Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Attention deficit disorder in adults can be difficult to diagnose and manage. Therapists can help by analyzing the symptoms and their causes, teaching the patient how to add structure, make behavioural modifications and offer medication if needed.
People suffering from ADD/ADHD may have difficulties with hyperactivity, inattention, and an impulsiveness. Symptoms include forgetfulness and difficulty waiting for their turn, or difficulties working on tasks or games.
Inattentive Type Symptoms
The defining symptoms of this ADHD subtype are high levels of distraction and trouble paying attention to details. Adults who are inattentive ADHD are unable to complete tasks or projects that require continuous mental efforts, such as writing and reading. They may have difficulty remembering appointments or paying bills, and are more likely to make impulsive mistakes in their work or 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. In the end, their issues can persist throughout their adult lives, and may cause issues with relationships as well as school performance and career advancement.
Inattention ADHD symptoms include fumbling, difficulty engaging in leisure activities, difficulties waiting for their turn, and blurting out answers when the questions are not 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 are not a fan of boring meetings and chew gum or drink coffee to help them through.
A health care provider will assess the patient for possible mental health or medical conditions that may cause similar symptoms and then examine their behavior to identify if they have ADD. You can inquire about the person's behavior in different situations by talking to their family as well as teachers and colleagues. The health care provider will also ask about the person's mood as well as recent medical history.
Most commonly, psychostimulants are used to increase 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 suffering from inattention ADHD in order to enhance their mood and improve their concentration. Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor, (venlafaxine) are two examples. Other drugs that are not 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 makes it difficult to focus on work or school assignments and could lead to unintentional errors. They also have trouble following instructions or completing difficult tasks. They also struggle to stay on task while playing games or engaging in leisure activities. They often interrupt or intrude on others during conversations, games or other activities and can't wait for their turn. They might play with their hands or feet, squirm in their seat 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 constantly on the move, unable to stop or slow down, even if they're at organized events like fairs or theme parks. ADHD symptoms adults male may struggle with organizing tasks, working on projects over a long time, or focusing on routine tasks or assignments.
They have a lack of a sense of responsibility and often have difficulty making and keeping friendships. They may also have trouble regulating their emotions, which could result in mood swings and severe depression. They may also have trouble managing their finances and time and this can make it easier for them to fall victim to financial scams.
Many people suffering from ADHD do not get a diagnosis until they reach the age of adulthood, when their problems become more obvious. As children, they might have been overlooked by teachers or other adults who were unaware of their issues. They may have learned to manage their symptoms and thrived in a supportive environment until they had to face the stress of pursuing a career or raising a family as their issues were more evident. In the beginning, the male-to female* ADHD ratio is higher. However it is more even as they grow older.
Certain nutritional supplements can help reduce irritability for people suffering from ADHD. These include GABA as well as taurine. GABA fish oil and Brain Vitale. They may also benefit from stress management techniques like regular exercises and deep breathing. They must discuss with their physician all options for treatment including stimulants (Strattera) as well as 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 trouble focusing on long-term mental tasks, or remembering things like homework, schoolwork, chores or work. They tend to make careless mistakes in school, at work, and in personal life. These problems with attention and control of impulses can cause lots of stress and tension in relationships.
Symptoms of this presentation often occur at various times throughout the day and range from mild to severe. The ability to be easily distracted, daydreaming and forgetfulness are just a few symptoms. They also include a tendency to misplace items like keys or homework and a difficult time following through with tasks. They also struggle to sit still, and they can interfere with or even take over games or other activities.
Someone with a mixed presentation of ADHD might find that certain medication helps while others don't. It's wise to try one at a time and evaluate the results carefully. Adults who have had this type of presentation since they were teens should be re-evaluated every six months, and especially if there are any changes in their lifestyle that could alter the dosage of medication needed.
It is important to remember that ADD or ADHD is not a problem of race or ethnicity or gender, although it is believed to affect more people who are assigned a male at birth (AMAB). The diagnosis is usually made when adults present with several of the typical symptoms in various aspects of their lives but can't explain them satisfactorily.
There are many ways to treat and manage ADD for adults, which includes 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 assist in increasing concentration by increasing the amount of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. Non-stimulants can also be used by adults who do not want to take stimulants, or need them in a low dose.
The symptoms of Combined Type
For people with combined type ADHD, the symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity appear together. Inattention symptoms include forgetfulness, difficulty completing tasks or difficulties sitting still. Hyperactivity and impulsivity can manifest as restlessness, fidgeting or squirming. They may find it difficult to stand in line or to follow instructions, which can result in frustration and rule-breaking behavior.
Adults who suffer from a combination of ADHD symptoms also have difficulty recognizing social boundaries in a situation which can lead them to encroach into conversations or activities without thinking about how others think about it. They tend to have difficulty with organizing strategies and get overwhelmed by the complexity of projects. In many cases, people with this ADHD appearance also have a history of depression or other mood disorders.
A proper diagnosis of ADHD is essential to determine the most effective treatment strategy. Many adults suffering from ADHD are reluctant to seek assistance. However, a diagnosis can empower them and provide 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 prior age 12 and last for at least six months in order to be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis. Additionally, the symptoms must be severe enough to hinder a person's performance at work, school or at home.
Experts aren't sure why ADHD is a common occurrence. However, ADHD in adults symptoms quiz do know that it is genetic and certain genes increase the chance of someone becoming affected. They also recognize that differences in brain structure and brain chemistry play a role, 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 instances, these therapies can be more effective than medication.