for them to fall victim to frauds in the financial sector.
Many people with ADHD are not diagnosed until they reach adulthood, when their symptoms become more apparent. Teachers and other adults could have missed their symptoms during the early years of their lives. They might have learned to cope with their symptoms and thrived in a nurturing environment until they encountered the stress of working or raising a family which is when their issues became more apparent. The male-to-female* ratio of diagnosed ADHD is significantly higher in childhood, however the ratio becomes more comparable as they reach adulthood.
People suffering from ADHD typically find that certain dietary supplements, like multiple vitamin, NeurOmega fish oil, GABA or taurine and Brain Vitale or NeuroMemory, can help reduce anxiety and improve memory. They can also benefit from stress management strategies, such as regular exercise and deep breathing. They should discuss with their doctor all options for treatment including stimulants (Strattera) as well as 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 a lot of mental effort for a long time or causing things to stay in their minds like schoolwork, homework, chores or work. They tend to make careless errors at school, work as well as in their personal lives. The issues with attention and control of impulses can cause a lot of stress and trouble in relationships.
Symptoms of this presentation often occur at various times in the course of life and can range from mild to severe. Daydreaming, being easily distracted and forgetfulness are a few signs. They also include the tendency to lose things like keys or homework and a difficult time working through tasks. They also struggle to stay still and may interfere with or even take over games or other activities.
Someone with a mixed presentation of ADHD may find that some medications are helpful while others don't, so it's wise to try one at a time and evaluate the results carefully. Adults with this presentation who have been taking medication since they were teens should get a review of their treatment every 6 months, and particularly when they make any changes to their lifestyle that could alter the dosage of medication needed.
It is important to note that ADD and ADHD do not affect race or gender, ethnicity, or age. However it is believed that it will be more prevalent in those who were assigned male at birth. Adults who exhibit several symptoms and cannot explain them are usually diagnosed.
There are many 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 increase concentration by increasing levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. There are also non-stimulants available and can be a good choice for adults who do not want to take stimulants or need them at lower doses.
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 difficulty finishing tasks and impulsivity, hyperactivity can manifest as restlessness, fidgeting or squirming, or blurting out answers without waiting for a complete answer. They are unable to wait in lines or follow instructions. This can result in frustration and a tendency to break the rules.
Adults who suffer from a combination of ADHD symptoms also often have difficulty recognizing social boundaries in a situation which can lead them to encroach on activities or conversations without considering how others might feel about it. They often have trouble with organizing strategies and get overwhelmed by large-scale projects. Many people with this ADHD also have a past history of mood disorders or depression.
A clear diagnosis is crucial to determine the best treatment plan. Many adults with ADHD are reluctant to seek assistance. However the diagnosis can empower them and give 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 before the age of 12 and last for a minimum of six months to qualify as ADHD. The symptoms must also be severe enough to negatively impact a person's performance in school, at work or at home.
Experts do not fully understand why ADHD occurs. However, they are aware that it is inherited and certain genes increase the risk of a person developing the condition. They also are aware that brain chemistry as well as differences in brain structure play a part, and that some people get the disorder without 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. These treatments are often more effective than medication.