Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Attention deficit disorder in adults can be challenging to identify and treat. A therapist can help by examining symptoms and causes, teaching patients ways to add structure and change their behavior and provide medication if needed.
People with ADD/ADHD may have issues with hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity. Some of the symptoms include forgetfulness, trouble waiting for their turn, and difficulty concentrating on tasks or playing games.
Inattentive Type Signs
This subtype of ADHD is characterized by a high degree of distraction and difficulty paying attention to tiny details. Adults who have inattention ADHD typically have difficulty to finish tasks or complete tasks that require a sustained concentration, such as writing, reading and completing homework. They may have trouble remembering appointments or paying their bills and are prone making careless mistakes at 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 may cause issues with relationships, school performance, and career advancement.
The symptoms of inattention ADHD include the habit of fidgeting with your hands or feet, having difficulty engaging in leisure activities at a relaxed pace as well as difficulty waiting for their turn, and blurting out answers before questions are answered. They are also often late to meetings or classes and are unable to stay organized. Inattention ADHD sufferers often have difficulty staying focused at work or school. They don't like boring meetings and chew gum or drink coffee to help them through.
severe ADHD symptoms adults will evaluate the person for possible mental health or medical conditions that may cause similar symptoms. Then, they will examine their behavior to identify if they have ADD. You can request to observe the person's behavior under various situations by speaking to their parents as well as teachers and colleagues. The health care provider will also ask about the person's mood as well as recent medical background.
The most common 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 just a few examples of these drugs. Antidepressants, which affect neurotransmitters in the brain, are often prescribed to people suffering from inattention ADHD to help improve their mood and focus. Wellbutrin (bupropion), and Effexor, (venlafaxine) are two examples. Non-stimulant drugs can 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 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. In addition, they often struggle to follow instructions or completing complex tasks. They also struggle to stay on task while playing games or taking part in leisure activities. They often interrupt or interfere on conversations or games and can't wait for their turn. They might fiddle with their hands or feet or even squirm 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 be unable to control their own behavior and be constantly moving and unable to slow down or stop at fairs or theme parks. They may struggle with organizing tasks, completing projects over a long time, or focusing on routine tasks or assignments.
They often have a poor sense of personal responsibility and may have difficulty making and maintaining friendships. They may also have issues managing their emotions, which could result in mood swings and severe depression. They may also have trouble managing their time and finances which could make it easier for them to fall victim to scams in the financial industry.
Many people with ADHD are not diagnosed until adulthood, when their symptoms become more apparent. As children, they might have been missed by teachers or other adults who weren't aware of their problems. They may have learned to manage their symptoms and thrived in a nurturing environment until they had to face the stress of working or raising a family which is when their issues became more evident. The male-to-female* ratio of diagnosed ADHD is higher in childhood, however the ratio becomes more comparable in adulthood.
People with ADHD typically discover that certain dietary supplements, like multiple vitamin, NeurOmega fish oil, GABA or taurine and Brain Vitale or NeuroMemory, can help reduce anxiety and improve memory. Techniques for managing stress, such as deep breathing and regular exercise can be beneficial. They must discuss with their physician all treatments options, including stimulants (Strattera) and non-stimulants (Viloxazine) (Qelbree), and antidepressants (Wellbutrin).
Mixed Type Symptoms
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 time or causing things to stick in their mind, such as schoolwork or homework, chores or work. They also tend to make careless mistakes at school, in the workplace as well as in their personal lives. These problems with attention and impulse control can result in an abundance of stress and difficulty in relationships.
The signs of this condition can vary in severity and appear at various stages of life. They can be characterized by daydreaming and being easily distracted by their own thoughts, which can lead to the tendency to lose things, such as keys or homework and having trouble focusing on tasks. ADHD in adult men symptoms may also have difficulty staying still and may interrupt or take over leisure activities or games.
It's important to evaluate the effects of each medication carefully when you have a mixed presentation. Adults who have experienced this presentation since the time they were teenagers should be re-evaluated every six months, especially when there are any lifestyle changes that could impact the amount of medication required.
It is important to note that ADD and ADHD are not influenced by race, gender, ethnicity or age. However, it does appear to affect more people who were deemed male at birth. Adults who present with various symptoms but are unable to explain them are typically diagnosed.
There are many methods to manage and treat ADD for adults, which includes lifestyle modification, behavior therapy, 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 increase concentration by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. Non-stimulants are also readily available, and these can be a good choice for adults who aren't keen on taking stimulants or require them at a lower dose.
The symptoms of Combined Type
For people with combined type ADHD, the symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity appear together. The signs of inattention could be apparent in the form of difficulty sitting still, forgetfulness, or having trouble finishing tasks, while hyperactivity and impulsivity may manifest as restlessness, fidgeting and squirming. They may also be able to blurt out answers without waiting for the complete answer. They find it hard to stand in line or follow directions. This can lead to frustration and rule-breaking behaviors.
Adults who have a combination of ADHD symptoms often have difficulty understanding social boundaries in a given situation, which can lead them to interrupt conversations or activities. They do this without considering what others might think. They are more likely to have a hard to organize their lives and tend to get overwhelmed easily by complex projects. Many people suffering from this ADHD also have a past history of depression or mood disorders.
Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD is essential to determine the most effective treatment plan. While many people with ADHD struggle to seek assistance, obtaining an accurate diagnosis can be a positive experience that provides them with the tools they require to manage their symptoms and live productive, satisfying 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 be present prior age 12 and persist for at least six months in order to be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis. In addition, the symptoms must be severe enough to reduce a person's performance at school, work or at home.
Experts aren't sure the reasons ADHD is a problem but they know that it can be hereditary and that certain genes increase the risk of developing the disorder. They also recognize that brain chemistry and differences in brain structure can play a role in the development of the disorder, and that some individuals have the disorder despite not having any 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 treatments are more effective than medication.