Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Adults suffering from attention deficit disorder may be difficult to diagnose and treat. Therapists can help by examining the symptoms and their causes, educating the patient on how to add structure and behavioral changes, and offering medication if needed.
People suffering from ADD/ADHD have issues with inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. The symptoms could include memory loss, trouble waiting for their turn, and difficulties concentrating on tasks or playing games.
Signs of Inattentive Type
This subtype of ADHD is distinguished by a high level of distraction, and difficulty paying attention to tiny details. Adults with inattention ADHD typically have difficulty to finish tasks or complete projects that require constant mental effort, like writing, reading and completing homework. They may have trouble remembering appointments or paying their bills and are susceptible to making impulsive mistakes at 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. In the end, their problems may persist throughout their adult lives and cause problems with relationships, school performance, and career advancement.
The signs of inattention ADHD include frequent fidgeting with hands or feet, having difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities at a relaxed pace, trouble waiting for their turn and answering questions in a hurry before they are completed. They also have trouble staying organized at home and work and are often late for classes or meetings. Inattentive ADHD sufferers often have trouble staying focused at school or at work. They don't like boring meetings and prefer to chew gum or drink coffee to get them through.
A health professional will assess a person to determine if they have any mental health or medical conditions which could cause similar symptoms. Then, they'll analyze their behavior to determine if a person is suffering from ADD. You can inquire about the person's behavior under various situations by speaking to their family, teachers, and co-workers. The health care provider might also inquire about the individual's mood and medical history.
The most common medications for inattentive ADHD are psychostimulants which improve signals sent to the brain and boost alertness. These include amphetamines like Adderall, Ritalin and Concerta and methylphenidates, such as Strattera (atomoxetine) and Qelbree (viloxazine). Antidepressants that affect neurotransmitters within the brain are often prescribed to those with inattentive ADHD to help enhance their mood and improve their concentration. Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor, (venlafaxine) are two examples. Non-stimulant medications can 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 can make it difficult for people to focus on their schoolwork or job tasks, and may result in a number of mistakes made by careless people. In addition, they typically struggle to follow instructions or performing complex tasks. They also struggle to stay focused when playing games or taking part in leisure activities. They often disrupt and disrupt others during games, conversations or other activities. They may fiddle or squirm with their feet or hands or squirm in their chairs or pacing as they talk or listen.
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 often be on the go, unable to stop or slow down, even if they're at organized events like fairs or theme parks. adult ADHD symptoms in men may have trouble with managing tasks, finishing long-term tasks or committing to homework or other planned activities.
They typically have a low sense of personal responsibility and have difficulty creating and maintaining relationships. They may also have difficulty regulating their emotions which can lead them to mood swings and depression. They may also have difficulty managing their time and finances, which can make them more prone to financial scams or other fraudulent activities.
Many people with ADHD don't get a diagnosis until they reach adulthood, when their issues become more evident. As children, they might have been overlooked by teachers or other adults who were unaware of their issues. They may have compensated for their symptoms in a safe environment and thrived until they were confronted with the pressure of finding the job of their dreams or raising a child when their issues became apparent. The male-to-female* ratio of diagnosed ADHD is significantly higher in childhood, however the ratio becomes more comparable in adulthood.
People suffering from ADHD often find that certain nutritional supplements, like multiple vitamin, NeurOmega fish oil, GABA or taurine and Brain Vitale or NeuroMemory, can help reduce anxiety and improve memory. Stress management techniques like deep breathing and regular exercise can be beneficial. They must discuss with their physician all options for treatment, including stimulants (Strattera) and 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 are unable to focus on long-term mental activities or remembering things, such as schoolwork, homework, chores or work. They also tend to make mistakes in school, in the workplace, and in their personal lives. These issues with attention and impulse can cause a lot stress and can lead to relationship difficulties.
The symptoms of this condition can be varied in severity and can manifest at different stages of life. They can be characterized by daydreaming and being easily distracted from their thoughts, which may lead to forgetfulness; a tendency to lose things, like keys or homework and difficulty focusing on tasks. They also struggle to sit still, and they may disrupt or take over games or other activities.
A person with a mixed presentation of ADHD may find that some medications help and others don't. It's recommended to test one at each time and analyze the results carefully. Adults with this type of presentation who have been taking medications since they were teens should have a look at their treatment every 6 months, and in particular after any lifestyle changes that may alter the amount of medication needed.
It is crucial to remember that ADD or ADHD is not a problem of race or ethnicity or gender, but it does seem to be more prevalent in those who are assigned a male at birth (AMAB). Adults who exhibit a number of symptoms and cannot explain them are typically diagnosed.
There are several methods to treat ADD among adults, including medication, 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 help to increase concentration by increasing the amount of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Non-stimulants can also be used by adults who do not want to take stimulants, or only need them in a low dosage.
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 trouble finishing tasks as well as impulsivity and hyperactivity. may manifest as a lack of concentration, fidgeting or squirming, or blurting out answers without waiting for a full question. They are unable to stand in line or follow directions. This leads to frustration and rule-breaking behaviors.
Adults who have a combination of ADHD symptoms are often having trouble reading social boundaries in an environment, which can lead them to disrupt conversations or activities. They do this without considering what others might think. They tend to have difficulty organizing their thoughts and are overwhelmed by complex projects. In many cases, those with this ADHD display may also be suffering from depression or other mood disorders.
A proper diagnosis of ADHD is essential to determine the most effective treatment plan. While many adults who have ADHD struggle to reach out for assistance, getting an accurate diagnosis can be a empowering experience that gives them the tools they need to manage their symptoms and lead productive, fulfilling lives.
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 last for at least six month to be considered ADHD. The symptoms must also be severe enough to negatively impact the performance of a child at the workplace, at school or at home.
Experts do not fully understand why ADHD occurs. However, they are aware that it is genetic and certain genes increase the chance of someone developing the condition. They also know that differences in brain structure and the brain's chemical makeup play a role in the development of the disorder, and that some individuals develop the disorder spontaneously 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. In many instances, these treatments can be more effective than medications.