Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Adults suffering from attention deficit disorder are difficult to identify and treat. A therapist can help by examining symptoms and their reasons, and educating patients on how to create structure and change their behavior and provide medication if necessary.
People suffering from ADD/ADHD experience issues with hyperactivity, inattention, and the tendency to be impulsive. It is evident by the lack of memory and difficulty in waiting for their turn, or having difficulty concentrating on games or tasks.
Symptoms of Inattentive Type
This subtype of ADHD is characterized by high distractibility, and a lack of focus on small details. Adults who are inattentive ADHD are unable to complete tasks or projects that require sustained mental effort, like reading and writing. They may struggle to remember appointments or paying their bills, and are more likely to make 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. In the end, the symptoms of inattentive ADHD can last throughout their adult lives and interfere with relationships, school performance and career advancement.
Inattention ADHD symptoms include fidgeting, having trouble playing quietly or participating in leisure activities, issues waiting for their turn, and blurting out answers when the questions are not finished. They also have trouble staying well-organized at home and at work, and are often late for classes or meetings. Those with inattentive ADHD frequently have difficulty staying focused at school or work are bored at meetings and require chewing gum or drink coffee to make it through them.
A medical professional will assess the patient for any possible mental health issues or medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms. Then, ADHD symptoms adults male will use their behavioral history to identify if they have 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 might also inquire about the individual's mood and recent medical history.
The most common medications for inattentive ADHD are psychostimulants that improve signals sent to the brain and boost alertness. They include amphetamines, such as Adderall, Ritalin and Concerta and methylphenidates such as Strattera (atomoxetine) and Qelbree (viloxazine). Antidepressants that affect neurotransmitters within the brain are sometimes prescribed to people with inattentive ADHD to help improve their mood and focus. Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor, (venlafaxine) are two examples. Other medications 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 is a problem for them to concentrate on their work or schoolwork and may result in careless errors. They also have difficulty following instructions or completing difficult tasks. They also have difficulty staying on track when playing games or engaging in leisure activities with other people. They are often disruptive and interrupt other players during games, discussions or other activities. They might squirm or fiddle with their hands or feet or squirm in their chairs, or pacing while they listen or talk.
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 are constantly on the move and unable to slow down or stop, even at fairs or theme park. They may have trouble with managing tasks, completing long-term projects, or committing themselves to schoolwork or other structured activities.
They have a low sense of accountability and often have a difficult time forming and maintaining friendships. They may also have difficulty regulating their emotions, which can cause mood swings and depression. They may also be having difficulty managing their time and finances which could make it easier for them to fall prey to scams in the financial industry.
Many people suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed until adulthood when their symptoms become more apparent. In their early years, they could have been overlooked by teachers or other adults who were unaware of their symptoms. They may have sought to alleviate their symptoms in a supportive environment and flourished until they were faced with the pressure of pursuing an occupation or raising a child which is when their issues became evident. In the beginning, the male-to female* ADHD ratio is higher. However, it becomes more equal when they reach adulthood.
People with ADHD often find that certain nutritional 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, such as regular exercise and deep breathing. They should talk to their doctor about all treatments options, including stimulants (Strattera), non-stimulants (Viloxazine) (Qelbree), and antidepressants (Wellbutrin).
Mixed Type Signs and 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 recalling important things, like chores, schoolwork, homework or work. They also tend to make a lot of mistakes at school, at work and in their private lives. These attention and impulse problems can cause a lot 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 from their thoughts, which can cause forgetfulness; a tendency to lose things like keys or homework and having trouble focusing on their tasks. They may also have difficulty being still, and can disrupt or take over leisure activities or games.
It is important to assess the results of each medication carefully in the event of an unbalanced presentation. Adults who have experienced this condition since they were teenagers should be re-evaluated every six months, particularly if there are any lifestyle changes that could affect the amount of medication required.
It is important to know that ADD and ADHD do not impact race gender, ethnicity, gender or age. However it does appear to affect more people who were categorized as male at birth. The diagnosis is usually identified when adults exhibit several of the typical symptoms in several areas of their lives and can't explain them satisfactorily.
There are a variety of ways to treat and manage ADD for adults, which includes behavior therapy, lifestyle modifications 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 utilized by adults who do not want to use stimulants, or who 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. Inattention symptoms can include forgetfulness, difficulties completing tasks or having difficulty sitting still. Hyperactivity and impulsivity can manifest as a lack of concentration, fidgeting or squirming. They have a difficult time learning to stand in line or follow instructions. This leads to frustration and rule-breaking behaviors.
Adults who have a combination of ADHD symptoms usually have trouble reading social boundaries in an environment which could cause them to interfere with conversations or activities. They do this without considering what others might think. They are more likely to have a difficult to organize their lives and are often overwhelmed by complicated projects. In many cases, those with this ADHD presentation also have a history of depression or other mood disorders.
A proper diagnosis is essential to determine the best treatment plan. Although many adults with ADHD struggle to seek help, receiving a diagnosis can be an positive experience that provides them with the tools they require 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. The symptoms must be present prior age 12 and last for at least six months in order to be considered an ADHD diagnosis. The symptoms must also be severe enough to negatively impact a person's performance in the workplace, at school or at home.
Experts don't fully understand the reasons ADHD occurs but they know that it can be inherited and that certain genes can increase the risk of developing the disorder. They also know that brain chemistry and differences in brain structure are a factor, and that some people have the disorder despite not having 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 often more effective than medication.