Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Attention deficit disorder in adults can be difficult to diagnose and treat. A therapist can assist by examining the signs and causes, educating the patient on how to build structure and behavioral changes and provide medication if necessary.
People with ADD/ADHD experience difficulties with hyperactivity, inattention and an impulsiveness. Symptoms include forgetfulness and difficulty 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 difficulty paying attention details. Adults who are inattentive ADHD are unable to complete tasks or projects that require continuous mental effort, such as writing and reading. They may struggle to remember appointments or paying bills and are more likely to make impulsive 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. Their issues can continue throughout their adulthood and impact their relationships, school performance and career advancement.
The symptoms of inattention ADHD include frequent fidgeting with hands and feet, difficulty engaging in leisure activities quietly, trouble waiting for their turn and answering questions before they are answered. They are also often late to classes or meetings and have difficulty staying organized. People with inattention ADHD often have trouble staying focused at school or at work dislike boring meetings and need to chew gum or drink coffee to pass the time.
A health care provider will examine a person to determine if there are any medical or mental conditions that could trigger similar symptoms. Then, they'll use their behavioral history to determine if a person is suffering from ADD. You can request to observe the person's behavior under various situations by talking to their family, teachers, and co-workers. The health care provider may also ask about the person’s mood and their recent medical history.
The most frequently prescribed drugs for inattentive ADHD are psychostimulants that improve the brain's signals and increase alertness. These include amphetamines like Adderall, Ritalin and Concerta and methylphenidates such as Strattera (atomoxetine) and Qelbree (viloxazine). symptoms of inattentive ADHD in adults , which affect neurotransmitters in the brain, are sometimes prescribed for people with inattentive ADHD to 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 makes it difficult for them to concentrate on work or school assignments and could lead to unintentional mistakes. They also have trouble following directions or completing complex tasks. They also have difficulty staying on track when playing games or engaging in activities of leisure with others. They often disrupt and interrupt others during games, conversations or other activities. They might play with their feet or hands or even squirm their seat, or pace while they're 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 often be on the go and unable to stop or slow down, even when they are at events that are organized like fairs and theme parks. They may have difficulty with organizing tasks, working on projects over a long time or applying themselves to structured activities or homework.
They have a low sense of accountability and often have difficulty making and keeping friendships. They may also have trouble regulating their emotions which can lead them to mood swings and depression. They may also have difficulty managing their time and finances, which can make them more susceptible to financial scams or 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 their childhood. They may have learned to manage their symptoms and thrived in a nurturing environment until they had to face the stresses of pursuing a career or having a family when their problems became more apparent. The male-to-female* ratio of diagnosed ADHD is much higher in childhood, but the ratio becomes more comparable in adulthood.
Certain supplements in the diet can help reduce the irritability of people suffering from ADHD. These include GABA as well as taurine. GABA fish oil, and Brain Vitale. Stress management techniques such as deep breathing and regular exercise can be beneficial. They should discuss all options for treatment with their physician which includes stimulants and non-stimulants such as Atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) and antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin).
The symptoms of mixed type
People with combined type ADHD exhibit symptoms of both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive presentations. They have trouble focusing on long-term mental tasks, or remembering things like homework, schoolwork, chores or work. They also tend to make careless mistakes at school, at work as well as in their personal lives. The issues with attention and control of impulses can cause a lot of stress and tension in relationships.
The signs of this condition are varied in severity and appear at different stages of life. They may include daydreaming and becoming easily distracted from their thoughts, which may lead to an inability to remember things; a tendency lose things, like homework or keys and having trouble focusing on their tasks. They also struggle to stay still, and they may interrupt or take over games or other leisure activities.
It's important to evaluate the results of each drug carefully when you have a mixed presentation. Adults who have experienced this presentation since they were teenagers should have their treatment reviewed every six months, especially if there are any lifestyle changes that could impact the amount of medication required.
It is important to remember that ADD and ADHD are not influenced by race, gender, ethnicity or age. However, it does appear to affect people who were categorized as male at birth. The diagnosis is usually identified when adults exhibit several of the typical symptoms across a variety of areas of their lives, but can't explain them satisfactorily.
There are a variety of methods to treat ADD in adults, which include medication, 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 are also available and are a good choice for adults who do not want to take stimulants or require less of a dose.
The symptoms of Combined Type
For people with combined type ADHD, the symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity appear together. The signs of inattention could be apparent as a struggle to sit still, forgetfulness, or having trouble finishing tasks, while hyperactivity and impulsivity can manifest as restlessness, fidgeting, squirming or blurting out answers without waiting for a full question. They are unable to wait in lines or follow directions. This leads to frustration and a tendency to break the rules.
Adults with an array of ADHD symptoms also have difficulties recognizing social boundaries within their environment which can lead them to encroach on activities or conversations without considering how others might be feeling about it. They tend to have difficulty with organizing strategies and get overwhelmed by complex projects. Many people who suffer from this ADHD also have a past history of depression or mood disorders.
A correct diagnosis is crucial for determining the best treatment plan. Although many adults with ADHD struggle to reach out for help, receiving an accurate diagnosis can be a empowering experience that gives them the tools they need 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 prior age 12 and persist for at least six months in order to be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis. In addition the symptoms have to be severe enough to hinder the performance of a child at school, work or home.
Experts aren't sure why ADHD is a common occurrence. However, they know that it is inherited and certain genes increase the likelihood of a person becoming affected. They also know that differences in brain structure and brain chemistry play a part in the development of the disorder, and that some individuals get the disorder on their own, with 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 therapies are usually more effective than medications.