Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Adults suffering from attention deficit disorder can be difficult to diagnose and treat. A therapist can help by examining the symptoms and their causes, teaching patients ways to create structure and alter their behaviour and provide medication if required.
People with ADD/ADHD experience difficulties with hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity. Symptoms include forgetfulness, difficulty waiting for their turn, or difficulty concentrating on games or tasks.
Signs of Inattentive Type
This type of ADHD is characterized by a high level of distraction, and a lack of focus on tiny details. Adults with inattentive ADHD typically have difficulty to finish tasks or complete projects that require constant mental effort, such as reading, writing and doing homework. They may have difficulty remembering appointments or paying bills, and are more likely to make impulsive mistakes at work or in their 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. The issues they face can last into adulthood, affecting their relationships, school performance and even their career development.
Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms include fidgeting, having trouble being quiet or engaging in leisure activities, issues waiting for their turn, and blurting out answers before the questions are completed. They also are often late to meetings or classes and struggle to stay organized. Inattention ADHD sufferers often have a hard time 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 conditions which could cause similar symptoms. Then, they'll analyze their behavior in order to determine if a person is suffering from ADD. You can inquire about the person's behavior in different situations by talking to their parents or teachers as well as their coworkers. The health care provider might also inquire about the individual's mood and medical history.
Most commonly, psychostimulants are used to enhance alertness and streamline brain signals. These include amphetamines like Adderall, Ritalin and Concerta and methylphenidates, such as Strattera (atomoxetine) and Qelbree (viloxazine). Antidepressants that affect neurotransmitters in the brain, are also often prescribed to people suffering from inattention ADHD to help improve their mood and concentration. Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor, (venlafaxine) are two examples. ADHD adult female symptoms -stimulant drugs 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 condition can make it difficult for people to focus on their schoolwork or job tasks, and may result in a number of mistakes made by careless people. They also have trouble following directions or completing complex tasks. They also have difficulty staying on track when playing games or in leisure activities with others. They often disrupt and interrupt others during games, conversations or other activities. They might play with their hands or feet or squirm in their seats 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 struggle with self-control, and often be constantly on the move and unable to stop or slow down, even if they are at events that are organized such as fairs or theme parks. They may have difficulty with 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 have difficulty making and maintaining friendships. They may also have issues regulating their emotions, which can lead to mood swings and severe depression. They may also be having difficulty managing their finances and time which could make it easier for them to fall prey to scams in the financial industry.
Many people suffering from ADHD don't be diagnosed until the age of the age of adulthood, when their problems become more obvious. Teachers or other adults might have missed their symptoms throughout childhood. They may have learned to compensate for their symptoms and thrived in a supportive environment until they had to face the stresses of working or raising a family when their problems became more evident. The male-to-female* ratio of diagnosed ADHD is significantly higher in the early years, but the ratio becomes more comparable as they reach adulthood.
Certain nutritional supplements can help reduce irritability in people with ADHD. These include GABA as well as taurine. GABA fish oil and Brain Vitale. They can also benefit from stress management techniques, such as regular exercises and deep breathing. They should talk to their doctor about all options for treatment that include stimulants (Strattera), 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 focusing on long-term mental tasks, or remembering things like chores, schoolwork, homework or work. They tend to make careless mistakes at work, school, and in personal life. Attention and impulse issues can create a lot of stress and can lead to relationship difficulties.
The symptoms of this disorder can vary in severity and can manifest at various stages of life. They include daydreaming and being easily distracted from their own thoughts, which may lead to an inability to remember things; a tendency lose things, like homework or keys and difficulty focusing on their tasks. They also struggle to stay still, and they can disrupt or take over games or other activities.
It is important to assess the results of each medication carefully when you have mixed presentation. Adults who have had this condition since they were teens should be re-evaluated every six months, and especially in the event of any lifestyle changes that may affect the amount of medication required.
It is important to note that ADD and ADHD are not influenced by race or gender, ethnicity, or age. However, it does appear to affect people who were assigned male at birth. Adults who show a number of symptoms but are unable to explain them are typically diagnosed.
There are many methods to manage and treat ADD in adults, including behavioral therapy, lifestyle changes, 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 norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Non-stimulants are also available and are an excellent option for adults who don't want to take stimulants or require them at lower doses.
Signs and symptoms of Combined Type
For people with combined type ADHD, the symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity appear together. Inattention symptoms can be apparent in the form of difficulty sitting still, forgetfulness or trouble finishing tasks, while hyperactivity and impulsivity can manifest as fidgeting, restlessness or squirming, or blurting out answers without waiting for a full question. They often find it difficult to wait in line or to follow instructions, which can result in frustration and a tendency to break the rules.
Adults with a mix of ADHD symptoms often also experience difficulty recognizing social boundaries in a situation and can be seen to intrude on conversations or activities without thinking about how others think about it. They are more likely to have a difficult time with organizational strategies and tend to get overwhelmed easily by complex projects. Many people suffering from this ADHD also have a history of mood disorders or depression.
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 reach out for assistance, getting 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 have been present before the age of 12 and persist for at least six months to qualify as ADHD. Additionally the symptoms must be severe enough to affect the person's performance at work, school or home.
Experts do not fully understand why ADHD is a common occurrence. However, they are aware that it is hereditary and certain genes increase the likelihood of a person developing the condition. They also know that brain chemistry and differences in brain structure can play a role in the development of the disorder, and that some individuals suffer from the disorder without having any 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 treatments are often more effective than prescription medications.