Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Adults suffering from attention deficit disorder are difficult to identify and treat. A therapist can help by examining symptoms and root causes, educating patients on how to add structure and change their behavior, and offering medication when required.
People with ADD/ADHD have problems with hyperactivity, inattention and the tendency to be impulsive. The symptoms include forgetfulness, difficulty waiting for their turn, or difficulties working on tasks or games.
Inattention Type Symptoms
The most obvious signs of this ADHD subtype include high distraction and trouble paying attention to particulars. Adults with inattentive ADHD typically have difficulty to complete tasks or projects that require constant mental effort, such as writing, reading or doing homework. They may have trouble remembering appointments or paying their bills and are susceptible to making impulsive errors in work 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. This means that their issues can persist throughout their adult lives and interfere with relationships as well as school performance and career advancement.
The signs of inattention ADHD include frequent fidgeting with hands and feet, difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly as well as difficulty waiting for their turn and answering questions in a hurry before they are answered. They also have difficulty staying organized at home and at work and are often late for classes or meetings. Inattention ADHD sufferers often have trouble 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 a person to determine if there are any mental health or medical conditions that could trigger similar symptoms. Then, our source will use their behavioral history in order to determine if the person has ADD. This could involve speaking to the person's parents, teachers and colleagues and asking about 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 increase alertness and improve brain signals. These include amphetamines like Adderall, Ritalin and Concerta and methylphenidates like Strattera (atomoxetine) and Qelbree (viloxazine). Antidepressants, which affect neurotransmitters in the brain, are sometimes prescribed to those suffering from inattention ADHD to improve their mood and focus. Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor, (venlafaxine) are two examples. Non-stimulant medications can also 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 to focus on schoolwork or work tasks and could lead to unintentional errors. In addition, they typically struggle to follow instructions or completing complex tasks. They also have trouble staying focused when playing games or in leisure activities with others. They can be disruptive and disrupt other people during games, conversations or other activities. They might fiddle or squirm using their hands or feet, squirm or pace in their chairs or pacing as 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 have trouble with self-control, and often be constantly on the move, unable to stop or slow down, even when they are at events that are organized like fairs and theme parks. They may have difficulty managing tasks, finishing long-term projects, or committing themselves to homework or other structured activities.
They have a low sense of responsibility and frequently have a difficult time forming and maintaining friendships. They may also have trouble regulating their emotions which can cause mood swings or severe depression. They may also have trouble managing their finances and time which could make it easier for them to fall prey to frauds in the financial sector.
Many people who suffer from ADHD are not diagnosed until they reach adulthood, when their symptoms become more obvious. Teachers or other adults may have missed their symptoms throughout childhood. They might have learned to manage their symptoms and thrived in a supportive environment until they faced the stresses of working or raising a family which is when their issues were more evident. In the early years, the male-to-female* ADHD ratio is higher. However it is more even as they grow older.
People with ADHD frequently 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. Stress management techniques such as deep breathing and regular exercise can be beneficial. They should discuss all options for treatment with their health care provider, including stimulants and non-stimulants like Atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) and antidepressants, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin).
Signs 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 a lot of mental effort for a long time or making things stick in their heads for example, schoolwork homework, chores, or work. They also make mistakes in school, in the workplace as well as in their personal lives. These issues with attention and impulse can create a lot of stress and cause problems in relationships.
The symptoms of this condition can be varied in severity and manifest at different times in life. Daydreaming, being easily distracted and forgetfulness are just a few signs. They also have a tendency to misplace things like keys or homework and a difficulty in following through with tasks. They may also have a difficult time sitting still and interrupt or take over leisure activities or games.
It is crucial to analyze the results of each drug carefully in the event of a mixed presentation. Adults who have had this type of presentation since the time they were teenagers should have their treatment evaluated every six months, and especially when there are any lifestyle changes that could impact the amount of medication needed.
It is important to remember that ADD and ADHD do not impact race or gender, ethnicity, or age. However, it does appear to be more prevalent in those who were deemed male at birth. Adults who present with several symptoms but are unable to explain them are usually diagnosed.
There are several 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 increase concentration by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. Non-stimulants are also readily available, and these can be a good choice for adults who do not want to take stimulants or require them at lower doses.
Symptoms of Combined Type
For people with combined type ADHD, the symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity appear together. Inattention symptoms may include forgetfulness, difficulty finishing tasks or difficulties staying still. Impulsivity and hyperactivity can manifest as restlessness, fidgeting, or squirming. They often have a difficult time to stand in line or follow directions, which can lead to frustration and behavior that is contrary to the rules.
Adults with a combination of ADHD symptoms often also experience difficulties recognizing social boundaries within their environment, leading them to intrude on activities or conversations 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 with this ADHD also have a history of depression or mood disorders.
A correct diagnosis is crucial to determine the most effective treatment plan. Many adults with ADHD are hesitant to seek help. However the diagnosis can empower them and provide 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. The symptoms must be present prior to age 12 and last for at least six months to be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis. The symptoms must be severe enough to impact a person's performance in the workplace, at school or at home.
Experts don't fully understand why ADHD occurs but they know that it can be inherited and that certain genes can increase the risk of developing the disorder. They also know that brain chemistry and variations in the structure of the brain play a part and that some people get the disorder without 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 cases, these treatments are more effective than medication.