Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Adults with attention deficit disorder are difficult to identify and treat. A therapist can help by examining the symptoms and their root causes, educating patients on how to structure their lives and change their behavior, and offering medication when needed.
People with ADD/ADHD have problems with hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity. Symptoms include forgetfulness and difficulty in waiting for their turn, or difficulty in focusing on tasks or games.
Inattention Type Signs
The most prominent symptoms of this ADHD subtype are high levels of distraction and difficulty paying attention details. Adults with inattention ADHD frequently find it difficult to complete tasks or projects that require constant concentration, such as writing, reading and completing homework. They may struggle to remember appointments or paying bills, and are prone to making careless 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 problems can persist into adulthood and affect their relationships, school performance, and their career progression.
Symptoms of inattentive ADHD include the habit of fidgeting with your hands or feet, difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly, trouble waiting for their turn and answering questions in a hurry before they are completed. They also tend to be late to meetings or classes and have difficulty staying organized. Inattentive ADHD sufferers often have a hard time staying focused at work or school. They don't like boring meetings and often chew gum or drink coffee to help them through.
A health care provider will assess the patient for potential mental health issues or medical conditions that may cause similar symptoms and then analyze their behavior history to determine if they suffer from ADD. You can ask to see the person's behavior in various situations by speaking to their parents or teachers as well as their coworkers. The health care provider will also inquire about the person's mood and recent medical background.
Psychostimulants are used to boost 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 affect neurotransmitters in the brain, are also sometimes prescribed for people with inattention ADHD to improve their mood and focus. They could include Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). Non-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 can make it difficult for people to concentrate on their studies or work tasks, and could result in a number of mistakes made by careless people. In addition, they typically have trouble following instructions or performing complex tasks. They also have trouble staying focused when playing games or in activities of leisure with others. They can be disruptive and disrupt other people during games, conversations or other activities. They might squirm or fiddle with their feet or hands or squirm or move in their seats or pacing while 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 may often be on the go, unable to stop or slow down, even if they're at organized events like fairs or theme parks. They may have trouble with managing tasks, completing long-term projects, or committing themselves to homework or other structured activities.
They have a lack of a sense of responsibility and often struggle to form and maintain friendships. They may also have difficulty controlling their emotions, which can cause mood swings and extreme depression. They may also have difficulty managing their time and finances and can make them more vulnerable to financial scams or other frauds.
Many people with ADHD don't receive a diagnosis until the age of adulthood, when their problems become more apparent. In their early years, they could have been overlooked by teachers or other adults who were unaware of their issues. They may have adapted to compensate for their symptoms and thrived in a nurturing environment until they encountered the pressures of pursuing a career or raising a family which is when their issues became more apparent. The male-to-female ratio of diagnosed ADHD is higher in childhood, but the rate becomes more similar in adulthood.
Certain supplements in the diet can help reduce the irritability of people suffering from ADHD. These include GABA as well as taurine. GABA fish oil and Brain Vitale. They may also benefit from stress management strategies that include regular exercise and deep breathing. They should discuss all treatments with their doctor which includes stimulants and non-stimulants like atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) and antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin).
Signs 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 activities or remembering things, such as chores, schoolwork, homework or work. They also make mistakes in school, at work and in their private lives. These issues with attention and impulse can cause a lot stress and cause problems in relationships.
The signs of this disorder typically occur at various times throughout the day and can range from mild to severe. They may include daydreaming and becoming easily distracted by their own thoughts, which may lead to an inability to remember things; a tendency lose things, like keys or homework; and difficulties following through on their tasks. adult ADHD symptoms quiz struggle to sit still, and they may disrupt or take over games or other leisure activities.
It is crucial to analyze the effects of each medication carefully when you have a mixed presentation. Adults who have had this presentation since the time they were teenagers should have their treatment evaluated every six months, especially in the event of any changes in their lifestyle that could alter the dosage of medication required.
It is important to remember that ADD or ADHD does not affect race, ethnicity, or gender, although it is believed to affect more people who are assigned males at birth (AMAB). The diagnosis is typically made when adults present with several of the typical symptoms in various aspects of their lives but can't explain them satisfactorily.
There are a variety of ways to deal with ADD for adults, such as 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 aid in increasing concentration by increasing the supply of dopamine and norepinephrine within the brain. Non-stimulants can also be used by adults who do not wish to use stimulants, or who only require them in a lower dose.
Symptoms of Combined Type
For people with combined type ADHD, the symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity appear together. Inattention symptoms can include forgetfulness, difficulty completing tasks, or having trouble being still. Hyperactivity and impulsivity may manifest as restlessness, fidgeting, or squirming. They may find it difficult to wait in line or to follow instructions, which can result in frustration and a tendency to break the rules.
Adults who suffer from a combination of ADHD symptoms usually have trouble understanding the social boundaries of a given situation which could cause them to interrupt conversations or activities. They do this without considering what others might think. They are more likely to have a hard time with organizational strategies and are often overwhelmed easily by complex projects. In many cases, those with this ADHD appearance also have a history of depression or other mood disorders.
Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD is key to identifying the most effective treatment strategy. While many adults who have ADHD struggle to reach out for help, receiving a diagnosis can be an empowering experience that gives them the tools they need to manage their symptoms and lead a 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. The symptoms must be present prior the age of 12 and last for at least six months to be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis. Additionally the symptoms must be severe enough to hinder the person's performance at work, school or at home.
Experts don't fully understand the reasons ADHD occurs, but they do know that it can be hereditary and that certain genes increase the risk of developing the disorder. They also know that brain chemistry and 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. In many instances, these therapies are more effective than medication.