Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Adults suffering from attention deficit disorder are difficult to identify and treat. A therapist can assist by analyzing the signs and root causes, and then teaching the patient how to add structure, make behavioural modifications and offer medication if needed.
People with ADD/ADHD may have issues with hyperactivity, inattention and the tendency to be impulsive. Some of the symptoms include forgetfulness, trouble waiting for their turn and difficulties concentrating on tasks or playing games.
Inattentive Type symptoms
The defining symptoms of this ADHD subtype are high levels of distraction and difficulty paying attention particulars. Adults who are inattentive ADHD are unable to complete tasks or projects that require continuous mental efforts, such as reading and writing. They may have difficulty remembering appointments or paying bills and are prone to making careless 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. This means that their issues can persist throughout their adult lives, and may cause issues with relationships, school performance, and career advancement.
Inattentive ADHD symptoms include fumbling, difficulty engaging in leisure activities, difficulties waiting for their turn, and blurting answers when the questions are not finished. They also have difficulty staying well-organized at home and at work, and are often late for classes or meetings. Inattention ADHD sufferers often have a hard time staying focused at work or school. They don't like boring meetings and chew gum or drink coffee to help them through.
A health care provider will assess the patient for any possible mental health issues or medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms. They will then use their behavioral history to identify if they have ADD. You can ask to see the person's behavior under various situations by talking to their family or teachers as well as their coworkers. The health professional may also inquire about the individual's mood and medical history.
Most often, psychostimulants are used to enhance alertness and boost brain signals. 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 also sometimes prescribed to those suffering from inattentive ADHD to help improve their mood and concentration. Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor, (venlafaxine) are two examples. Other medications that aren't stimulants can be used. 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 makes it difficult for them to concentrate on work or school assignments and could lead to unintentional mistakes. They also have difficulty following directions or completing complex tasks. They also have trouble staying on task when playing games or engaging in leisure activities with other people. They often interrupt or interfere on conversations or games and are eagerly waiting for their turn. They may fiddle with their feet or hands or even squirm their seat or jog while 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 can frequently be in a hurry and unable to stop or slow down, even when they're attending organized events like fairs or theme parks. They may struggle with managing tasks, completing projects over a long time, or working on scheduled tasks or homework.
They lack a sense of accountability and often have difficulty making and keeping friendships. They may also have issues managing their emotions, which could result in mood swings and severe depression. They may also have trouble managing their finances and time, which can make them more susceptible to financial scams and other frauds.
Many people with ADHD are not diagnosed until adulthood, when their symptoms become more evident. Teachers or other adults might have missed their symptoms throughout the early years of their lives. They may have sought to alleviate their symptoms in a safe environment and flourished until they were faced with the pressure of finding an occupation or raising a child, when their problems became apparent. In childhood, the male-to-female* ADHD ratio is higher. However it becomes more equal in adulthood.
People with ADHD often find that certain dietary supplements, such as multiple vitamin, NeurOmega fish oil, GABA or taurine, and Brain Vitale or NeuroMemory, can help reduce anxiety and improve memory. They may also benefit from stress management strategies that include regular exercises and deep breathing. They should talk to their doctor about all options for treatment, including stimulants (Strattera) and non-stimulants (Viloxazine) (Qelbree), and antidepressants (Wellbutrin).
Symptoms of Mixed Type
People with combined type ADHD exhibit symptoms of both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive presentations. They have difficulty staying focused on tasks that require mental effort for a long time or making things stick in their mind for example, schoolwork chores, homework or work. They also tend to make a lot of mistakes at school, at work, and in their personal lives. The issues with attention and control of impulses can cause an abundance of stress and difficulty in relationships.
The symptoms of this disorder can be varied in severity and manifest at different times in life. Being easily distracted, daydreaming, and forgetfulness are all symptoms. They also have a tendency to misplace things like keys or homework and a difficult time working through tasks. They also struggle to sit still, and they can disrupt or take over games or other activities.
It's important to evaluate the effects of each medication carefully when you have an unbalanced presentation. Adults who have this presentation and have been taking medications since the time they were teenagers should have a look at their treatment every 6 months, and in particular when they make any changes to their lifestyle that might alter the amount of medication required.
It is important to note that ADD and ADHD are not influenced by race, gender, ethnicity or age. However, it does appear to affect people who were categorized as male at birth. The diagnosis is usually identified when adults exhibit several of the typical symptoms across a variety of areas of their lives, but cannot explain them clearly.
There are many ways to treat and manage ADD in adults, such as behavior therapy, lifestyle modifications, 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 assist in increasing concentration by increasing the supply of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. Non-stimulants can also be utilized by adults who do not want to take stimulants, or need them in a low dosage.
The 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 difficulty sitting still. ADHD in adult men symptoms and impulsivity may manifest as a lack of concentration, fidgeting or squirming. They may find it difficult to wait in line or follow instructions, leading to frustration and rule-breaking behavior.
Adults who suffer from a mix of ADHD symptoms also have difficulty recognizing social boundaries in a situation which can lead them to encroach 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. In many cases, people with this ADHD display are also prone to depression or other mood disorders.
A proper diagnosis is essential to determine the best treatment plan. Although many adults with ADHD struggle to seek assistance, getting the 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. These symptoms must have been present before the age of 12 and persist for a minimum of six months to qualify as ADHD. Additionally the symptoms have to be severe enough to affect a person's performance at school, work or at home.
Experts aren't sure the reason ADHD is a common occurrence. However, they know that it is inherited and certain genes increase the chance of becoming affected. They also know that differences in brain structure and brain chemistry play a part in the development of the disorder, and that some individuals 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 medication.