Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Attention deficit disorder in adults can be difficult to recognize and treat. A therapist can assist by analyzing the symptoms and their root causes, and then teaching the patient how to add structure and behavioural changes and offer medication if needed.
People suffering from ADD/ADHD experience issues with hyperactivity, inattention, and an impulsive nature. Some of the symptoms include forgetfulness, difficulty waiting for their turn and difficulties concentrating on tasks or playing games.
Inattentive Type Signs
The most prominent symptoms of this ADHD subtype are high levels of distraction and difficulty paying attention to the small details. Adults who are inattentive ADHD struggle to complete tasks or projects that require continuous mental efforts, such as reading and writing. 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 problems can persist into adulthood and affect their relationships, school performance, and even their career development.
The signs of inattention ADHD include frequent fidgeting with hands or feet, having difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities at a relaxed pace and unable to wait for their turn and blurting out answers before questions are finished. They also struggle to stay organized at home and at work and often arrive late for classes or meetings. Inattention ADHD sufferers often have trouble staying focused at school or at work. They dislike boring meetings and prefer to chew gum or drink coffee to get them through.
A health care provider will evaluate the person for possible mental health or medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms. Then, they will analyze their behavior history to identify if they have ADD. This could involve speaking to the person's parents, teachers and colleagues and asking to see their behavior in different settings. The health professional will also ask about the person's mood as well as recent medical history.
Most commonly, psychostimulants are used to boost alertness and streamline brain signals. Adderall, Ritalin, Concerta and methylphenidates like Strattera (atomoxetine), Qelbree and Ritalin are just a few examples of these drugs. Antidepressants that alter neurotransmitters inside the brain are often 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 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 struggle to follow instructions or completing complex tasks. They also struggle to stay on task while playing games or participating in leisure activities. They frequently interrupt or interfere on other people during conversations or games and are eagerly awaiting their turn. They might play with their feet or hands or even squirm their seat, or pace while they're 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 have trouble with self-control and may frequently be in a hurry and are unable to slow down or slow down, even when they're at organized events such as fairs or theme parks. They may struggle with managing tasks, completing projects over a long period of time, or working on structured activities or homework.
They lack a sense of accountability and often struggle to form and maintain friendships. They may also have difficulty managing their emotions, which can result in mood swings or depression. They may also have trouble managing their finances and time which could make them more prone to financial scams and other fraudulent activities.
Many people suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed until they reach adulthood when their symptoms become more obvious. During childhood, they may have been overlooked by teachers or other adults who were unaware of their issues. They could have reacted to their symptoms in a supportive environment and thrived until they were confronted with the pressure of finding a job or raising a child when their problems became apparent. In the beginning, the male-to female* ADHD ratio is higher. However, ADHD symptoms in women adults becomes more equal when they reach adulthood.
Certain nutritional supplements can help reduce irritability for people suffering from ADHD. These include GABA, taurine, GABA fish oil and Brain Vitale. They may also benefit from stress management strategies, such as regular exercise and deep breathing. They should discuss all treatments with their physician, including stimulants and non-stimulants like atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) and antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin).
The symptoms of mixed type
People with combined type ADHD exhibit symptoms of both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive presentations. They are unable to focus on tasks that require mental effort for a long time or causing things to stay in their mind for example, schoolwork chores, homework or even work. They also tend to make a lot of mistakes at school, in the workplace as well as in their personal lives. The issues with attention and control of impulses can cause lots of stress and difficulty in relationships.
The signs of this disorder typically manifest at various times throughout the day and range from mild to severe. Daydreaming, being easily distracted, and forgetfulness are all symptoms. They also include the tendency to lose things like homework or keys and a difficulty in working through tasks. They might also have trouble staying still and may interrupt or take over the activities of leisure or games.
It is important to assess the results of each medication carefully if you have a mixed presentation. Adults who have experienced this type of presentation since they were teenagers should have their treatment reviewed every six months, and especially if there are any lifestyle changes that could affect the amount of medication required.
It is crucial to remember that ADD or ADHD doesn't affect race, ethnicity, or gender, though it does seem to affect more people who are assigned males at birth (AMAB). The diagnosis is typically identified when adults exhibit various of the typical symptoms in various areas of their lives, but are unable to explain them in a satisfactory manner.
There are a variety of ways to treat and manage ADD in adults, including lifestyle modification, behavior therapy and medications. 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 help to increase concentration by increasing the availability of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. Non-stimulants can also be used by adults who do not wish to take stimulants, or need them in a low dosage.
Signs and 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 difficulties being still. Hyperactivity and impulsivity may manifest as restlessness, fidgeting, or squirming. They find it hard to stand in line or follow instructions. This can result in frustration and rule-breaking behaviors.
Adults who suffer from a combination of ADHD symptoms often also experience difficulty recognizing social boundaries in a situation, leading them to intrude on conversations or activities without thinking about how others feel about it. They are more likely to have a difficult time with organizational strategies and are often overwhelmed by complicated projects. In a lot of cases, people with this ADHD presentation may also be suffering from depression or other mood disorders.
A correct diagnosis is crucial to determine the most effective treatment plan. While many people with ADHD struggle to reach out for help, receiving a diagnosis can be an positive experience that provides them with 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. These symptoms must be present before age 12 and last for at least six months to be considered an ADHD diagnosis. The symptoms must also be severe enough to negatively impact a person's performance in school, at work or at home.
Experts don't fully understand why ADHD occurs however they do know that it can be inherited and that certain genes increase the likelihood of developing the disorder. They also know that brain structure and brain chemistry play a part in the development of ADHD, and that some people develop the disorder spontaneously 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. These therapies are usually more effective than prescription medications.