Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Adults with attention deficit disorder can be difficult to diagnose and treat. Therapists can assist by examining symptoms and causes, teaching patients ways to add structure and alter their behaviour, and offering medication when needed.
People with ADD/ADHD have problems with hyperactivity, inattention and the tendency to be impulsive. The symptoms could include forgetfulness, difficulty waiting for their turn, and difficulty concentrating on tasks or playing games.
Inattention Type Symptoms
This subtype of ADHD is characterized by a high degree of distraction and difficulty paying attention to small details. Adults with inattentive ADHD struggle to complete tasks or projects that require constant mental effort, like reading and writing. They may have trouble remembering appointments or paying bills, and are more prone to making naive 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. As a result, the symptoms of inattentive ADHD can last throughout their adult lives and cause problems with relationships, school performance, and career advancement.
Symptoms of inattentive ADHD include frequent fidgeting with hands or feet, difficulties playing or taking part in leisure activities without interruption, trouble waiting for their turn, and answering questions in a hurry before they are completed. They also are often late to classes or meetings and have difficulty staying organized. Inattentive ADHD sufferers often have difficulty staying focused at school or at work. They don't like boring meetings and often chew gum or drink coffee to help them through.
A health professional will evaluate a patient to determine if there are any mental health or medical illnesses that may cause similar symptoms. Then, they'll analyze their behavior to determine if the patient is suffering from ADD. This could involve speaking to the person's family, teachers and colleagues and asking to see their behavior in various settings. The health care provider might also ask about the person’s mood and recent medical history.
The most commonly prescribed medications for inattentive ADHD are psychostimulants that streamline signals sent to the brain and boost alertness. They include amphetamines, such as Adderall, Ritalin and Concerta and methylphenidates, such as Strattera (atomoxetine) and Qelbree (viloxazine). Antidepressants that affect neurotransmitters in the brain are sometimes prescribed to people with inattentive ADHD to help improve their mood and focus. They may include Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). Other medications that aren't 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 symptom can make it difficult for people to concentrate on their work or school tasks, and may lead to careless mistakes. They also have difficulty following instructions or completing difficult tasks. They also struggle to stay on task when playing games or in leisure activities with others. They frequently interrupt or interfere on conversations or games and can't wait for their turn. They might fiddle or squirm with their feet or hands or squirm or move in their chairs 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 have trouble with self-control and can frequently be in a hurry and are unable to slow down or slow down, even if they're at organized events such as fairs or theme parks. They may have difficulties organizing tasks, completing long-term projects or applying themselves to homework or other structured activities.
They usually have a weak sense of personal responsibility and may have difficulty making and keeping friends. They may also have trouble managing their emotions, which could lead to mood swings and depression. They may also have difficulty managing their time and finances which could make them more susceptible to financial scams or other fraudulent activities.
Many people who suffer from ADHD don't receive a diagnosis until adulthood, when their issues become more evident. As children, they might be overlooked by teachers or other adults who were unaware of their symptoms. They may have adapted to manage their symptoms and thrived in a nurturing environment until they encountered the stresses of working or having a family as their issues became more apparent. severe ADHD symptoms in adults -to-female* ratio of diagnosed ADHD is significantly higher in the early years, but the ratio becomes more comparable in adulthood.
Certain dietary supplements can reduce irritability in people with ADHD. These include GABA as well as taurine. GABA fish oil and Brain Vitale. They may also benefit from stress management techniques, such as regular exercises and deep breathing. They must discuss with their physician all treatments options including stimulants (Strattera) as well as non-stimulants (Viloxazine) (Qelbree), and antidepressants (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 period of time or causing things to stay in their minds like schoolwork, chores, homework, or work. They are prone to making careless mistakes in school, at work, and in personal life. These attention and impulse problems can create a lot of stress and lead to relationship difficulties.
The signs of this condition can be varied in severity and appear at different times in life. The ability to be easily distracted, daydreaming and forgetfulness are just a few symptoms. They also include a tendency to misplace things like keys or homework and a difficult time working through tasks. They may also have a difficult time sitting still and interrupt or take over the activities of leisure or games.
A person with a mixed presentation of ADHD might find that certain medication helps while others don't. It's recommended to test 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 get a review of their treatment every six months, and in particular when they make any changes to their lifestyle that may alter the dosage of medication needed.
It is important to keep in mind that ADD or ADHD is not a problem of race or ethnicity, nor gender, but it may affect more people who are assigned a male at birth (AMAB). The diagnosis is typically identified when adults exhibit various of the typical symptoms in various areas of their lives and can't explain them satisfactorily.
There are many ways to manage ADD in adults, which include 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 in the brain. Non-stimulants can also be utilized by adults who don't want to take stimulants, or require them in a lower dosage.
Signs and symptoms of Combined Type
For people with combined type ADHD, the symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity appear together. Inattention symptoms may include forgetfulness, difficulties completing tasks or difficulties staying still. Hyperactivity and impulsivity may manifest as a lack of concentration, fidgeting or squirming. They have a difficult time learning to stand in line or follow directions. This can result in frustration and rule-breaking behaviors.
Adults with an array of ADHD symptoms often also experience difficulties recognizing social boundaries within their environment and can be seen to intrude into conversations or activities without thinking about how others feel about it. They often have trouble with organizing strategies and get overwhelmed by the complexity of projects. Many people who suffer from this ADHD also have a history of mood disorders or depression.
A correct diagnosis is crucial to determine the most effective treatment plan. Many people suffering from ADHD are reluctant to seek assistance. However, a 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. In addition the symptoms have to be severe enough to reduce the performance of a child at school, work or home.
Experts do not fully understand why ADHD occurs. However, they do know that it is hereditary and certain genes increase the likelihood of developing the condition. They also are aware that brain chemistry as well as differences in brain structure can play a role in the development of the disorder, and that some individuals suffer from the disorder without having 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 treatments are more effective than medication.