Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Attention deficit disorder in adults can be challenging to identify and treat. A therapist can assist by examining the symptoms and their causes, teaching the patient how to add structure and behavioural changes, and offering medication when needed.
People with ADD/ADHD have problems with hyperactivity, inattention, and an impulsive nature. The symptoms could include forgetfulness, difficulty waiting for their turn and trouble concentrating on work or playing games.
Symptoms of Inattentive Type
This type of ADHD is distinguished by a high degree of distraction and difficulty paying attention to the smallest details. Adults with inattention ADHD have difficulty completing tasks or projects that require constant mental effort, such as writing and reading. They may struggle to remember appointments or paying bills, and are prone to making careless mistakes in their work or 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. The issues they face can last into adulthood, affecting their relationships, school performance and even their career development.
Inattention ADHD symptoms include fumbling, difficulty playing quietly or participating in leisure activities, issues waiting for their turn, and blurting answers before the questions are completed. They also tend to be late to meetings or classes and struggle to stay organized. Inattentive ADHD sufferers often have trouble staying focused at school or at work. They dislike boring meetings and prefer to chew gum or drink coffee to get them through.
A health care provider will evaluate a patient to determine if they have any medical or mental illnesses that may cause similar symptoms. Then, they'll use their behavioral history in order to determine if the patient is suffering from ADD. This can involve talking to the person's family, teachers and colleagues, and asking about their behavior in different settings. The health care provider will also inquire about the person's mood and recent medical background.
Most commonly, psychostimulants are used to boost alertness and streamline brain signals. They 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 often prescribed to people suffering from inattention ADHD to help improve their mood and focus. Wellbutrin (bupropion), and Effexor, (venlafaxine) are two examples. 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 condition can make it difficult for people to concentrate on their studies or work tasks, and can result in a number of mistakes made by careless people. They also have trouble following directions or completing complex tasks. They also have trouble staying focused while playing games or taking part in leisure activities. They often interrupt or intrude on conversations, games or other activities and are eagerly awaiting their turn. They may fiddle or squirm using their hands or feet or squirm or move in their seats or pacing while they talk or listen.
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 struggle to control themselves and be constantly on the move and are unable to slow down or stop, even at fairs or theme park. They may struggle with organizing tasks, completing projects over a long period of time, or focusing on scheduled tasks or homework.
They have a lack of a sense of responsibility and frequently struggle to form and maintain friendships. They may also have trouble managing their emotions, which could lead to mood swings and extreme depression. They may also have difficulty managing their time and finances which could make them more susceptible to financial scams or other frauds.
Many people with ADHD are not diagnosed until adulthood when their symptoms become more apparent. In their early years, they could have been missed by teachers or other adults who were unaware of their issues. They might have learned to compensate for their symptoms and thrived in a supportive environment until they faced the stresses of pursuing a career or raising a family, which is when their issues were more evident. The male-to-female ratio of diagnosed ADHD is much higher in childhood, but the ratio becomes more comparable as they reach adulthood.
People suffering from ADHD frequently find that certain nutritional supplements, like multiple vitamin, NeurOmega fish oil, GABA or taurine, and Brain Vitale or NeuroMemory, can help reduce anxiety and improve memory. Techniques for managing stress, such as deep breathing and regular exercise can be beneficial. They should discuss all treatments with their physician which includes stimulants and non-stimulants like Atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) and antidepressants, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin).
Mixed Type Signs and 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 causing things to stick in their mind for example, schoolwork homework, chores, or work. They tend to make impulsive mistakes at work, school, and in personal life. These attention and impulse problems can cause stress and lead to relationship difficulties.
The symptoms of this condition can vary in severity and manifest at different stages of life. Being easily distracted, daydreaming and forgetfulness are just a few signs. They also include a tendency to misplace things like keys or homework, and having difficulty following through with tasks. They also have a difficult time sitting still, and they can interfere with or even take over games or other leisure activities.
It's important to evaluate the results of each medication carefully if you have a mixed presentation. Adults with this type of presentation who have been taking medication since they were teens should get a review of their treatment every 6 months, and in particular after any changes in lifestyle that could alter the dosage of medication required.
It is important to remember that ADD and ADHD do not impact race gender, ethnicity, gender or age. However it does appear to affect more people who were assigned male at birth. The diagnosis is typically given when people are suffering from various of the typical symptoms in several areas of their lives and can't explain them satisfactorily.
There are many methods to manage and treat ADD for adults, which includes behavior therapy, lifestyle modifications, 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 improve concentration by increasing levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Non-stimulants can also be used by adults who don't want 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 may include forgetfulness, difficulty completing tasks or having difficulty sitting still. Hyperactivity and impulsivity can manifest as restlessness, fidgeting or squirming. They find it hard to wait in lines or follow directions. This can result in frustration and behavior that is contrary to the rules.
Adults who suffer from a combination of ADHD symptoms often have difficulty understanding the social boundaries of a given situation which could cause them to disrupt conversations or activities. They do this without considering what others might think. They are often struggling with organizing strategies and get overwhelmed by the complexity of projects. In a lot of cases, people who exhibit this ADHD display also have a history of depression or other mood disorders.
Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD is essential to determine the most effective treatment plan. Many adults suffering from ADHD are reluctant to seek help. However, a diagnosis can empower them and provide 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. ADHD symptoms adult female must have been present before the age of 12 and last for at least six month to qualify as ADHD. The symptoms must also be severe enough to impact the performance of a child at school, at work or at home.
Experts aren't entirely sure why ADHD is a common occurrence. However, they are aware that it is hereditary and certain genes increase the likelihood of a person developing the condition. They also recognize that brain chemistry and variations in the structure of the brain play a part in the development of the disorder, and that some individuals suffer from the disorder without 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.