Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Attention deficit disorder in adults can be difficult to identify and treat. Therapists can assist by analyzing the signs and causes, teaching the patient how to build structure and behavioural changes and offer medication if needed.
People with ADD/ADHD may have issues with hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity. Symptoms may include problems with forgetfulness, difficulty waiting for their turn, and trouble concentrating on work or playing games.
The Signs of Inattention Type
The most obvious signs of this ADHD subtype are high distractibility and difficulty paying attention particulars. Adults with inattentive ADHD struggle to complete tasks or projects that require constant mental efforts, such as writing and reading. They may have trouble remembering appointments or paying bills, and are more likely to make impulsive 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 issues can continue into adulthood and affect their relationships, school performance and their career progression.
Inattentive ADHD symptoms include fidgeting, having trouble playing quietly or participating in leisure activities, problems waiting for their turn, and blurting out answers before the questions are completed. They also have trouble staying well-organized at home and at work and often arrive late for classes or meetings. Those with inattentive ADHD frequently have difficulty staying focused during work or school are bored at meetings and require chewing gum or drink coffee to get through them.
A health professional will assess the patient for any possible mental health issues or medical conditions that may cause similar symptoms. Then, they will analyze their behavior history to determine if they suffer from ADD. You can request to observe the person's behavior in different situations by talking to their parents, teachers, and co-workers. The health care provider will also inquire about the person's mood and recent medical background.
The most common medications for inattentive ADHD are psychostimulants that improve the brain's signals and improve alertness. 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 can 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 work or school tasks, and may lead to careless mistakes. They also have difficulty following directions or completing complex tasks. They also struggle to stay focused when playing games or participating in leisure activities. They frequently interrupt or interfere on others during conversations, games or other activities and are eagerly waiting for their turn. They may fiddle with their hands or feet or even squirm their seat or jog while 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 may be unable to control their own behavior and be constantly on the move and unable to slow down or stop, even at events like fairs or theme park. They may have difficulties managing tasks, completing long-term tasks or committing to schoolwork or other structured activities.
They often have a poor sense of personal responsibility and have difficulty making and maintaining friendships. They may also have difficulties controlling their emotions, which could lead them to mood swings and depression. They might also have issues managing their finances and time which could make them more vulnerable to financial scams and other fraudulent activities.
symptoms of add and ADHD in adults suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed until they reach adulthood, when their symptoms become more evident. Teachers or other adults may have missed their symptoms during their childhood. They may have sought to alleviate their problems in a supportive atmosphere and flourished until they had to face the pressure of pursuing an occupation or raising a child, when their problems became apparent. In the early years, the male-to-female* ADHD ratio is higher. However, it becomes more equal in adulthood.
People suffering from ADHD typically find that certain dietary supplements, like multiple vitamin, NeurOmega fish oil, GABA or taurine, and Brain Vitale or NeuroMemory can reduce the irritability and improve memory. They can also benefit from techniques for managing stress like regular exercises and deep breathing. They should discuss with their doctor all options for treatment that include stimulants (Strattera), non-stimulants (Viloxazine) (Qelbree), and antidepressants (Wellbutrin).
Mixed Type Symptoms
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, such as schoolwork, homework, chores or work. They also make mistakes in school, at work and in their private lives. These issues with attention and impulse can cause stress and lead to relationship difficulties.
The signs of this disorder typically occur at various times in the course of life and range from mild to severe. They may include daydreaming and becoming easily distracted by their own thoughts, which can lead to forgetfulness; a tendency to lose things like keys or homework and having trouble focusing on tasks. They may also have a difficult time being still, and can interfere with their leisure activities or games.
Someone who has a mixed manifestation of ADHD may find that certain medication helps while others don't. Therefore, it's recommended to test one at a time and evaluate the results carefully. Adults who have this presentation and have been taking medication since the time they were teenagers should have a look at their treatment every six months, and especially after any changes in lifestyle that may affect the amount of medication needed.
It is important to keep in mind that ADD or ADHD does not affect race or ethnicity or gender, although it does seem to affect more people who are assigned male at birth (AMAB). The diagnosis is usually identified when adults exhibit several of the typical symptoms in several aspects of their lives but can't explain them satisfactorily.
There are several ways to deal with ADD for adults, such as medications, 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 boost concentration by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. Non-stimulants are also available, and these can be an ideal choice for those who do not want to take stimulants or require them at less of a dose.
Signs and symptoms of Combined Type
For people with combined type ADHD, the symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity appear together. Symptoms of inattention may be apparent in the form of difficulty sitting still, forgetfulness, or having trouble finishing tasks as well as impulsivity and hyperactivity. may manifest as a lack of concentration, fidgeting, squirming or blurting out answers without waiting for a full question. They find it hard to wait in lines or follow instructions. This leads to frustration and rule-breaking behaviors.
Adults with a combination of ADHD symptoms also often have difficulty recognizing social boundaries in a situation which can lead them to encroach into conversations or activities without considering how others might be feeling about it. They are often struggling in organising their strategies and become overwhelmed by the complexity of projects. In a lot of cases, people with this ADHD presentation are also prone to depression or other mood disorders.
A proper diagnosis of ADHD is key to identifying the most effective treatment plan. While many people with ADHD struggle to seek help, receiving an accurate diagnosis can be a inspiring experience that provides them with 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. These symptoms must be present prior to the age of 12 and continue for at least six months to qualify as ADHD. The symptoms must also be severe enough to affect a person's performance in the workplace, at school or at home.
Experts aren't sure why ADHD is a common occurrence. However, they know that it is inherited and certain genes increase the risk of someone being diagnosed with the disorder. They also recognize 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.