Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Adults with attention deficit disorder can be difficult to diagnose and treat. A therapist can help by examining the symptoms and their causes, teaching patients ways to add structure and make behavioural changes and offer medication when needed.
People suffering from ADD/ADHD may have difficulties with hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity. Symptoms may include problems with memory loss, trouble waiting for their turn, and trouble concentrating on work or playing games.
Inattentive Type Symptoms
The most prominent symptoms of this ADHD subtype are high distractibility and difficulty paying attention to the small details. Adults with inattentive ADHD are unable to complete tasks or projects that require constant mental efforts, such as writing and reading. They may struggle to remember appointments or paying their bills and are prone making careless mistakes at the workplace 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. As a result, the symptoms of inattentive ADHD can last throughout their adult lives and cause problems with relationships as well as school performance and career advancement.
The symptoms of inattention ADHD include frequent fidgeting with hands or feet, difficulties playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly and unable to wait for their turn, and answering questions in a hurry before they are finished. They also tend to be late to classes or meetings and are unable to stay organized. People with inattention ADHD frequently have difficulty staying focused at school or at work dislike boring meetings and need to chew gum or sip coffee to make it through them.
A medical professional will evaluate the person for any possible mental health issues or medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms. Then, they will use their behavioral history to determine if they suffer from ADD. You can inquire about the person's behavior under various situations by speaking to their parents, teachers, and co-workers. The health care provider will also inquire about the person's mood as well as recent medical history.
The most commonly prescribed medications for inattentive ADHD are psychostimulants which improve the brain's signals and increase alertness. Adderall, Ritalin, Concerta and methylphenidates like Strattera (atomoxetine), Qelbree and Ritalin are all examples of these medicines. Antidepressants that affect neurotransmitters in the brain can be prescribed to people suffering from inattention ADHD to help enhance their mood and improve their concentration. Wellbutrin (bupropion), and Effexor, (venlafaxine) are two examples. Other medications that aren't stimulants can 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 is a problem to focus on their work or schoolwork and could lead to unintentional mistakes. In addition, they often struggle to follow instructions or completing complex tasks. They also have trouble staying on task when playing games or engaging in activities of leisure with others. They can be disruptive and disrupt other players during games, discussions or other activities. They might squirm or fiddle with their feet or hands or squirm in their chairs or pacing as 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 frequently be in a hurry, unable to stop or slow down, even when they are at events that are organized like fairs and theme parks. They may struggle with organizing tasks, working on projects over a long period of time, or focusing on routine tasks or assignments.
They often have a poor sense of their personal responsibility and experience trouble making and maintaining friendships. They may also have difficulty regulating their emotions which can result in mood swings and depression. They may also have trouble managing their time and finances which could make them more prone to financial scams or other fraudulent activities.
Many people who suffer from ADHD are not diagnosed until they reach adulthood when their symptoms become more evident. During childhood, they may be overlooked by teachers or other adults who weren't aware of their problems. They could have reacted to their issues in a supportive atmosphere and flourished until they were faced with the stress of pursuing an occupation or raising a child which is when their issues became evident. The male-to-female ratio of diagnosed ADHD is significantly higher in the early years, but the rate becomes more similar as they reach adulthood.
Certain nutritional supplements can help reduce the irritability of people suffering from ADHD. These include GABA and taurine, GABA fish oil and Brain Vitale. Stress management techniques such as deep breathing and regular exercise can be beneficial. They should talk to their doctor about all treatments options that include stimulants (Strattera) and 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 have trouble staying focused on tasks that require mental effort for long periods of time or causing things to stay in their minds for example, schoolwork chores, homework or work. They tend to make impulsive errors at school, work, and in personal life. Attention and impulse control can lead to a lot of stress and difficulty in relationships.
Symptoms of this presentation often appear at various times in the course of life and can range from mild to severe. The ability to be easily distracted, daydreaming and forgetfulness are just a few symptoms. They also have a tendency to misplace things like keys or homework and a difficult time following through with tasks. They may also have a difficult time sitting still and interfere with their leisure activities or games.
A person with a mixed presentation of ADHD might find that certain medications help and others don't, so it's best to try one each time and analyze the results carefully. Adults with this presentation who have been taking medication since they were teens should be able to review their treatment every six months, and especially after any lifestyle changes that might affect the amount of medication required.
It is important to remember that ADD and ADHD are not influenced by race or gender, ethnicity, or age. However it is believed that it will affect more people who were categorized as male at birth. Adults who show various symptoms but are unable to explain them are usually diagnosed.
There are many methods 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 aid in increasing concentration by increasing the supply of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. ADHD adult female symptoms -stimulants are also readily available, and these can be an excellent option for adults who don't want to take stimulants or require them at a lower dose.
Signs and symptoms of Combined Type
For people with combined type ADHD, the symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity appear together. Inattention symptoms can be apparent in the form of difficulty sitting still, forgetfulness or trouble finishing tasks and impulsivity, hyperactivity may manifest as a lack of concentration, fidgeting, squirming or blurting out answers without waiting for a full question. They often have a difficult time to wait in line or follow instructions, leading to frustration and behavior that is contrary to the rules.
Adults who suffer from a mix of ADHD symptoms also have difficulties recognizing social boundaries within their environment and can be seen to intrude on conversations or activities without considering how others might feel about it. They are more likely to have a hard time with organizational strategies and tend to be overwhelmed by large-scale projects. Many people who suffer from this ADHD also have a previous history of depression or mood disorders.
A proper diagnosis of ADHD is essential to determine the most effective treatment plan. Although many adults with ADHD struggle to reach out for assistance, obtaining an accurate diagnosis can be a empowering experience that gives them the tools they need to manage their symptoms and lead a 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. These symptoms must have been present prior to the age of 12 and last for a minimum of six months to be considered ADHD. In addition the symptoms must be severe enough to reduce the person's performance at work, school or home.
Experts aren't entirely sure the reason ADHD occurs. However, they know that it is hereditary and certain genes increase the likelihood of someone developing the condition. They also know that brain chemistry and differences in brain structure can play a role in the development of the disorder, and that some individuals get the disorder without an ancestry 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 typically more effective than medications.