Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Adults with attention deficit disorder may be difficult to identify and treat. Therapists can assist by examining symptoms and root causes, educating patients on how to create structure and alter their behaviour and provide medication if necessary.
People with ADD/ADHD may have issues with hyperactivity, inattention and the tendency to be impulsive. The symptoms include forgetfulness, difficulty waiting for their turn, or difficulties working on tasks or games.
The Signs of Inattention Type
The most obvious signs of this ADHD subtype are high levels of distraction and difficulty paying attention to the small details. Adults who are inattentive ADHD have difficulty completing tasks or projects that require continuous mental effort, such as reading and writing. They may have difficulty remembering appointments or paying bills and are more likely to make impulsive mistakes at work or in their home 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. In the end, the symptoms of inattentive ADHD can last throughout their adult lives and cause problems with relationships, school performance, and career advancement.
The symptoms of inattention ADHD include frequent fidgeting with hands and feet, difficulty playing or taking part in leisure activities without interruption and unable to wait for their turn and answering questions in a hurry before they are finished. They also have trouble staying organized at home and work and often arrive late for classes or meetings. Those with inattentive ADHD frequently have difficulty staying focused at school or at work, despise boring meetings and need to chew gum or sip coffee to pass the time.
A health professional will assess a person to determine if they have any medical or mental conditions which could cause similar symptoms. Then, they'll use their behavioral history to determine if the patient is suffering from ADD. This may involve speaking with the person's parents, teachers and colleagues, and asking to see their behavior in different settings. The health professional may also inquire about the person's mood and medical history.
The most common medications for inattention ADHD are psychostimulants which improve signals sent to the brain and increase alertness. Adderall, Ritalin, Concerta and methylphenidates such as Strattera (atomoxetine), Qelbree and Ritalin are just a few examples of these medicines. Antidepressants that affect neurotransmitters in the brain, are sometimes prescribed to those suffering from inattentive ADHD to improve their mood and concentration. They could include Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). Other drugs that are not 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 symptom makes it difficult to focus on work or school assignments and can lead to careless mistakes. They also have difficulty following directions or completing complex tasks. They also struggle to stay focused while playing games or engaging in leisure activities. They often interrupt or interfere on others during conversations, games or other activities and are eagerly waiting for their turn. They might play with their feet or hands, squirm in their seat, or pace while they're 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 have difficulty controlling their own behavior and be constantly moving and unable to slow down or stop, even at fairs or theme parks. They may have difficulty with managing tasks, completing projects for a long period of time, or working on routine tasks or assignments.
They lack a sense of responsibility and often have a difficult time forming and maintaining friendships. They may also have difficulty managing their emotions, which can result in mood swings and depression. They may also have trouble managing their time and finances and can make them more prone to financial scams or other fraudulent activities.
Many people with ADHD are not diagnosed until adulthood, when their symptoms become more apparent. Teachers and other adults could have missed their symptoms during childhood. They may have adapted to manage their symptoms and thrived in a nurturing environment until they had to face the stress of working or raising a family as their issues became more evident. The male-to-female* ratio of diagnosed ADHD is significantly higher in childhood, but the rate becomes more similar as they reach adulthood.
People with 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. Stress management techniques like deep breathing and regular exercise can be beneficial. They should discuss all treatments with their physician, including 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 trouble staying focused on tasks that require a lot of mental effort for a long period of time or making things stick in their mind for example, schoolwork chores, homework, or work. symptoms of ADHD in adults quiz make careless mistakes at school, in the workplace as well as in their personal lives. These issues with attention and impulse can create a lot of stress and can lead to difficulties in relationships.
The symptoms of this condition typically occur at different times in life and range from mild to severe. The ability to be easily distracted, daydreaming, and forgetfulness are all symptoms. They also include a tendency to misplace items like keys or homework and a difficult time working through tasks. They also have a difficult time sitting still, and they may disrupt or take over games or other activities.
It is important to assess the results of each medication carefully in the event of mixed presentation. Adults who have this presentation and have been taking medications since the age of a teenager should be able to review their treatment every 6 months, and particularly when they make any changes to their lifestyle that may affect the amount of medication required.
It is important to know that ADD and ADHD do not affect race gender, ethnicity, gender or age. However it does appear to affect more people who were assigned male at birth. The diagnosis is usually made when adults present with many of the common symptoms in several aspects of their lives but can't explain them satisfactorily.
There are many ways to manage and treat ADD for adults, which includes behavioral therapy, lifestyle changes 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 boost concentration by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. Non-stimulants can also be used by adults who do not want to use stimulants, or who only require them in a small dose.
Signs and symptoms of Combined Type
For people with combined type ADHD, the symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity appear together. Inattention symptoms may include forgetfulness, difficulty completing tasks or difficulties sitting still. Hyperactivity and impulsivity can manifest as a lack of concentration, fidgeting or squirming. They may find it difficult to stand in line or follow instructions, which can result in frustration and a tendency to break the rules.
Adults with a combination ADHD symptoms usually have trouble reading social boundaries in the context of a particular situation, which can lead them to disrupt conversations or activities. They do this without thinking about how others may feel. They tend to have difficulty in organising their strategies and become overwhelmed by the complexity of projects. Many people suffering from this ADHD also have a history of depression or mood disorders.
A correct diagnosis is crucial for determining the best treatment plan. Many adults suffering from ADHD are reluctant to seek help. However the diagnosis can empower them and provide 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 to qualify as an ADHD diagnosis. The symptoms must be severe enough to impact the student's performance at the workplace, at school or at home.
Experts aren't entirely sure the reason ADHD is a common occurrence. However, they are aware that it is hereditary and certain genes increase the chance of someone developing the condition. They also know that brain structure and the brain's chemical makeup play a role 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. These treatments are typically more effective than prescription medications.