Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Attention deficit disorder in adults can be challenging to diagnose and manage. Therapists can help by examining the signs and root causes, and then teaching the patient how to structure their lives, make behavioural modifications and provide medication when needed.
People suffering from ADD/ADHD may have difficulties with hyperactivity, inattention, and an impulsiveness. Symptoms include forgetfulness and difficulty in waiting for their turn, or having difficulty concentrating on games or tasks.
Inattentive Type Symptoms
This type of ADHD is characterized by a high degree of distraction and difficulty paying attention to the smallest details. Adults with inattentive ADHD frequently find it difficult to finish tasks or complete projects that require sustained mental effort, like writing, reading and completing homework. They may struggle to remember 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. In the end, their issues can persist throughout their adult lives and interfere 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 taking part in leisure activities without interruption as well as difficulty waiting for their turn and answering questions in a hurry before they are completed. They also tend to be late to classes or meetings and struggle to stay organized. Those with inattentive ADHD often have trouble staying focused at school or work, despise boring meetings and need to chew gum or sip coffee to pass the time.
A health professional will examine a person to determine if there are any mental health or medical conditions which could cause similar symptoms. Then, they'll use their behavioral history in order to determine if a person is suffering from ADD. This may involve speaking with the person's family, teachers and colleagues and asking them to observe their behavior in different situations. The health care provider will also ask about the person's mood as well as recent medical background.
Psychostimulants are used to increase alertness and improve brain signals. These include amphetamines like Adderall, Ritalin and Concerta and methylphenidates, such as Strattera (atomoxetine) and Qelbree (viloxazine). Antidepressants, which affect neurotransmitters in the brain, are also often prescribed to people suffering from inattentive ADHD to improve their mood and focus. They could include Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). Non-stimulant medications 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 is a problem to focus on schoolwork or work tasks and may result in careless mistakes. They also have trouble following directions or completing complex tasks. They also struggle to stay on task while playing games or participating in leisure activities. They often interrupt or interfere on others during conversations or games and can't wait for their turn. They may fiddle 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 may be unable to control themselves and are constantly on the move and are unable to slow down or stop, even at events like fairs or theme parks. They may have difficulty managing tasks, completing long-term projects, or committing themselves to schoolwork or other structured activities.
They often have a poor sense of personal responsibility and may have difficulty making and keeping friends. They may also have trouble regulating their emotions, which can lead to mood swings and extreme depression. They may also have difficulty managing their time and finances which could make them more prone to financial scams or other frauds.
Many people suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed until adulthood when their symptoms become more evident. Teachers and other adults could have missed their symptoms during the early years of their lives. They may have compensated for their symptoms in a safe environment and thrived until they were faced with the pressure of pursuing an occupation or raising a child, when their issues became apparent. In childhood, the male-to-female* ADHD ratio is higher. However, it becomes more equal as they grow older.
People with ADHD frequently find that certain nutritional supplements, such as multiple vitamin, NeurOmega fish oil, GABA or taurine, and Brain Vitale or NeuroMemory, can help reduce irritability and improve memory. Stress management techniques such as deep breathing and regular exercise can be beneficial. They should discuss all treatment options with their doctor which includes stimulants and non-stimulants such as Atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) and antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin).
Signs of Mixed Type
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, such as 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 impulse control can lead to lots of stress and difficulty in relationships.
Symptoms of this presentation often appear at various times in the course of life and can range from mild to severe. The ability to be easily distracted, daydreaming and forgetfulness are just a few symptoms. They also include the tendency to lose items like keys or homework and a difficulty in working through tasks. They may also have a difficult time being still, and can interfere with leisure activities or games.
Someone who has a mixed manifestation of ADHD may find that certain medications are helpful while others don't, so it's recommended to test one at an time and then evaluate the outcomes carefully. Adults who have experienced this condition since they were teens should have their treatment evaluated every six months, especially in the event of any lifestyle changes that could alter the dosage of medication required.
It is important to note that ADD and ADHD do not impact race gender, ethnicity, gender or age. However it is believed that it will affect people who were deemed male at birth. The diagnosis is usually made when adults present with several of the typical symptoms across a variety of areas of their lives and can't explain them satisfactorily.
There are many ways to deal with ADD among adults, including lifestyle changes, medication 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 assist in increasing concentration by increasing the amount of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. Non-stimulants can also be utilized by adults who do not want to take stimulants, or only need them in a low dosage.
ADHD symptoms in adults quiz of Combined Type
For people with combined type ADHD, the symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity appear together. Inattention symptoms can include forgetfulness, difficulty finishing tasks, or having trouble sitting still. Impulsivity and hyperactivity can manifest as restlessness, fidgeting, or squirming. They often find it difficult to stay in line or to follow instructions, which can result in frustration and rule-breaking behavior.
Adults who suffer from a mix 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 feel about it. ADHD symptoms in adults quiz tend to have difficulty in organising their strategies and become overwhelmed by the complexity of projects. In many cases, those with this ADHD appearance are also prone to depression or other mood disorders.
Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD is crucial to determining the most effective treatment plan. Many people suffering from ADHD are hesitant to seek help. However the 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 months in order to be considered an ADHD diagnosis. Additionally, the symptoms must be severe enough to reduce the person's performance at work, school or home.
Experts aren't entirely sure the reason ADHD is a common occurrence. However, they are aware that it is genetic and certain genes increase the risk of a person being diagnosed with the disorder. They also are aware that brain chemistry as well as differences in brain structure are a factor and that some people have the disorder despite not having an ancestry 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 treatments are more effective than medications.