Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Attention deficit disorder in adults can be difficult to diagnose and manage. Therapists can assist by examining symptoms and their root causes, educating patients on how to structure their lives and alter their behaviour, and offering medication when needed.
People suffering from ADD/ADHD experience issues with hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity. Some of the symptoms include memory loss, trouble waiting for their turn and difficulty concentrating on tasks or playing games.
Inattention Type symptoms
This type of ADHD is characterized by a high degree of distraction and a difficulty in paying attention to small details. Adults who have inattention ADHD typically have difficulty to complete tasks or projects that require sustained mental effort, like reading, writing and doing homework. They may have trouble remembering 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, affecting their relationships, school performance, and career advancement.
Symptoms of inattentive ADHD include frequent fidgeting with hands or feet, difficulties playing or engaging in leisure activities at a relaxed pace and unable to wait for their turn and answering questions in a hurry before they are answered. They are also often late to meetings or classes and struggle to stay organized. Inattentive ADHD sufferers often have difficulty staying focused at school or at work. They are not a fan of boring meetings and chew gum or drink coffee to get them through.
A health care provider will examine a person to determine if there are any medical or mental illnesses that may cause similar symptoms. Then, they will analyze their behavior to determine if the patient is suffering from ADD. This may involve speaking with the person's parents, colleagues and teachers and asking about their behavior in different settings. The health care provider will also ask about the person's mood and recent medical history.
The most common medications for inattentive ADHD are psychostimulants that improve signals sent to the brain and increase alertness. Adderall, Ritalin, Concerta and methylphenidates like Strattera (atomoxetine), Qelbree and Ritalin are a few examples of these medications. Antidepressants that affect neurotransmitters within the brain are sometimes prescribed to those with inattentive ADHD to help enhance their mood and improve their concentration. They can include Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). Non-stimulant drugs may also be utilized. 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 work or school tasks, and could result in a number of mistakes made by careless people. In addition, they typically have trouble following instructions or completing complicated tasks. They also have trouble staying focused when playing games or engaging in leisure activities with others. They often interrupt or intrude on others during conversations or games and are eagerly awaiting their turn. They might play with their hands or feet or squirm in their seats or walk around 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 themselves and be constantly moving and are unable to slow down or stop at fairs or theme park. They may have trouble managing tasks, completing projects over a long period of time, or working on routine tasks or assignments.
They lack a sense of responsibility and frequently struggle to form and maintain friendships. They may also have difficulty controlling their emotions, which could cause mood swings and depression. They may also have difficulty managing their time and finances, which can make it easier for them to fall victim to financial scams.
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 in childhood. They might have learned to compensate for their symptoms and thrived in a nurturing environment until they had to face the pressures of pursuing a career or having a family which is when their issues became more evident. The male-to-female* ratio of diagnosed ADHD is much higher in childhood, however the rate becomes more similar in adulthood.
People suffering from ADHD frequently discover that certain dietary supplements, like multiple vitamin, NeurOmega fish oil, GABA or taurine and Brain Vitale or NeuroMemory can help to reduce the irritability and improve memory. They can also benefit from techniques for managing stress like regular exercise and deep breathing. They should discuss all treatment options with their doctor 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 difficulty staying focused on tasks that require a lot of mental effort for long periods of time or causing things to stay in their mind like schoolwork, homework, chores, or work. They are prone to making careless errors at school, work and even in their personal life. Attention and impulse issues can create a lot of stress and lead to difficulties in relationships.
The signs of this disorder typically manifest at different times in life and can range from mild to severe. They may include daydreaming and becoming easily distracted from their thoughts, which can cause the tendency to lose things, such as keys or homework and difficulty focusing on their tasks. They also struggle to sit still, and they can disrupt or take over games or other activities.
A person with a mixed presentation of ADHD may find that some medications help and others don't. Therefore, it's wise to try one at an time and then evaluate the results carefully. Adults with this type of presentation who have been taking medications since they were teens should be able to review their treatment every six months, and particularly after any lifestyle changes that may affect the amount of medication needed.
It is crucial to remember that ADD or ADHD doesn't affect race, ethnicity, or gender, although it may affect more people who are assigned male at birth (AMAB). The diagnosis is usually identified when adults exhibit many of the common symptoms across a variety of aspects of their lives but can't explain them satisfactorily.
There are many methods to treat and manage ADD in adults, such as lifestyle modification, behavior therapy and medications. 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. Non-stimulants can also be used by adults who do not want to take stimulants, or only require them in a lower dose.
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 trouble finishing tasks, while hyperactivity and impulsivity can show up as fidgeting, restlessness and squirming. They may also be able to blurt out answers without waiting for a full question. They often find it difficult to stand in line or follow instructions, leading to frustration and behavior that is contrary to the rules.
Adults with a mix of ADHD symptoms also often have difficulties reading situational social boundaries which can lead them to encroach into conversations or activities without considering how others might be feeling about it. They are more likely to have a hard working with organizational strategies and tend to get overwhelmed easily by complex projects. In a lot of cases, people who exhibit this ADHD presentation are also prone to depression or other mood disorders.
A clear diagnosis is crucial to determine the best treatment plan. While many people with ADHD struggle to seek assistance, obtaining the diagnosis can be an positive experience that provides them with the tools they require to manage their symptoms and lead productive, fulfilling 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 to the age of 12 and last for at least six months to qualify as an ADHD diagnosis. Additionally symptoms ADHD in adults must be severe enough to hinder the person's performance at school, work or home.
Experts aren't sure why ADHD is a problem, but they are aware that it could be hereditary and that certain genes increase the risk of developing the condition. They also know that differences in brain structure and brain chemistry 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. In symptoms of ADHD in adult women , these treatments are more effective than medication.
