Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Adults with attention deficit disorder may be difficult to diagnose and treat. A therapist can assist by analyzing the signs and causes, teaching the patient how to structure their lives and behavioral changes and offer medication if necessary.
People with ADD/ADHD experience difficulties with inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Symptoms may include problems with memory loss, trouble waiting for their turn, and trouble concentrating on work or playing games.
Inattention Type Signs
The most obvious signs of this ADHD subtype are high levels of distraction and trouble paying attention to details. Adults with inattention ADHD often find it hard to finish tasks or complete projects that require constant concentration, such as writing, reading and completing homework. They may struggle to remember 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. The issues they face can last throughout their adulthood and impact their relationships, school performance, and their career progression.
The signs of inattention ADHD include frequent fidgeting with hands or feet, difficulties playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly as well as difficulty waiting for their turn and blurting out answers before questions are completed. They also have difficulty staying well-organized at home and at work and are often late for classes or meetings. Inattentive ADHD sufferers often have difficulty staying focused at school or at work. They are not a fan of boring meetings and chew gum or drink coffee to get them through.
ADHD in adults symptoms women will assess the patient for potential mental health issues or medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms and then examine their behavior to identify if they have ADD. This may involve speaking with the person's family, teachers and colleagues, and asking them to observe their behavior in various settings. The health professional will also inquire about the person's mood as well as recent medical history.
Psychostimulants are used to enhance alertness and streamline brain signals. These include amphetamines like Adderall, Ritalin and Concerta and methylphenidates like Strattera (atomoxetine) and Qelbree (viloxazine). Antidepressants that affect neurotransmitters in the brain, are sometimes prescribed to those suffering from inattentive ADHD to improve their mood and focus. They could include Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). ADHD in adults symptoms women 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 is a problem for them to concentrate on their work or schoolwork and can lead to careless mistakes. In addition, they typically struggle to follow instructions or performing complex tasks. They also have trouble staying on task when playing games or engaging in leisure activities with other people. They often disrupt and disrupt other players during games, discussions or other activities. They may fiddle with their hands or feet or squirm in their seats, 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 may struggle to control themselves and be constantly moving and are unable to slow down or stop, even at fairs or theme park. They may have trouble organizing tasks, working on projects for a long period of time, or working on routine tasks or assignments.
They often have a poor sense of personal responsibility and may have trouble making and keeping friends. They may also have trouble regulating their emotions which can cause mood swings or depression. They may also have difficulty managing their time and finances and can make them more susceptible to financial scams and other frauds.
Many people suffering from ADHD do not receive a diagnosis until adulthood, when their issues become more obvious. During childhood, they may have been overlooked by teachers or other adults who weren't aware of their problems. They may have learned to cope with their symptoms and thrived in a supportive environment until they had to face the stress of pursuing a career or raising a family, which is when their issues became more evident. In the beginning, the male-to female* ADHD ratio is higher. However it becomes more equal as they grow older.
Certain nutritional supplements can help reduce irritability for people suffering from ADHD. These include GABA and taurine, GABA fish oil and Brain Vitale. They may also benefit from stress management strategies, such as regular exercises and deep breathing. They should talk to their doctor about all treatments options that include 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 have difficulty staying focused on tasks that require mental effort for a long period of time or causing things to stay in their mind, such as schoolwork or homework, chores or even work. They also tend to make mistakes in school, at work as well as in their personal lives. Attention and control of impulses can cause a lot of stress and tension in relationships.
The symptoms of this condition typically manifest at various times in the course of life and range from mild to severe. They include daydreaming and being easily distracted from their own thoughts, which can lead to an inability to remember things; a tendency lose things, such as homework or keys and difficulty focusing on their tasks. They may also have a difficult time staying still and may disrupt or take over the activities of leisure or games.
Someone who has a mixed manifestation of ADHD may find that some medication helps while others don't. It's recommended to test one at an time and then evaluate the outcomes carefully. Adults who have had this type of presentation since they were teenagers should be re-evaluated every six months, particularly when there are any lifestyle changes that may impact the amount of medication required.
It is crucial to remember that ADD or ADHD is not a problem of race or ethnicity, nor gender, although it is believed to affect more people who are assigned male at birth (AMAB). Adults who show a number of symptoms and cannot explain them are usually diagnosed.
There are many ways to treat and manage ADD in adults, such as 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 improve concentration by increasing levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Non-stimulants are also available, and these can be an ideal choice for those who do not want to take stimulants or need 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 sitting still. Hyperactivity and impulsivity can manifest as restlessness, fidgeting or squirming. They are unable to stand in line or follow directions. This leads to frustration and behavior that is contrary to the rules.
Adults with a combination of ADHD symptoms often also experience difficulty recognizing social boundaries in a situation which can lead them to encroach on conversations or activities without thinking about how others be feeling about it. They are more likely to have a difficult to organize their lives and are often overwhelmed by complicated projects. In many cases, people with this ADHD presentation are also prone to depression or other mood disorders.
Making sure you have a clear diagnosis of ADHD is crucial to determining the most effective treatment strategy. Although many adults with ADHD struggle to seek help, receiving the diagnosis can be an empowering experience that gives them the tools they require to manage their symptoms and live productive, satisfying 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 prior to the age of 12 and continue for at least six months to qualify as ADHD. Additionally the symptoms must be severe enough to affect a person's performance at school, work or at home.
Experts aren't sure why ADHD occurs. However, they do know that it is genetic and certain genes increase the risk of a person developing the condition. They also recognize that differences in brain structure and brain chemistry play a part in the development of the disorder, and that some individuals get the disorder on their own, 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. In many instances, these therapies are more effective than medication.