Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Attention deficit disorder in adults can be difficult to diagnose and manage. Therapists can help by analyzing the signs and causes, teaching the patient how to structure their lives and behavioural changes, and offering medication if needed.
People suffering from ADD/ADHD have issues with inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Some of the symptoms include forgetfulness, difficulty waiting for their turn and trouble concentrating on work or playing games.
Inattention Type symptoms
This type of ADHD is distinguished by high distractibility, and a difficulty in paying attention to small details. Adults with inattention ADHD are unable to complete tasks or projects that require continuous mental effort, like reading and writing. They may have difficulty remembering appointments or paying bills, and are prone to making careless mistakes at work or in their 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. As a result, the symptoms of inattentive ADHD can last throughout their adult lives, and may cause issues with relationships as well as school performance and career advancement.
Inattentive ADHD symptoms include fumbling, difficulty being quiet or engaging in leisure activities, difficulties waiting for their turn, and blurting out answers when the questions are not finished. They also tend to be late to classes or meetings and have difficulty staying organized. Inattentive ADHD sufferers often have a hard time staying focused at school or at work. They are not a fan of boring meetings and often chew gum or drink coffee to get them through.
A medical professional will evaluate the person for potential mental health issues or medical conditions that may cause similar symptoms. They will then use their behavioral history to determine if they suffer from ADD. This could involve speaking to the person's family members, teachers and colleagues and asking to see their behavior in different situations. The health care provider may also inquire about the person's mood and their recent medical history.
Psychostimulants are used to enhance alertness and boost brain signals. They include amphetamines, such as Adderall, Ritalin and Concerta and methylphenidates like Strattera (atomoxetine) and Qelbree (viloxazine). Antidepressants that alter neurotransmitters inside the brain are often prescribed to people suffering from inattention ADHD to help enhance their mood and improve their concentration. They could include Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). Other drugs 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 makes it difficult for them to concentrate on their work or schoolwork and can lead to careless errors. In addition, they typically have trouble following instructions or completing complex tasks. They also struggle to stay focused when playing games or taking part in leisure activities. They often disrupt and interrupt other players during games, discussions or other activities. They may fiddle with their hands or feet or even squirm 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 may be unable to control their own behavior and be constantly moving, unable even to slow down or stop during events such as fairs or a theme parks. They may have difficulty with organizing tasks, completing projects over a long time, or focusing on routine tasks or assignments.
They often have a poor sense of personal responsibility and may have difficulty making and maintaining friendships. They may also have difficulty controlling their emotions, which could cause mood swings or depression. They might also have issues managing their time and finances which could make them more vulnerable to financial scams and other fraudulent activities.
Many people suffering from ADHD don't receive a diagnosis until adulthood, when their issues become more evident. Teachers or other adults may have missed their symptoms during the early years of their lives. They might have learned to manage their symptoms and thrived in a nurturing environment until they encountered the stresses of pursuing a career or having a family when their problems were more evident. The male-to-female ratio of diagnosed ADHD is significantly higher in childhood, but the rate becomes more similar as they reach adulthood.
Certain nutritional supplements can help reduce irritability for people suffering from ADHD. These include GABA, taurine, GABA fish oil, and Brain Vitale. They may also benefit from stress management techniques, such as regular exercises and deep breathing. They should discuss all treatment options with their physician including non-stimulants and stimulants such as Atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) and antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin).
Mixed Type Symptoms
People with combined type ADHD exhibit symptoms of both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive presentations. They are unable to focus on tasks that require a lot of mental effort for long periods of time or causing things to stay in their mind for example, schoolwork homework, chores or even work. They also make mistakes in school, at work, and in their personal lives. These problems with attention and control of impulses can cause an abundance of stress and difficulty in relationships.
Symptoms of this presentation often occur at various times throughout the day and can range from mild to severe. They include daydreaming and being easily distracted from their thoughts, which can cause an inability to remember things; a tendency lose things, such as homework or keys and having trouble focusing on their tasks. They also struggle to stay still, and they can disrupt or take over games or other activities.
It's important to evaluate the effects of each medication carefully when you have an unbalanced presentation. Adults with this presentation who have been taking medication since they were teens should be able to review their treatment every six months, and particularly after any lifestyle changes that might affect the amount of medication required.
It is important to know that ADD and ADHD are not influenced by race, gender, ethnicity or age. However it does appear to be more prevalent in those who were categorized as male at birth. The diagnosis is typically made when adults present with several of the typical symptoms in various areas of their lives, but are unable to explain them in a satisfactory manner.
There are a variety of ways to deal with ADD for adults, such as 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 supply of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. Non-stimulants can also be used by adults who don't 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. Symptoms of inattention may be evident as difficulty sitting still, forgetfulness or trouble finishing tasks as well as impulsivity and hyperactivity. can show up as a lack of concentration, fidgeting, squirming or blurting out answers without waiting for the complete answer. They often find it difficult to wait in line or follow instructions, which can result in frustration and rule-breaking behavior.
Adults who suffer from a combination of ADHD symptoms also often have difficulties recognizing social boundaries within their environment which can lead them to encroach on conversations or activities without thinking about how others be feeling about it. They are often struggling with organizing strategies and get overwhelmed by the complexity of projects. Many people who suffer from this ADHD also have a previous history of depression or mood disorders.
A correct diagnosis is crucial to determine the most effective treatment plan. While many people with ADHD struggle to reach out for help, receiving an accurate diagnosis can be a positive experience that provides them with the tools they need 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 be present prior to age 12 and persist for at least six months to be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis. In addition the symptoms must be severe enough to affect a person's performance at school, work or home.
Experts aren't entirely sure the reason ADHD is a common occurrence. However, they are aware that it is inherited and certain genes increase the chance of someone becoming affected. ADHD adult female symptoms know that brain chemistry and differences in brain structure can play a role and that some people suffer from the disorder without having a 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 treatments are often more effective than prescription medications.