Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Adults suffering from attention deficit disorder can be difficult to identify and treat. Therapists can assist by examining the signs and root causes, and then teaching the patient how to add structure and behavioural changes, and offering medication when needed.
People with ADD/ADHD have problems with hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity. It is evident by the lack of memory and difficulty in waiting for their turn, or having difficulty concentrating on games or tasks.
Symptoms of Inattentive Type
This type of ADHD is distinguished by a high level of distraction, and difficulty paying attention to tiny details. Adults with inattentive ADHD struggle to complete tasks or projects that require sustained mental effort, such as writing and reading. They may have difficulty remembering appointments or paying their bills, and are prone making careless errors in work 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. Their problems can persist into adulthood, affecting their relationships, school performance and career advancement.
Inattention ADHD symptoms include fidgeting, difficulty engaging in leisure activities, problems waiting for their turn, and blurting out answers before the questions are finished. They also have trouble staying well-organized at home and at work and are often late for classes or meetings. Inattention ADHD sufferers often have trouble staying focused at school or at work. They don't like boring meetings and chew gum or drink coffee to get them through.
A medical professional will evaluate the person for possible mental health or medical conditions that may cause similar symptoms. Then, they will analyze their behavior history to identify if they have ADD. You can inquire about the person's behavior in different situations by speaking to their family or teachers as well as their coworkers. The health professional will also ask about the person's mood and recent medical background.
Most commonly, psychostimulants are used to enhance alertness and streamline brain signals. Adderall, Ritalin, Concerta and methylphenidates, such as Strattera (atomoxetine), Qelbree and Ritalin are all examples of these medications. Antidepressants that alter neurotransmitters inside the brain are often prescribed to people suffering from inattention ADHD to help improve their mood and concentration. They can include Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). 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 work or school tasks, and may cause mistakes due to negligence. Additionally, they frequently have trouble following instructions or performing complex tasks. They also struggle to stay focused while playing games or taking part in leisure activities. They often interrupt or intrude on other people during conversations or games and can't wait for their turn. They might fiddle 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 have difficulty controlling themselves and are constantly moving and are unable to slow down or stop during events such as fairs or a theme park. They may have difficulty with managing tasks, completing projects for a long period of time, or working on structured activities or homework.
They have a lack of a sense of accountability and often have a difficult time forming and maintaining friendships. They may also have issues controlling their emotions, which can result in mood swings and depression. They may also have difficulty managing their finances and time which could make it easier for them to fall prey to frauds in the financial sector.
Many people who suffer from ADHD are not diagnosed until adulthood when their symptoms become more evident. Teachers or other adults may have missed their symptoms in the early years of their lives. They may have sought to alleviate their issues in a supportive atmosphere and flourished until they were faced with the pressure of finding a job or raising a child when their issues became apparent. In the early years, the male-to-female* ADHD ratio is higher. However it becomes more equal in adulthood.
People with ADHD often find 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. Stress management techniques like deep breathing and regular exercise can be beneficial. They should discuss all options for treatment with their physician, including stimulants and non-stimulants such as atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) and antidepressants like bupropion (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 activities or remembering things like schoolwork, homework, chores or work. They tend to make careless mistakes in school, at work and even in their personal life. These attention and impulse problems can create a lot of stress and lead to problems in relationships.
The signs of this condition can vary in severity and appear at different stages of life. They may include daydreaming and becoming easily distracted from their own thoughts, which can cause forgetfulness; a tendency to lose things, like keys or homework and having trouble focusing on their tasks. They may also have difficulty sitting still and disrupt or take over leisure activities or games.
It's important to evaluate the results of each medication carefully when you have an unbalanced presentation. Adults with this type of presentation who have been taking medication since the age of a teenager should get a review of their treatment every 6 months, and especially after any changes in lifestyle that may alter the dosage of medication needed.
It is important to remember that ADD and ADHD are not influenced by race, gender, ethnicity or age. However it does appear to affect people who were assigned male at birth. The diagnosis is typically identified when adults exhibit many of the common symptoms in several aspects of their lives but are unable to explain them in a satisfactory manner.
There are a variety of ways to deal with ADD for adults, such as 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 improve concentration by increasing levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. helpful site -stimulants are also readily available and can be an ideal choice for those who don't 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. Inattention symptoms can include forgetfulness, difficulties completing tasks or difficulties staying still. Hyperactivity and impulsivity may manifest as restlessness, fidgeting or squirming. They may find it difficult to stay in line or follow instructions, leading to frustration and behavior that is contrary to the rules.
Adults who have a combination of ADHD symptoms also have difficulties recognizing social boundaries within their environment which can lead them to encroach on activities or conversations without considering how others might be feeling about it. They are more likely to have a hard to organize their lives and tend to get overwhelmed by complicated projects. Many people who suffer from this ADHD also have a previous history of mood disorders or depression.
A clear diagnosis is crucial to determine the most effective treatment plan. Many people suffering from ADHD are hesitant to seek assistance. However the diagnosis can empower them and give them the tools 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 prior to the age of 12 and continue for a minimum of six months to be considered ADHD. The symptoms must be severe enough to negatively impact a person's performance in school, at work or at home.
Experts don't fully understand why ADHD is a problem however they do know that it can be genetic and that certain genes can increase the risk of developing the disorder. They also recognize that differences in brain structure and the brain's chemical makeup play a role in the development of ADHD, 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. In many instances, these treatments are more effective than medications.