Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Attention deficit disorder in adults can be difficult to identify and manage. Therapists can help by examining the signs and causes, teaching the patient how to structure their lives, make behavioural modifications and offer medication when needed.
People suffering from ADD/ADHD have issues with hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity. It is evident by the lack of memory, difficulty waiting for their turn, or difficulty working on tasks or games.
Signs of Inattentive Type
This subtype of ADHD is characterized by high distractibility, and a lack of focus on small details. Adults who have inattention ADHD typically have difficulty to complete tasks or projects that require sustained mental effort, like writing, reading or doing homework. They may have difficulty remembering appointments or paying bills, and are more likely to make impulsive mistakes in their daily or personal 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. Their problems can persist throughout their adulthood and impact their relationships, school performance, and career advancement.
Inattentive ADHD symptoms include fidgeting, having trouble playing quietly or participating in leisure activities, problems waiting for their turn, and blurting answers before the questions are completed. They also are often late to classes or meetings and struggle to stay organized. Inattention ADHD sufferers often have difficulty staying focused at work or school. They dislike boring meetings and often chew gum or drink coffee to get them through.
A health professional will examine the person for possible mental health or medical conditions that may cause similar symptoms. Then, they will use their behavioral history to determine if they suffer from ADD. This can involve talking to the person's parents, teachers and colleagues, and asking them to observe their behavior in different settings. The health professional will also inquire about the person's mood as well as recent medical history.
Most often, psychostimulants are used to boost alertness and boost brain signals. Adderall, Ritalin, Concerta and methylphenidates, such as Strattera (atomoxetine), Qelbree and Ritalin are all examples of these drugs. Antidepressants that alter neurotransmitters inside the brain are sometimes prescribed to people with inattentive ADHD to help improve their mood and focus. 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 makes it difficult for them to concentrate on work or school assignments and can lead to careless mistakes. In severe ADHD symptoms in adults , they typically struggle to follow instructions or completing complicated tasks. They also have difficulty staying on track when playing games or in activities of leisure with others. They often disrupt and disrupt others during games, conversations or other activities. They might fiddle with their hands or feet or squirm in their seats or walk around 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 can often be on the go and 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 tasks or committing to schoolwork or other structured activities.
They usually have a weak sense of personal responsibility and have difficulty creating and maintaining relationships. They may also have difficulties regulating their emotions which can lead them to mood swings and depression. They may also have difficulty managing their finances and time, which can make them more vulnerable to financial scams or other fraudulent activities.
Many people who suffer from ADHD do not be diagnosed until the age of the age of adulthood, when their problems become more obvious. In their early years, they could be overlooked by teachers or other adults who weren't aware of their problems. They could have reacted to their issues in a supportive environment and thrived until they had to face the stress of pursuing a job or raising a child, when their problems became apparent. In the beginning, the male-to female* ADHD ratio is higher. However, it becomes more equal in adulthood.
Certain nutritional supplements can help reduce irritability for people suffering from ADHD. These include GABA, taurine, GABA fish oil, and Brain Vitale. Stress management techniques like deep breathing and regular exercise can be beneficial. 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 trouble focusing on long-term mental tasks, or remembering things like schoolwork, homework, chores or work. They also tend to make mistakes in school, in the workplace as well as in their personal lives. The issues with attention and control of impulses can cause lots of stress and trouble in relationships.
The symptoms of this disorder are varied in severity and manifest at various stages of life. They can be characterized by daydreaming and being easily distracted by their own thoughts, which can lead to an inability to remember things; a tendency lose things like keys or homework and difficulty focusing on their tasks. They might also have trouble being still, and can disrupt or take over their leisure activities or games.
A person with a mixed presentation of ADHD may find that some medications are helpful while others don't. It's recommended to test one at each time and analyze the outcomes carefully. Adults who have had this condition since they were teenagers should be re-evaluated every six months, especially if there are any lifestyle changes that may affect the amount of medication needed.
It is important to know that ADD and ADHD do not affect race gender, ethnicity, gender or age. However it does appear to affect people who were assigned male at birth. The diagnosis is typically made when adults present with various of the typical symptoms in several aspects of their lives but cannot explain them clearly.
There are several ways to deal with 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 are also readily available, and these can be an ideal choice for those who aren't keen on taking 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 may include forgetfulness, difficulties completing tasks or having difficulty sitting still. Hyperactivity and impulsivity may manifest as a lack of concentration, fidgeting or squirming. They find it hard to stand in line or follow directions. This leads to 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 interrupt conversations or activities. They do this without thinking about what others might think. They tend to have difficulty in organising their strategies and become overwhelmed by the complexity of projects. Many people with this ADHD also have a history of mood disorders or depression.
A proper diagnosis is essential to determine the most effective treatment plan. While many people with ADHD struggle to reach out for assistance, getting an accurate diagnosis can be a positive experience that provides them with the tools they require to manage their symptoms and lead productive, fulfilling 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 prior to the age of 12 and last for a minimum of six months to be considered ADHD. The symptoms must also be severe enough to affect the performance of a child at the workplace, at school or at home.
Experts do not fully understand the reason ADHD occurs. However, they do know that it is hereditary and certain genes increase the likelihood of developing the condition. They also know that differences in brain structure and brain chemistry play a role in the development of ADHD, and that some people 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. In many cases, these treatments are more effective than medication.