Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Adults with attention deficit disorder may be difficult to diagnose and treat. Therapists can help by analyzing the signs and causes, educating the patient on how to add structure, make behavioural modifications and provide medication when needed.
People with ADD/ADHD may have issues with hyperactivity, inattention, and an impulsive nature. It is evident by the lack of memory and difficulty in waiting for their turn, or difficulties concentrating on games or tasks.
Signs of Inattentive Type
The most obvious signs of this ADHD subtype are high distractibility and trouble paying attention to details. Adults with inattention ADHD typically have difficulty to complete tasks or tasks that require a sustained mental effort, such as writing, reading and completing homework. They may have trouble remembering appointments or paying their bills, and are prone making careless mistakes at 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. Their issues can continue throughout their adulthood and impact their relationships, school performance and career advancement.
The signs of inattention ADHD include frequent fidgeting with hands or feet, difficulties playing or taking part in leisure activities without interruption, trouble waiting for their turn and answering questions before they are completed. They also have trouble staying well-organized at home and at work, and are often late for classes or meetings. People with inattention ADHD often have trouble staying focused at school or work, despise boring meetings and require chewing gum or sip coffee to pass the time.
A health professional will assess the patient for possible mental health or medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms. They will then examine their behavior to determine if they suffer from ADD. You can request to observe the person's behavior in various situations by talking to their family, teachers, and co-workers. The health professional will also ask about the person's mood and recent medical history.
Psychostimulants are used to increase alertness and streamline brain signals. Adderall, Ritalin, Concerta and methylphenidates, such as Strattera (atomoxetine), Qelbree and Ritalin are a few examples of these medicines. Antidepressants that affect neurotransmitters within the brain are often prescribed to those with inattentive ADHD to help improve their mood and concentration. Wellbutrin (bupropion), and Effexor, (venlafaxine) are two examples. Other drugs that aren't stimulants are also available. 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 can make it difficult for people to concentrate on their work or school tasks, and may lead to careless mistakes. In addition, they typically have trouble following instructions or completing complex tasks. They also have difficulty staying focused when playing games or in leisure activities with others. They are often disruptive and interrupt other players during games, discussions or other activities. They may fiddle or squirm using their hands or feet or squirm or move in their seats or pacing as 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 have trouble with self-control and can frequently be in a hurry, unable to stop or slow down, even when they're attending organized events such as fairs or theme parks. They may have trouble organizing tasks, working on projects for a long period of time, or working on structured activities or homework.
They typically have a low sense of personal responsibility and may have difficulty creating and maintaining relationships. They may also have issues managing their emotions, which can lead to mood swings and extreme depression. They may also have difficulty managing their finances and time which could make them more vulnerable to financial scams and other frauds.
Many people who suffer from ADHD don't receive a diagnosis until the age of adulthood, when their problems become more evident. Teachers or other adults might have missed their symptoms throughout childhood. They could have reacted to their symptoms in a safe environment and flourished until they were faced with the stress of pursuing a job 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 as they reach adulthood.
People suffering from ADHD often discover that certain dietary supplements, like multiple vitamin, NeurOmega fish oil, GABA or taurine, and Brain Vitale or NeuroMemory can reduce irritability and improve memory. They may also benefit from stress management strategies, such as regular exercise and deep breathing. They should discuss with their doctor all treatments options, including stimulants (Strattera) as well as non-stimulants (Viloxazine) (Qelbree), and antidepressants (Wellbutrin).
Signs of Mixed Type
People with combined type ADHD exhibit symptoms of both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive presentations. They have difficulty focusing on long-term mental tasks, or recalling important things, like chores, schoolwork, homework or work. They tend to make impulsive mistakes in school, at work, and in personal life. The issues with attention and impulse control can lead to an abundance of stress and tension in relationships.
The symptoms of this condition typically occur at different times in life and can range from mild to severe. They include daydreaming and being easily distracted by their own thoughts, which can lead to forgetfulness; a tendency to lose things, such as homework or keys and difficulty focusing on tasks. They might also have trouble staying still and may interrupt or take over their leisure activities or games.
It's important to evaluate the results of each medication carefully if you have mixed presentation. Adults with this type of presentation who have been taking medications since the age of a teenager should be able to review their treatment every 6 months, and especially after any lifestyle changes that could alter the amount of medication needed.
It is crucial to remember that ADD or ADHD does not affect race or ethnicity, nor gender, but it may affect more people who are assigned a male at birth (AMAB). The diagnosis is typically identified when adults exhibit several of the typical symptoms in various areas of their lives, but are unable to explain them in a satisfactory manner.
There are many ways 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 improve concentration by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. There are also non-stimulants available and can be an ideal choice for those who don't want to take stimulants or need them at lower doses.
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. may manifest as restlessness, fidgeting and squirming. extreme ADHD symptoms adults may also be able to blurt out answers without waiting for the complete answer. They are unable to stand in line or follow directions. This leads to frustration and rule-breaking behaviors.
Adults with a combination ADHD symptoms are often having trouble understanding social boundaries in an environment and can cause them to interrupt conversations or activities. They do this without thinking about the feelings of others. They are more likely to have a hard time with organizational strategies and are often overwhelmed easily by complex projects. In a lot of cases, people who exhibit this ADHD presentation 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. These symptoms must be present prior age 12 and persist for at least six months to be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis. The symptoms must also be severe enough to affect a person's performance in school, at work or at home.
Experts aren't entirely sure why ADHD is a common occurrence. However, they know that it is hereditary and certain genes increase the risk of a person developing the condition. They also know that brain chemistry and variations in the structure of the brain are a factor, and that some people have the disorder despite not 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 therapies are usually more effective than medications.