Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Attention deficit disorder in adults can be difficult to identify and manage. A therapist can assist by examining the symptoms and their causes, teaching the patient how to build structure and behavioural changes and provide medication if necessary.
People with ADD/ADHD have problems with hyperactivity, inattention, and the tendency to be impulsive. Symptoms may include problems with forgetfulness, difficulty waiting for their turn and difficulties concentrating on tasks or playing games.
Inattention Type Signs
The defining symptoms of this ADHD subtype are high distractibility and difficulty paying attention to details. Adults with inattention ADHD often find it hard to finish tasks or complete projects that require sustained mental effort, like writing, reading and completing homework. They may have trouble remembering appointments or paying bills and are more prone to making naive mistakes in their work or home 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 throughout their adulthood and impact their relationships, school performance, and even their career development.
Symptoms of inattentive ADHD include frequent fidgeting with hands and feet, difficulties playing or engaging in leisure activities at a relaxed pace, trouble waiting for their turn and answering questions before they are completed. They also struggle to stay well-organized at home and at work and often arrive late for classes or meetings. People with inattention ADHD frequently have difficulty staying focused at school or work dislike boring meetings and have to chew gum or sip coffee to pass the time.
A health professional will assess a person to determine if there are any mental health or medical conditions which could cause similar symptoms. Then, they will examine their behavior history to determine if a person is suffering from ADD. You can request to observe the person's behavior under various situations by speaking to their family, teachers, and co-workers. The health professional will also inquire about the person's mood and recent medical history.
Most often, psychostimulants are used to enhance alertness and streamline brain signals. They include amphetamines, such as Adderall, Ritalin and Concerta and methylphenidates like Strattera (atomoxetine) and Qelbree (viloxazine). Antidepressants that affect neurotransmitters in the brain, are sometimes prescribed for people with inattentive ADHD to help improve their mood and concentration. Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor, (venlafaxine) are two examples. Other drugs that are not stimulants are also available. 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 can make it difficult for people to concentrate on their studies or work tasks, and could cause mistakes due to negligence. They also have trouble following instructions or completing complicated tasks. They also have trouble staying on track when playing games or in leisure activities with others. They can be disruptive and disrupt other players during games, discussions or other activities. They might fiddle or squirm using their hands or feet, squirm or pace in their seats 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 may struggle to control themselves and be constantly moving, unable even to slow down or stop at events like fairs or theme parks. They may have trouble managing tasks, completing projects for a long period of time, or working on structured activities or homework.
They have a low sense of responsibility and frequently struggle to form and maintain friendships. They may also have trouble regulating their emotions, which could result in mood swings and severe depression. They may also have difficulty managing their time and finances, which can make it easier for them to fall prey to financial scams.
Many people suffering from ADHD don't get a diagnosis until they reach the age of adulthood, when their problems become more apparent. As children, they might have been overlooked by teachers or other adults who were unaware of their symptoms. They could have reacted to their symptoms in a supportive environment and thrived until they were faced with the stress of pursuing the job of their dreams or raising a child, when their problems became apparent. The male-to-female* ratio of diagnosed ADHD is higher in childhood, but the ratio becomes more comparable in adulthood.
Certain supplements in the diet can help reduce the irritability of people suffering from ADHD. These include GABA, 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 options for treatment with their health care provider including non-stimulants and stimulants like Atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) and antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin).
Symptoms of Mixed Type
People with combined type ADHD exhibit symptoms of both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive presentations. They have trouble staying focused on tasks that require mental effort for long periods of time or making things stick in their heads, such as schoolwork or homework, chores, or work. They also make a lot of mistakes at school, in the workplace, and in their personal lives. Attention and impulse issues can cause stress and can lead to relationship difficulties.
The symptoms of this condition can vary in severity and can manifest at different times in life. They may include daydreaming and becoming easily distracted by their own thoughts, which may lead to forgetfulness; a tendency to lose things, such as keys or homework and difficulty focusing on tasks. They may also have a difficult time sitting still and disrupt or take over leisure activities or games.
ADHD symptoms in adults males with a mixed presentation of ADHD might find that certain medications help and others don't. Therefore, it's wise to try one at a time and evaluate the outcomes carefully. Adults with this type of presentation who have been taking medication since they were teens should be able to review their treatment every 6 months, and particularly when they make any changes to their lifestyle that could affect the amount of medication required.
It is important to remember that ADD and ADHD are not influenced by race or gender, ethnicity, or age. However it does appear to affect more people who were assigned male at birth. The diagnosis is usually made when adults present with several of the typical symptoms in several areas of their lives, but can't explain them satisfactorily.
There are adult ADHD symptoms quiz to treat ADD in adults, which include medications, 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 availability of dopamine and norepinephrine within the brain. Non-stimulants are also readily available and can be a good choice for adults who do not want to take stimulants or require less of a dose.
combined ADHD symptoms in adults of Combined Type
For people with combined type ADHD, the symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity appear together. Inattention symptoms include forgetfulness, difficulties completing tasks, or having trouble being still. Hyperactivity and impulsivity can manifest as restlessness, fidgeting or squirming. They often have a difficult time to stand in line or to follow instructions, which can result in frustration and rule-breaking behavior.
Adults with an array of ADHD symptoms also often have difficulties recognizing social boundaries within their environment, leading them to intrude on conversations or activities without thinking about how others feel about it. They are more likely to have a hard time with organizational strategies and are often overwhelmed easily by complex projects. Many people who suffer from this ADHD also have a history of depression or mood disorders.
A proper diagnosis of ADHD is crucial to determining the most effective treatment plan. Many adults with ADHD are hesitant to seek help. 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 have been present prior to the age of 12 and last for a minimum of six months 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 the reasons ADHD is a problem but they know that it can be inherited and that certain genes can increase the likelihood of developing the disorder. They also know that brain chemistry and differences in brain structure play a part in the development of the disorder, and that some individuals suffer from the disorder without having any 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 treatments are typically more effective than prescription medications.