Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Adults suffering from attention deficit disorder may be difficult to diagnose and treat. A therapist can help by examining the symptoms and their causes, teaching patients ways to structure their lives and change their behavior, and offering medication when needed.
People with ADD/ADHD may have issues with hyperactivity, inattention, and the tendency to be impulsive. Symptoms include forgetfulness, difficulty waiting for their turn, or difficulties in focusing on tasks or games.
Inattention Type Signs
The most obvious signs of this ADHD subtype include high distraction and difficulty paying attention details. Adults with inattentive ADHD struggle to complete tasks or projects that require continuous mental effort, like reading and writing. 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. This means that the symptoms of inattentive ADHD can last throughout their adult lives and cause problems with relationships, school performance, and career advancement.
The signs of inattention ADHD include frequent fidgeting with hands or feet, difficulty playing or taking part in leisure activities without interruption and unable to wait for their turn and answering questions in a hurry before they are finished. They also are often late to meetings or classes and have difficulty staying organized. Inattentive ADHD sufferers often have trouble staying focused at work or school. They are not a fan of boring meetings and chew gum or drink coffee to get them through.
A health care provider will evaluate a patient to determine if there are any medical or mental illnesses that may cause similar symptoms. Then, they will examine their behavior history in order to determine if a person is suffering from ADD. This could involve speaking to the person's parents, colleagues and teachers and asking to see their behavior in different settings. The health care provider may also inquire about the person's mood and recent medical history.
The most commonly prescribed medications for inattentive ADHD are psychostimulants which improve signals sent to the brain and improve alertness. These include amphetamines such as Adderall, Ritalin and Concerta and methylphenidates like Strattera (atomoxetine) and Qelbree (viloxazine). Antidepressants that affect neurotransmitters in the brain are often prescribed to people suffering from inattention ADHD to help improve their mood and concentration. They can include Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). Non-stimulant drugs may also 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 is a problem to focus on schoolwork or work tasks and can lead to careless errors. They also have trouble following instructions or completing difficult tasks. They also struggle to stay focused while playing games or participating in leisure activities. They frequently interrupt or interfere on conversations, games or other activities and can't wait for their turn. They might play with their feet or hands, 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 have trouble with self-control and may often be on the go and unable to stop or slow down, even if they're at organized events like fairs or theme parks. They may have difficulties managing tasks, completing long-term projects, or committing themselves to schoolwork or other structured activities.
They have a low sense of responsibility and frequently struggle to form and maintain friendships. They may also have trouble regulating their emotions, which can result in mood swings and extreme depression. They might also have issues managing their time and finances, which can make them more prone to financial scams and other frauds.
Many people who suffer from ADHD are not diagnosed until adulthood, when their symptoms become more obvious. Teachers or other adults may have missed their symptoms during the early years of their lives. They may have sought to alleviate their issues in a supportive atmosphere and thrived until they were faced with the stress of pursuing the job of their dreams or raising a child which is when their issues became evident. In the early years, the male-to-female* ADHD ratio is higher. However, it becomes more equal in adulthood.
Certain supplements in the diet can help reduce irritability for people suffering from ADHD. These include GABA, taurine, GABA fish oil, and Brain Vitale. They can also benefit from stress management techniques that include regular exercises and deep breathing. They should discuss all treatments with their doctor, including stimulants and non-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 mental effort for long periods of time or making things stick in their minds, such as schoolwork or chores, homework or even work. They are prone to making careless mistakes in school, at work, and in personal life. These problems with attention and impulse control can result in lots of stress and tension in relationships.
The symptoms of this condition can vary in severity and manifest at different stages of life. Being easily distracted, daydreaming and forgetfulness are a few symptoms. They also include a tendency to misplace things like homework or keys and a difficulty in following through with tasks. They also struggle to sit still, and they can disrupt or take over games or other leisure activities.
ADHD symptoms in adults quiz with a mixed presentation of ADHD may find that certain medication helps while others don't. Therefore, it's wise to try one at each time and analyze the results carefully. Adults who have experienced this condition since the time they were teenagers should be re-evaluated every six months, particularly if there are any lifestyle changes that may affect the amount 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 be more prevalent in those who were assigned male at birth. ADHD symptoms in adults quiz who show a number of symptoms that are not explained are usually diagnosed.
There are several methods to treat ADD among adults, including medications, 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 aid in increasing concentration by increasing the supply of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Non-stimulants can also be utilized by adults who do not wish to take stimulants, or only need them in a low dosage.
Symptoms of Combined Type
For people with combined type ADHD, the symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity appear together. Inattention symptoms can be apparent in the form of difficulty sitting still, forgetfulness, or having trouble finishing tasks as well as impulsivity and hyperactivity. may manifest as a lack of concentration, fidgeting, squirming or blurting out answers without waiting for a complete question. They are unable to wait in lines or follow directions. This can result in frustration and behavior that is contrary to the rules.
Adults with an array of ADHD symptoms also often have difficulties reading situational social boundaries which can lead them to encroach on conversations or activities without considering how others might be feeling about it. They often have trouble organizing their thoughts and are overwhelmed by complex projects. In many cases, those with this ADHD appearance are also prone to depression or other mood disorders.
A proper diagnosis of ADHD is key to identifying the most effective treatment plan. Many people suffering from ADHD are reluctant to seek assistance. However the diagnosis can empower them and give 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 prior to the age of 12 and last for at least six month to qualify as ADHD. The symptoms must be severe enough to affect the student's performance at the workplace, at school or at home.
Experts don't fully understand why ADHD is a problem however they know that it can be inherited and that certain genes increase the risk of developing the disorder. They also know that brain chemistry and differences in brain structure play a part in the development of the disorder, and that some individuals 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.