Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Adults with attention deficit disorder may be difficult to identify and treat. Therapists can assist by examining symptoms and their causes, teaching patients ways to add structure and make behavioural changes and offer medication when required.
People with ADD/ADHD experience difficulties with hyperactivity, inattention and the tendency to be impulsive. Symptoms include forgetfulness and difficulty waiting for their turn, or having difficulty working on tasks or games.
Inattentive Type Signs
The most obvious signs of this ADHD subtype are high levels of distraction and trouble paying attention to particulars. Adults who have inattention ADHD typically have difficulty to complete tasks or projects that require sustained concentration, such as reading, writing and doing homework. They may have trouble remembering appointments or paying bills, and are more prone to making naive 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. Their issues can continue into adulthood, affecting their relationships, school performance and even their career development.
Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms include fumbling, difficulty being quiet or engaging in leisure activities, difficulties waiting for their turn, and blurting out answers when the questions are not finished. They are also often late to classes or meetings and have difficulty staying organized. Those with inattentive ADHD are often unable to stay focused during work or school are bored at meetings and need to chew gum or drink 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. Then, they will examine their behavior to identify if they have ADD. You can request to observe the person's behavior under various situations by speaking to their family, teachers, and co-workers. The health care provider may also inquire about the person's mood and their recent medical history.
Psychostimulants are used to enhance alertness and improve brain signals. Adderall, Ritalin, Concerta and methylphenidates, such as Strattera (atomoxetine), Qelbree and Ritalin are all examples of these drugs. Antidepressants that affect neurotransmitters within the brain are sometimes prescribed to people suffering from inattention ADHD in order to improve their mood and focus. Wellbutrin (bupropion), and Effexor, (venlafaxine) are two examples. Non-stimulant medications can 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 condition can make it difficult for people to concentrate on their schoolwork or job tasks, and can lead to careless mistakes. Additionally, they frequently have trouble following instructions or completing complex tasks. They also struggle to stay focused when playing games or engaging in leisure activities with other people. They often interrupt or intrude on other people during conversations, games or other activities and are eagerly waiting for their turn. They might play with their hands or feet or squirm in their seats 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 be unable to control themselves and be constantly on the move and unable to slow down or stop, even at fairs or theme parks. More Support may struggle with organizing tasks, working on projects for a long period of time or applying themselves to structured activities or homework.
They typically have a low sense of personal responsibility and may have difficulty creating and maintaining relationships. They may also have difficulties controlling their emotions, which could result in mood swings or depression. They might also have issues managing their finances and time which could make them more prone to financial scams and other frauds.
Many people suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed until adulthood when their symptoms become more evident. Teachers and other adults could have missed their symptoms in childhood. They may have compensated for their issues in a supportive atmosphere and thrived until they were confronted with the stress of pursuing the job of their dreams or raising a child which is when their issues became evident. In the early years, the male-to-female* ADHD ratio is higher. However it is more even when they reach adulthood.
People with ADHD typically find that certain nutritional supplements, such as multiple vitamin, NeurOmega fish oil, GABA or taurine and Brain Vitale or NeuroMemory, can help reduce the irritability and improve memory. They may also benefit from stress management techniques that include regular exercises and deep breathing. They should talk to their doctor about all treatments options that include 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 have difficulty focusing on long-term mental tasks or recalling important things, like chores, schoolwork, homework or work. They are prone to making careless mistakes at work, school, and in personal life. The issues with attention and impulse control can lead to a lot of stress and tension in relationships.
The signs of this condition can be varied in severity and manifest at various stages of life. They include daydreaming and being easily distracted from their thoughts, which can cause an inability to remember things; a tendency lose things, such as keys or homework and having trouble focusing on their tasks. They also struggle to stay still, and they may interrupt or take over games or other leisure activities.
Someone who has a mixed manifestation of ADHD may find that some medications help and others don't, so it's wise to try one at a time and evaluate the outcomes carefully. Adults with this presentation who have been taking medications since the age of a teenager should have a look at their treatment every 6 months, and particularly when they make any changes to their lifestyle that may affect the amount of medication required.
It is important to know that ADD and ADHD do not affect race or gender, ethnicity, or age. However, it does appear to be more prevalent in those who were assigned male at birth. Adults who show a number of symptoms that are not explained are typically diagnosed.
There are several ways to deal with ADD in adults, which include 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 assist in increasing concentration by increasing the amount of dopamine and norepinephrine within the brain. Non-stimulants are also used by adults who don't want to take stimulants, or only require them in a small dose.
Symptoms of Combined Type
For people with combined type ADHD, the symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity appear together. Inattention symptoms can be evident as 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 the complete answer. They may find it difficult to wait in line or follow directions, which can lead to frustration and rule-breaking behavior.
Adults with a combination ADHD symptoms usually have trouble reading social boundaries in an environment and can cause them to disrupt conversations or activities. They do this without thinking about the feelings of others. They tend to have difficulty with organizing strategies and get overwhelmed by large-scale projects. In a lot of cases, people who exhibit this ADHD presentation are also prone to depression or other mood disorders.
A correct diagnosis is crucial to determine the best treatment plan. While many people with ADHD struggle to seek assistance, obtaining the diagnosis can be an inspiring experience that provides them with the tools they require 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 before the age of 12 and persist for at least six month to qualify as ADHD. Additionally the symptoms must be severe enough to reduce the person's performance at school, work or home.
Experts aren't sure why ADHD occurs but they know that it can be hereditary and that certain genes increase a person's risk of developing the condition. They also recognize that differences in brain structure and brain chemistry play a role in the development of ADHD, and that some people 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. These therapies are usually more effective than medications.