Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Attention deficit disorder in adults can be difficult to identify and treat. Therapists can assist by examining symptoms and their causes, teaching patients ways to create structure and make behavioural changes, and offering medication when necessary.
People with ADD/ADHD experience difficulties with hyperactivity, inattention, and an impulsiveness. Some of the symptoms include forgetfulness, difficulty waiting for their turn, and difficulties concentrating on tasks or playing games.
Symptoms of Inattentive Type
The most prominent symptoms of this ADHD subtype are high levels of distraction and difficulty paying attention to the small details. Adults who have inattention ADHD frequently find it difficult to complete tasks or projects that require sustained concentration, such as reading, writing and doing homework. They may struggle to remember appointments or paying their bills, and are prone making careless 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. The issues they face can last into adulthood, affecting their relationships, school performance, and their career progression.
The signs of inattention ADHD include the habit of fidgeting with your hands or feet, difficulty taking part in leisure activities without interruption and unable to wait for their turn and answering questions before they are answered. ADHD adult symptoms have trouble staying well-organized at home and at work and are often late for classes or meetings. Those with inattentive ADHD frequently have difficulty staying focused at school or at work, despise boring meetings and require chewing gum or drink coffee to make it through them.
A health professional will assess a person to determine if there are any mental health or medical conditions that could trigger similar symptoms. Then, they'll analyze their behavior in order to determine if a person is suffering from ADD. This may involve speaking with the person's family, teachers and colleagues, and asking them to observe their behavior in different settings. The health care provider will also ask about the person's mood as well as recent medical history.
The most frequently prescribed drugs for inattention ADHD are psychostimulants that improve signals sent to the brain and boost alertness. Adderall, Ritalin, Concerta and methylphenidates such as Strattera (atomoxetine), Qelbree and Ritalin are just a few examples of these drugs. Antidepressants that affect neurotransmitters within the brain can be prescribed to people suffering from inattention ADHD to help improve their mood and focus. 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 makes it difficult to focus on schoolwork or work tasks and could lead to unintentional mistakes. Additionally, they frequently have trouble following instructions or completing complex tasks. They also struggle to stay focused when playing games or participating in leisure activities. They often interrupt or intrude on other people during conversations, games or other activities and are eagerly awaiting their turn. They might fiddle or squirm with their feet or hands or squirm or move in their chairs or pacing while they listen or talk.
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 are unable to slow down or stop, even during events such as fairs or a theme park. They may have trouble with managing tasks, finishing long-term projects, or committing themselves to schoolwork or other structured activities.
They have a lack of a sense of accountability and often have a difficult time forming and maintaining friendships. They may also have difficulties regulating their emotions which can lead them to mood swings or depression. They may also have difficulty managing their finances and time and can make them more vulnerable to financial scams and other frauds.
Many people with ADHD don't be diagnosed until the age of adulthood, when their problems become more apparent. Teachers or other adults might have missed their symptoms during their childhood. They may have compensated for their symptoms in a supportive atmosphere and flourished until they were faced with the pressure of pursuing an occupation or raising a child which is when their issues became evident. In childhood, the male-to-female* ADHD ratio is higher. However it is more even when they reach adulthood.
Certain supplements in the diet can help reduce irritability for people suffering from ADHD. These include GABA and taurine, GABA fish oil and Brain Vitale. They can also benefit from techniques for managing stress like regular exercise and deep breathing. 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 are prone to making careless errors at school, work, and in personal life. The issues with attention and control of impulses can cause lots of stress and tension in relationships.
The symptoms of this disorder can be varied in severity and appear at different times in life. Daydreaming, being easily distracted and forgetfulness are a few signs. They also have the tendency to lose things like keys or homework and a difficulty in working through tasks. They might also have trouble sitting still and interfere with leisure activities or games.
It is crucial to analyze the effects of each medication carefully in the event of an unbalanced presentation. Adults who have this presentation and have been taking medication since the age of a teenager should have a look at their treatment every six months, and in particular when they make any changes to their lifestyle that may alter the dosage of medication required.
It is important to know that ADD and ADHD are not influenced by race or gender, ethnicity, or age. However it is believed that it will affect people who were assigned male at birth. The diagnosis is typically identified when adults exhibit various of the typical symptoms in several aspects of their lives but are unable to explain them in a satisfactory manner.
There are a variety of ways to manage and treat ADD in adults, such as lifestyle modification, behavior therapy, and medication. 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 boost concentration by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. Non-stimulants are also used by adults who don't want to take stimulants, or only require them in a lower dosage.
Symptoms of Combined Type
For people with combined type ADHD, the symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity appear together. The signs of inattention could be evident as difficulty sitting still, forgetfulness or trouble finishing tasks and impulsivity, hyperactivity can show up as restlessness, fidgeting and squirming. They may also be able to blurt out answers without waiting for the complete question. They may find it difficult to wait in line or follow instructions, leading to frustration and rule-breaking behavior.
Adults with a mix of ADHD symptoms also often have difficulty recognizing social boundaries in a situation and can be seen to intrude on activities or conversations without considering how others might think about it. They often have trouble organizing their thoughts and are overwhelmed by the complexity of projects. Many people suffering from this ADHD also have a history of mood disorders or depression.
A proper diagnosis of ADHD is crucial to determining the most effective treatment plan. Many people suffering from ADHD are reluctant to seek assistance. However the diagnosis can empower them and give them the tools needed 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 age 12 and persist for at least six months to qualify as an ADHD diagnosis. Additionally the symptoms must be severe enough to hinder the person's performance at school, work or home.
Experts don't fully understand why ADHD occurs however they do know that it can be hereditary and that certain genes can increase the likelihood of developing the condition. They also recognize that brain chemistry and variations in the structure of the brain can play a role, and that some people have the disorder despite not having a 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 cases, these treatments can be more effective than medications.