Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Attention deficit disorder in adults can be difficult to recognize and manage. A therapist can assist by analyzing the symptoms and their root causes, and then teaching the patient how to structure their lives and behavioral changes, and offering medication if necessary.
People suffering from ADD/ADHD experience issues with hyperactivity, inattention, and the tendency to be impulsive. It is evident by the lack of memory and difficulty in waiting for their turn, or having difficulty working on tasks or games.
Symptoms of Inattentive Type
This subtype of ADHD is distinguished by high distractibility, and difficulty paying attention to small details. Adults with inattentive ADHD typically have difficulty to finish tasks or complete tasks that require a sustained mental effort, like reading, writing and doing homework. They may struggle to remember appointments or paying bills and are more prone to making naive 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 issues can continue into adulthood, affecting their relationships, school performance, and their career progression.
Symptoms of inattentive ADHD include frequent fidgeting with hands or feet, difficulty engaging in leisure activities quietly, trouble waiting for their turn and blurting out answers before questions are completed. They also have difficulty staying organized at home and work and often arrive late for classes or meetings. Inattentive ADHD sufferers often have difficulty staying focused at work or school. They are not a fan of boring meetings and often chew gum or drink coffee to get them through.
A health care provider will evaluate a patient to determine if there are any mental health or medical conditions which could cause similar symptoms. Then, symptoms of inattentive ADHD in adults will analyze their behavior to determine if the person has ADD. This could involve speaking to the person's family members, 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 background.
The most commonly prescribed medications for inattentive ADHD are psychostimulants which improve the brain's signals and boost alertness. They include amphetamines, such as Adderall, Ritalin and Concerta and methylphenidates like Strattera (atomoxetine) and Qelbree (viloxazine). Antidepressants that affect neurotransmitters within the brain are sometimes prescribed to those with inattentive ADHD to help improve their mood and concentration. Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor, (venlafaxine) are two examples. 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 makes it difficult for them to concentrate on schoolwork or work tasks and may result in careless mistakes. They also have trouble following instructions or completing complicated tasks. They also have trouble staying on task while playing games or participating in leisure activities. They often interrupt or interfere on others during conversations, games or other activities and are eagerly waiting for their turn. They might play with their hands or feet, squirm in their seat, or pace while they're 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 frequently be in a hurry and are unable to slow down or slow down, even when they are at events that are organized such as fairs or theme parks. They may have difficulty managing tasks, finishing long-term tasks or committing to schoolwork or other structured activities.
They often have a poor sense of their personal responsibility and experience difficulties making and keeping friends. They may also have difficulties managing their emotions, which can cause mood swings and depression. They may also have trouble managing their time and finances and this can make it easier for them to fall victim to scams in the financial industry.
Many people who suffer from ADHD are not diagnosed until adulthood when their symptoms become more obvious. Teachers and other adults could have missed their symptoms throughout their childhood. They may have compensated for their issues in a supportive atmosphere and flourished until they were confronted with the pressure of pursuing the job of their dreams or raising a child, which is when their issues became evident. The ratio of males to females in diagnosed ADHD is much higher in childhood, but the rate becomes more similar in adulthood.
People with ADHD typically find that certain nutritional supplements, such as multiple vitamin, NeurOmega fish oil, GABA or taurine, and Brain Vitale or NeuroMemory, can help reduce anxiety and improve memory. Stress management techniques such as deep breathing and regular exercise can be beneficial. They should discuss all treatment options with their health care provider, including stimulants and non-stimulants such as atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) and antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin).
Mixed Type Symptoms
People with combined type ADHD exhibit symptoms of both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive presentations. They have difficulty staying focused on tasks that require a lot of mental effort for a long time or making things stick in their mind, such as schoolwork or homework, chores or work. They also make careless mistakes at school, in the workplace as well as in their personal lives. These issues with attention and impulse can cause a lot stress and can lead to relationship difficulties.
Symptoms of this presentation often manifest at various times throughout the day and range from mild to severe. They may include daydreaming and becoming easily distracted by their own thoughts, which can cause an inability to remember things; a tendency lose things, like homework or keys; and difficulties following through on their tasks. They also have a difficult time sitting still, and they may disrupt or take over games or other activities.
It is important to assess the results of each drug carefully when you have a mixed presentation. Adults with this type of presentation who have been taking medication since the age of a teenager should be able to review their treatment every six months, and particularly after any changes in lifestyle that may alter the dosage of medication required.
It is important to keep in mind that ADD or ADHD doesn't affect 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 identified when adults exhibit several of the typical symptoms across a variety of areas of their lives, but cannot explain them clearly.
There are many methods to treat and manage ADD in adults, such as behavioral therapy, lifestyle changes, and medication. 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 help to increase concentration by increasing the availability of dopamine and norepinephrine within the brain. There are also non-stimulants available and are a good choice for adults who do not want to take stimulants or require less of a dose.
Signs and symptoms of Combined Type
For people with combined type ADHD, the symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity appear together. Symptoms of inattention may be apparent as a struggle to sit still, forgetfulness or trouble finishing tasks and impulsivity, hyperactivity may manifest as restlessness, fidgeting and squirming. They may also be able to blurt out answers without waiting for the complete answer. They may find it difficult to stand in line or to follow instructions, leading to frustration and a tendency to break the rules.
Adults with a combination ADHD symptoms usually have trouble understanding social boundaries in an environment which could cause them to interrupt conversations or activities. They do this without considering what others might think. They are more likely to have a difficult working with organizational strategies and are often overwhelmed by large-scale projects. Many people suffering from this ADHD also have a previous history of depression or mood disorders.
A clear diagnosis is crucial for determining the best treatment plan. Many adults suffering from ADHD are hesitant to seek assistance. However the diagnosis can empower them and provide them the tools needed 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 affect the person's performance at school, work or home.
Experts aren't sure why ADHD occurs. However, they know that it is inherited and certain genes increase the risk of a person being diagnosed with the disorder. They also know that differences in brain structure and brain chemistry play a part, and that some people develop the disorder spontaneously 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. In many instances, these treatments can be more effective than medications.