Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Attention deficit disorder in adults can be difficult to recognize and treat. A therapist can help by examining symptoms and causes, teaching patients ways to structure their lives and alter their behaviour and provide medication if needed.
People suffering from ADD/ADHD may have difficulties with inattention, hyperactivity, and an impulsiveness. Symptoms include forgetfulness, difficulty waiting for their turn, or difficulty working on tasks or games.
Inattentive Type Signs
This subtype of ADHD is characterized by high distractibility, and a difficulty in paying attention to tiny details. Adults with inattention ADHD struggle to complete tasks or projects that require continuous mental efforts, such as reading and writing. They may have trouble remembering appointments or paying their bills, and are prone making careless mistakes at the workplace 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. In the end, the symptoms of inattentive ADHD can last throughout their adult lives and cause problems with relationships as well as school performance and career advancement.
Symptoms of inattentive ADHD include the habit of fidgeting with your hands or 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 finished. They also struggle to stay well-organized at home and at work, and are often late for classes or meetings. Inattention ADHD sufferers often have trouble staying focused at school or at work. They don't like boring meetings and prefer to chew gum or drink coffee to get them through.
A health professional will examine the person for any possible mental health issues or medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms. Then, they will analyze their behavior history to identify if they have ADD. You can request to observe the person's behavior under various situations by talking to their family as well as teachers and colleagues. The health care provider might also inquire about the person's mood and recent medical history.
Most commonly, psychostimulants are used to boost 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 often prescribed to people suffering from inattention ADHD to 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 symptom makes it difficult to focus on schoolwork or work tasks and could lead to unintentional mistakes. Additionally, they frequently have trouble following instructions or performing complex tasks. They also have trouble staying focused while playing games or taking part in leisure activities. They frequently interrupt or interfere on conversations or games and are eagerly waiting for their turn. They might fiddle or squirm using their hands or feet or squirm or move in their chairs, or pacing while they talk or listen.
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 are constantly moving, unable even to slow down or stop at fairs or theme parks. They may have trouble organizing tasks, working on projects over a long period of time or applying themselves to routine tasks or assignments.
They lack a sense of responsibility and frequently have difficulty making and keeping friendships. here. may also have difficulties managing their emotions, which can result in mood swings or severe depression. They might also have issues managing their time and finances which could 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. As children, they might have been missed by teachers or other adults who were unaware of their symptoms. They may have sought to alleviate their issues in a supportive atmosphere and flourished until they had to face the pressure of finding a job or raising a child which is when their issues became evident. The ratio of males to females in diagnosed ADHD is higher in childhood, but the ratio becomes more comparable in adulthood.
People suffering from ADHD often discover that certain dietary supplements, like multiple vitamin, NeurOmega fish oil, GABA or taurine, and Brain Vitale or NeuroMemory can reduce irritability and improve memory. Techniques for managing stress, such as deep breathing and regular exercise can be beneficial. They should talk to their doctor about all treatments options, including stimulants (Strattera) and non-stimulants (Viloxazine) (Qelbree), and antidepressants (Wellbutrin).
Signs of Mixed Type
People with combined type ADHD exhibit symptoms of both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive presentations. They are unable to focus on long-term mental tasks or remembering things like schoolwork, homework, chores or work. They also make a lot of mistakes at school, in the workplace, and in their personal lives. These attention and impulse problems can cause a lot stress and cause problems in relationships.
Symptoms of this presentation often appear at various times throughout the day and can range from mild to severe. They include daydreaming and being easily distracted by their own thoughts, which can cause forgetfulness; a tendency to lose things like homework or keys and difficulty focusing on tasks. They may also have a difficult time sitting still and disrupt or take over leisure activities or games.
Someone who has a mixed manifestation of ADHD might find that certain medications help and others don't. It's best to try one a time and evaluate the outcomes carefully. Adults who have experienced this type of presentation since they were teenagers should have their treatment reviewed every six months, especially in the event of any lifestyle changes that may impact the amount of medication needed.
It is important to note that ADD and ADHD do not affect race, gender, ethnicity or age. However, it does appear to affect people who were categorized as male at birth. The diagnosis is usually made when adults present with many of the common symptoms in several aspects of their lives but can't explain them satisfactorily.
There are a variety of methods to treat ADD among adults, including medication, lifestyle changes 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 boost concentration by increasing levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Non-stimulants can also be utilized by adults who do not want to take stimulants, or need them in a low dose.
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 as well as impulsivity and hyperactivity. can manifest as restlessness, fidgeting or squirming, or blurting out answers without waiting for a full question. They often find it difficult to wait in line or follow instructions, leading to frustration and a tendency to break the rules.
Adults who have a combination of ADHD symptoms also have difficulties recognizing social boundaries within their environment and can be seen to intrude on conversations or activities without considering how others might be feeling about it. They are more likely to have a hard working with organizational strategies and tend to get overwhelmed by complicated projects. In a lot of cases, people who exhibit this ADHD appearance may also be suffering from depression or other mood disorders.
Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD is crucial to determining the most effective treatment strategy. Many adults suffering from ADHD are reluctant to seek help. However an accurate diagnosis can empower them and give them the tools 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. These symptoms must be present before the age of 12 and last for at least six month to be considered ADHD. In addition the symptoms must be severe enough to reduce the person's performance at school, work or at home.
Experts aren't sure why ADHD occurs. However, they know that it is genetic and certain genes increase the chance of a person becoming affected. They also know that brain structure and brain chemistry play a role in the development of the disorder, and that some individuals are born with the disorder and have 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 medications.