Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Adults with attention deficit disorder may be difficult to identify and treat. Therapists can assist by examining symptoms and their reasons, and educating patients on how to add structure and change their behavior and offer medication when required.
People suffering from ADD/ADHD may have difficulties with hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity. The symptoms could include forgetfulness, difficulty waiting for their turn, and trouble concentrating on work or playing games.
Inattentive Type Signs
This subtype of ADHD is characterized by a high level of distraction, and a difficulty in paying attention to the smallest details. Adults with inattentive ADHD have difficulty completing tasks or projects that require constant mental effort, like reading and writing. They may have trouble remembering appointments or paying their bills, and are prone making careless errors in work 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. Their problems can persist into adulthood, affecting their relationships, school performance and even their career development.
Inattentive ADHD symptoms include fidgeting, having trouble being quiet or engaging in leisure activities, difficulties waiting for their turn, and blurting out answers when the questions are not finished. They also struggle to stay organized at home and at work, and are often late for classes or meetings. People with inattention ADHD are often unable to stay focused at school or at work dislike boring meetings and require chewing gum or sip coffee to make it through them.
A health professional will examine the person for potential mental health issues or medical conditions that may cause similar symptoms. Then, they will analyze their behavior history to identify if they have ADD. This could involve speaking to the person's family, teachers and colleagues, and asking them to observe their behavior in different settings. The health professional will also inquire about the person's mood and recent medical history.
Most often, psychostimulants are used to increase alertness and boost brain signals. These include amphetamines such as Adderall, Ritalin and Concerta and methylphenidates like Strattera (atomoxetine) and Qelbree (viloxazine). Antidepressants, which affect neurotransmitters in the brain, are also sometimes prescribed to those suffering from inattentive ADHD to improve their mood and concentration. Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor, (venlafaxine) are two examples. Other drugs 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 condition can make it difficult for people to concentrate on their schoolwork or job tasks, and may result in a number of mistakes made by careless people. They also have difficulty following directions or completing complex tasks. They also have difficulty staying focused when playing games or engaging in leisure activities with others. They are often disruptive and disrupt others during games, conversations or other activities. They may 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 have trouble with self-control and can frequently be in a hurry and unable to stop or slow down, even when they're attending organized events such as fairs or theme parks. They may have trouble managing tasks, completing projects for a long period of time, or focusing on scheduled tasks or homework.
They lack a sense of accountability and often struggle to form and maintain friendships. They may also have trouble controlling their emotions, which can 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 scams in the financial industry.
Many people who suffer from ADHD don't be diagnosed until the age of adulthood, when their problems become more apparent. As children, they might be overlooked by teachers or other adults who were unaware of their issues. They may have compensated for their issues in a safe environment 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 as they grow older.
Certain dietary supplements can reduce the irritability of people suffering from ADHD. These include GABA and taurine, GABA fish oil and Brain Vitale. They may also benefit from stress management strategies, such as regular exercises and deep breathing. They must discuss with their physician all options for treatment, 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 have trouble staying focused on tasks that require mental effort for long periods of time or causing things to stick in their mind for example, schoolwork homework, chores, or work. They tend to make impulsive mistakes in school, at work, and in personal life. The issues with attention and impulse control can lead to a lot of stress and trouble in relationships.
The signs of this condition are varied in severity and can manifest at different stages of life. Daydreaming, being easily distracted and forgetfulness are a few signs. They also have the tendency to lose things like homework or keys and a difficult time keeping track of tasks. They may also have a difficult time being still, and can interfere with leisure activities or games.
It's important to evaluate the results of each medication carefully when you have an unbalanced presentation. Adults who have this presentation and have been taking medication since the age of a teenager should be able to review their treatment every six months, and especially after any lifestyle changes that could alter the amount of medication required.
It is important to know that ADD and ADHD do not impact race, gender, ethnicity or age. However it is believed that it will be more prevalent in those who were deemed male at birth. The diagnosis is usually made when adults present with many of the common symptoms across a variety of areas of their lives, but are unable to explain them in a satisfactory manner.
There are many methods to treat ADD in adults, which include 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). ADHD in adults symptoms quiz assist in increasing concentration by increasing the amount of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. Non-stimulants are also readily available and can be an excellent option for adults who aren't keen on taking stimulants or need them at lower doses.
Symptoms of Combined Type
For people with combined type ADHD, the symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity appear together. Inattention symptoms can include forgetfulness, difficulties completing tasks, or having trouble being still. Hyperactivity and impulsivity may manifest as restlessness, fidgeting or squirming. They often find it difficult to stand in line or to follow instructions, which can result in frustration and behavior that is contrary to the rules.
Adults who suffer from a combination of ADHD symptoms also have difficulties recognizing social boundaries within their environment and can be seen to intrude on conversations or activities without thinking about how others be feeling about it. They are more likely to have a hard time with organizational strategies and tend to get overwhelmed by large-scale projects. In many cases, people who exhibit this ADHD display also have a history of depression or other mood disorders.
Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD is key to identifying the most effective treatment strategy. Many adults suffering from ADHD are hesitant to seek assistance. However an accurate diagnosis can empower them and give them the tools needed to manage their symptoms.
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 in order to qualify as an ADHD diagnosis. The symptoms must also be severe enough to affect the student's performance at the workplace, at school or at home.
Experts aren't sure the reasons ADHD occurs however they are aware that it could be inherited and that certain genes can increase a person's risk of developing the condition. They also know that differences in brain structure and brain chemistry play a part in the development of ADHD, and that some people develop the disorder spontaneously 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. In many instances, these therapies can be more effective than medications.