Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Attention deficit disorder in adults can be challenging to diagnose and manage. Therapists can help by examining the symptoms and their causes, teaching the patient how to build structure, make behavioural modifications, and offering medication when needed.
People with ADD/ADHD experience difficulties with inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Symptoms may include problems with forgetfulness, trouble waiting for their turn, and difficulty concentrating on tasks or playing games.
Symptoms of Inattentive Type
The most prominent symptoms of this ADHD subtype are high distractibility and difficulty paying attention particulars. Adults with inattentive ADHD typically have difficulty to finish tasks or complete projects that require sustained concentration, such as writing, reading and completing homework. They may have difficulty remembering appointments or paying their bills, and are prone making careless errors in work or at home.
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, their issues can persist throughout their adult lives and interfere with relationships, school performance, and career advancement.
Inattention ADHD symptoms include fidgeting, difficulty engaging in leisure activities, problems waiting for their turn, and blurting out answers before the questions are completed. They also struggle to stay organized at home and work, and are often late for classes or meetings. 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 help them through.
A health care provider will evaluate a patient to determine if they have any medical or mental conditions that could trigger similar symptoms. Then, they'll analyze their behavior to determine if the person has ADD. You can request to observe the person's behavior in different situations by speaking to their parents as well as teachers and colleagues. The health professional may also ask about the person’s mood and their recent medical history.
Most often, psychostimulants are used to boost alertness and streamline brain signals. These include amphetamines such as Adderall, Ritalin and Concerta and methylphenidates such as Strattera (atomoxetine) and Qelbree (viloxazine). Antidepressants, which affect neurotransmitters in the brain, are also sometimes prescribed for people with inattention ADHD to improve their mood and concentration. Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor, (venlafaxine) are two examples. inattentive ADHD in adults symptoms -stimulant drugs may 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 symptom makes it difficult to focus on schoolwork or work tasks and may result in careless mistakes. In addition, they often have trouble following instructions or completing complicated tasks. They also struggle to stay on track when playing games or engaging in leisure activities with other people. They can be disruptive and disrupt other players during games, discussions or other activities. They may fiddle or squirm with their hands or feet, squirm or pace in their seats, or pacing while they listen or talk.
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 often be on the go and are unable to slow down or slow down, even when they are at events that are organized like fairs or theme parks. They may struggle with organizing tasks, working on projects for a long period of time, or working on routine tasks or assignments.
They often have a poor sense of personal responsibility and have trouble creating and maintaining relationships. They may also have issues managing their emotions, which could lead to mood swings and depression. They may also have trouble 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 evident. As children, they might be overlooked by teachers or other adults who were unaware of their symptoms. They may have compensated for their problems in a supportive environment and flourished until they had to face the pressure of finding a job or raising a child when their issues became apparent. The male-to-female* ratio of diagnosed ADHD is significantly higher in the early years, but the ratio becomes more comparable in adulthood.
People with ADHD often find that certain nutritional supplements, like multiple vitamin, NeurOmega fish oil, GABA or taurine, and Brain Vitale or NeuroMemory can help to reduce anxiety and improve memory. They can also benefit from stress management strategies, such as 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).
Symptoms of Mixed Type
People with combined type ADHD exhibit symptoms of both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive presentations. They have trouble staying focused on tasks that require a lot of mental effort for long periods of time or making things stick in their heads like schoolwork, homework, chores, or work. They are prone to making careless mistakes in school, at work as well as in their personal lives. These problems with attention and impulse control can lead to a lot of stress and trouble in relationships.
The signs of this condition are varied in severity and can manifest at different stages of life. The ability to be easily distracted, daydreaming and forgetfulness are a few signs. They also have the tendency to lose things like keys or homework, and having difficulty working through tasks. They also struggle to sit still, and they can interfere with or even take over games or other leisure activities.
Someone with a mixed presentation of ADHD might find that certain medications help and others don't, so it's wise to try one at a time and evaluate the results carefully. Adults who have had this type of presentation since the time they were teenagers should have their treatment evaluated every six months, especially when there are any lifestyle changes that may impact the amount of medication required.
It is important to keep in mind that ADD or ADHD is not a problem of race, ethnicity, or gender, although it does seem to affect more people who are assigned males at birth (AMAB). The diagnosis is usually made when adults present with various of the typical symptoms in several aspects of their lives but are unable to explain them in a satisfactory manner.
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 improve concentration by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. Non-stimulants can also be utilized by adults who do not want to take stimulants, or need them in a low dosage.
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 finishing tasks, or having trouble staying still. Impulsivity and hyperactivity can manifest as restlessness, fidgeting or squirming. They find it hard to stay in line or follow instructions. This can lead to frustration and rule-breaking behaviors.
Adults with a mix of ADHD symptoms also often have difficulties recognizing social boundaries within their environment and can be seen to intrude on activities or conversations without considering how others might feel about it. They are more likely to have a difficult time with organizational strategies and are often overwhelmed by large-scale projects. Many people suffering from this ADHD also have a history of depression or mood disorders.
A clear diagnosis is crucial for determining the best treatment plan. Although many adults with ADHD struggle to reach out for assistance, obtaining the diagnosis can be an empowering experience that gives them the tools needed to manage their symptoms and live productive, satisfying 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. The symptoms must be present before age 12 and persist for at least six months in order to be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis. Additionally the symptoms must be severe enough to affect a person's performance at work, school or home.
Experts aren't entirely sure why ADHD is a problem, but they know that it can be inherited and that certain genes increase the likelihood of developing the condition. They also know that brain chemistry and differences in brain structure play a part and that some people get the disorder without 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. In many instances, these therapies can be more effective than medication.