Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Attention deficit disorder in adults can be challenging to identify and treat. Therapists can help by analyzing the symptoms and their causes, educating the patient on how to structure their lives and behavioural changes and offer medication when needed.
People with ADD/ADHD may have issues with hyperactivity, inattention and the tendency to be impulsive. severe ADHD symptoms adults could include forgetfulness, difficulty waiting for their turn, and difficulties concentrating on tasks or playing games.
Inattention Type Symptoms
This type of ADHD is characterized by a high degree of distraction and difficulty paying attention to the smallest details. Adults who are inattentive ADHD have difficulty completing tasks or projects that require sustained mental efforts, such as reading and writing. severe ADHD symptoms in adults 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. Their problems can persist into adulthood and affect their relationships, school performance and career advancement.
Inattention ADHD symptoms include fidgeting, having trouble engaging in leisure activities, problems waiting for their turn, and blurting answers before the questions are finished. They also are often late to classes or meetings and struggle to stay organized. Inattentive ADHD sufferers often have difficulty 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 professional will evaluate a patient to determine if they have any medical or mental conditions that could trigger similar symptoms. Then, they will examine their behavior history in order to determine if a person has ADD. This can involve talking to the person's family members, teachers and colleagues, and asking them to observe their behavior in various settings. The health care provider may also inquire about the person's mood and medical history.
Psychostimulants are used to boost alertness and boost brain signals. Adderall, Ritalin, Concerta and methylphenidates, such as Strattera (atomoxetine), Qelbree and Ritalin are a few examples of these drugs. Antidepressants that alter neurotransmitters inside the brain can be prescribed to people with inattentive ADHD to help improve their mood and focus. They could include Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). Other drugs that are not 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 condition can make it difficult for people to focus on their schoolwork or job tasks, and may lead to careless mistakes. In addition, they typically struggle to follow instructions or completing complicated tasks. They also struggle to stay on task while playing games or engaging in leisure activities. They can be disruptive and disrupt others during games, conversations or other activities. They might fiddle or squirm with their hands or feet or squirm in their chairs 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 struggle with self-control and may often be constantly on the move and unable to stop or slow down, even when they're attending organized events like fairs and theme parks. They may have trouble organizing tasks, completing projects over a long time, or focusing on routine tasks or assignments.
They lack a sense of responsibility and frequently struggle to form and maintain friendships. They may also have trouble managing their emotions, which can result in mood swings or depression. They may also have trouble managing their finances and time which could make them more susceptible to financial scams and other fraudulent activities.
Many people who suffer from ADHD don't receive a diagnosis until adulthood, when their problems become more apparent. During childhood, they may have been overlooked by teachers or other adults who weren't aware of their problems. They may have compensated for their issues in a supportive environment and thrived until they had to face the pressure of finding 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 in people with ADHD. These include GABA and taurine, GABA fish oil and Brain Vitale. Stress management techniques like deep breathing and regular exercise can be beneficial. They must discuss with their physician all treatment options including stimulants (Strattera), 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 are unable to focus on tasks that require a lot of mental effort for a long time or making things stick in their minds, such as schoolwork or chores, homework, or work. They tend to make impulsive mistakes at work, school, and in personal life. The issues with attention and control of impulses can cause an abundance of stress and tension in relationships.
Symptoms of this presentation often appear at different times in life and range from mild to severe. They can be characterized by daydreaming and being easily distracted from their own thoughts, which can lead to the tendency to lose things, like homework or keys; and difficulties following through on tasks. They might also have trouble sitting still and disrupt or take over their leisure activities or games.
It is important to assess the results of each medication carefully when you have mixed presentation. Adults who have this presentation and 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 may affect the amount of medication needed.
It is important to note that ADD and ADHD are not influenced by race or gender, ethnicity, or age. However, extreme ADHD symptoms adults does appear to be more prevalent in those who were assigned male at birth. Adults who show various symptoms and cannot explain them are typically diagnosed.
There are a variety of ways to manage ADD in adults, which include 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 increase concentration by increasing levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. There are also non-stimulants available and are a good choice for adults who aren't keen on taking stimulants or require them at lower doses.
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 difficulty finishing tasks and impulsivity, hyperactivity can show up as a lack of concentration, fidgeting and squirming. They may also be able to blurt out answers without waiting for a complete answer. They often find it difficult to stand in line or to follow directions, which can lead to frustration and behavior that is contrary to the rules.
Adults with a combination ADHD symptoms usually have trouble understanding the social boundaries of a given situation, which can lead them to disrupt conversations or activities. They do this without thinking about what others might think. They are more likely to have a difficult time with organizational strategies and tend to get overwhelmed easily by complex projects. Many people suffering from this ADHD also have a past history of mood disorders or depression.
A proper diagnosis is essential to determine the most effective treatment plan. Although many adults with ADHD struggle to seek assistance, obtaining a 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 the age of 12 and last for at least six months to be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis. The symptoms must be severe enough to impact a person's performance in the workplace, at school or at home.
Experts aren't sure the reason ADHD is a common occurrence. However, they know that it is inherited and certain genes increase the risk of someone becoming affected. They also recognize that differences in brain structure and the brain's chemical makeup play a role in the development of the disorder, and that some individuals are born with the disorder and have no 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 medication.