Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Adults suffering from attention deficit disorder are difficult to diagnose and treat. Therapists can help by analyzing the symptoms and their root causes, and then teaching the patient how to add structure and behavioral changes, and offering medication when needed.
People with ADD/ADHD experience difficulties with hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity. Symptoms include forgetfulness and difficulty waiting for their turn, or difficulty in focusing on tasks or games.
Inattention Type Signs
The most prominent symptoms of this ADHD subtype include high distraction and trouble paying attention to the small details. Adults with inattention ADHD have difficulty completing tasks or projects that require constant mental effort, like writing and reading. 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. The issues they face can last into adulthood and affect their relationships, school performance, and even their career development.
The symptoms of inattention ADHD include the habit of fidgeting with your hands or feet, difficulties taking part in leisure activities without interruption, trouble waiting for their turn, and answering questions before they are finished. They also tend to be late to meetings or classes and have difficulty staying organized. Inattention ADHD sufferers often have trouble staying focused at work or school. They are not a fan of boring meetings and chew gum or drink coffee to get them through.
A medical professional will examine the person for possible mental health or medical conditions that may cause similar symptoms. They will then analyze their behavior history to identify if they have ADD. You can request to observe the person's behavior in various situations by speaking to their parents, teachers, and co-workers. The health care provider will also inquire about the person's mood and recent medical background.
Psychostimulants are used to increase alertness and streamline brain signals. Adderall, Ritalin, Concerta and methylphenidates, such as Strattera (atomoxetine), Qelbree and Ritalin are all examples of these medications. Antidepressants that affect neurotransmitters in the brain, are sometimes prescribed for people with inattention ADHD to help improve their mood and concentration. They could include Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). Non-stimulant drugs can also be utilized. 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 focus on their schoolwork or job tasks, and may lead to careless mistakes. In addition, they often struggle to follow instructions or performing complex tasks. They also have trouble staying focused when playing games or in activities of leisure with others. They can be disruptive and disrupt other people during games, conversations or other activities. They may fiddle or squirm with their hands or feet or squirm in their chairs or pacing while 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 struggle with self-control and can often be on the go, 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 managing tasks, completing projects for a long period of time, or working on routine tasks or assignments.
They usually have a weak sense of their personal responsibility and experience difficulties making and keeping friends. They may also have trouble managing their emotions, which could result in mood swings and extreme depression. They may also have trouble managing their time and finances, which can make it easier for them to fall prey to financial scams.
Many people who suffer from ADHD are not diagnosed until they reach adulthood when their symptoms become more obvious. As children, they might be overlooked by teachers or other adults who weren't aware of their problems. They could have reacted to their symptoms in a supportive environment and flourished until they had to face the pressure of finding an occupation or raising a child when their problems became apparent. In additional hints , the male-to-female* ADHD ratio is higher. However, it becomes more equal when they reach adulthood.
People with ADHD frequently find that certain dietary supplements, like multiple vitamin, NeurOmega fish oil, GABA or taurine and Brain Vitale or NeuroMemory can help to reduce anxiety and improve memory. They may also benefit from stress management strategies, such as regular exercises and deep breathing. They should discuss with their doctor all treatments options, including stimulants (Strattera), non-stimulants (Viloxazine) (Qelbree), and antidepressants (Wellbutrin).
Mixed Type Signs and 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. what are the symptoms for ADHD in adults tend to make careless errors at school, work, and in personal life. These problems with attention and control of impulses can cause a lot of stress and trouble in relationships.
The symptoms of this condition can be varied in severity and can manifest at different stages of life. They include daydreaming and being easily distracted by their own thoughts, which may lead to the tendency to lose things like keys or homework and having trouble focusing on tasks. They also struggle to stay still and may interfere with or even take over games or other leisure activities.
A person with a mixed presentation of ADHD might find that certain medications are helpful while others don't. It's wise to try one at an time and then evaluate the results carefully. Adults who have this presentation and have been taking medication since they were teens should be able to review their treatment every six months, and particularly when they make any changes to their lifestyle that may alter the dosage of medication needed.
It is important to remember that ADD or ADHD doesn't affect race or ethnicity, nor gender, although it may be more prevalent in those who are assigned male at birth (AMAB). Adults who present with a number of symptoms that are not explained are usually diagnosed.
There are a variety of ways to treat and manage ADD for adults, which includes behavior therapy, lifestyle modifications 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 increase concentration by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. Non-stimulants are also readily available and are an excellent option for adults who do not want to take stimulants or require them at lower doses.
The symptoms of Combined Type
For people with combined type ADHD, the symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity appear together. Inattention symptoms include forgetfulness, difficulties completing tasks, or having trouble sitting still. Hyperactivity and impulsivity may manifest as restlessness, fidgeting, or squirming. They may find it difficult to stay in line or follow instructions, which can result in frustration and a tendency to break the rules.
Adults who have a combination of ADHD symptoms often have difficulty understanding social boundaries in an environment which could cause them to interfere with conversations or activities. They do this without thinking about the feelings of others. They are more likely to have a difficult to organize their lives and are often overwhelmed by large-scale projects. Many people with this ADHD also have a history of depression or mood disorders.
A proper diagnosis is essential for determining the best treatment plan. While many people with ADHD struggle to seek assistance, obtaining a diagnosis can be an inspiring experience that provides them with 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. The symptoms must be present prior to age 12 and last for at least six months in order to be considered an ADHD diagnosis. The symptoms must be severe enough to impact the student's performance at school, at work or at home.
Experts aren't sure why ADHD is a problem however they do know that it can be inherited and that certain genes can increase the risk of developing the condition. They also know that differences in brain structure and brain chemistry play a part, and that some people 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. These treatments are often more effective than medications.