Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Attention deficit disorder in adults can be difficult to identify and manage. A therapist can help by examining symptoms and their reasons, and educating patients on how to create structure and alter their behaviour and offer medication when necessary.
People suffering from ADD/ADHD experience issues with hyperactivity, inattention, and an impulsive nature. Symptoms include forgetfulness and difficulty in waiting for their turn, or having difficulty concentrating on games or tasks.
Inattentive Type Symptoms
The most prominent symptoms of this ADHD subtype are high levels of distraction and difficulty paying attention particulars. Adults with inattention ADHD have difficulty completing tasks or projects that require sustained mental effort, such as reading and writing. They may have trouble 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, their problems may persist throughout their adult lives, and may cause issues with relationships, school performance, and career advancement.
Inattentive ADHD symptoms include fumbling, difficulty playing quietly or participating in leisure activities, problems waiting for their turn, and blurting answers before the questions are completed. They also have trouble staying well-organized at home and at work and are often late for classes or meetings. Inattention ADHD sufferers often have trouble staying focused at work or school. They are not a fan of boring meetings and often chew gum or drink coffee to get them through.
A medical professional will assess the patient for any possible mental health issues or medical conditions that may cause similar symptoms. Then, they will analyze their behavior history to determine if they suffer from ADD. You can inquire about the person's behavior in various situations by talking to their parents, teachers, and co-workers. The health professional will also ask about the person's mood and recent medical background.
The most frequently prescribed drugs for inattention ADHD are psychostimulants which improve the brain's signals and boost alertness. Adderall, Ritalin, Concerta and methylphenidates like Strattera (atomoxetine), Qelbree and Ritalin are a few examples of these drugs. Antidepressants, which affect neurotransmitters in the brain, are sometimes prescribed for people with inattention ADHD to improve their mood and focus. They can include Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). Non-stimulant drugs can also 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 makes it difficult for them to concentrate on work or school assignments and could lead to unintentional errors. They also have difficulty following directions or completing complex tasks. They also have trouble staying focused while playing games or taking part in leisure activities. They often disrupt and interrupt other players during games, discussions or other activities. They may fiddle or squirm using their hands or feet, squirm or pace in their seats 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 struggle with self-control and can often be on the go, unable to stop or slow down, even when they're attending organized events such as fairs or theme parks. They may have trouble organizing tasks, working on projects over a long period of time or applying themselves to scheduled tasks or homework.
They usually have a weak sense of personal responsibility and may have difficulty making and keeping friends. ADHD in adults symptoms women may also have issues managing their emotions, which can lead to mood swings and depression. They may also have difficulty managing their time and finances which could make it easier for them to fall prey to scams in the financial industry.
Many people with ADHD don't be diagnosed until the age of adulthood, when their issues become more apparent. Teachers or other adults might have missed their symptoms during the early years of their lives. They may have adapted to compensate for their symptoms and thrived in a nurturing environment until they had to face the stresses of working or raising a family as their issues became more evident. The male-to-female* ratio of diagnosed ADHD is higher in childhood, however the proportions become more similar as they reach adulthood.
Certain supplements in the diet can help reduce irritability for people suffering from ADHD. These include GABA as well as taurine. GABA fish oil, and Brain Vitale. They can also benefit from techniques for managing stress that include regular exercises and deep breathing. They should discuss with their doctor all options for treatment including stimulants (Strattera) as well as 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 are unable to focus on tasks that require mental effort for a long time or making things stick in their heads for example, schoolwork chores, homework, or work. They also tend to make careless mistakes at school, in the workplace, and in their personal lives. These attention and impulse problems can create a lot of stress and lead to difficulties in relationships.
Symptoms of this presentation often manifest at various times throughout the day and range from mild to severe. They include daydreaming and being easily distracted from their thoughts, which can lead to an inability to remember things; a tendency lose things, like homework or keys and difficulty focusing on tasks. They also have a difficult time sitting still, and they may disrupt or take over games or other leisure activities.
It's important to evaluate the results of each medication carefully if you have mixed presentation. Adults with this type of presentation who have been taking medication since they were teens should be able to review their treatment every six months, and especially when they make any changes to their lifestyle that may affect the amount of medication needed.
It is crucial to remember that ADD or ADHD doesn't affect race or ethnicity, nor gender, though it may be more prevalent in those who are assigned male at birth (AMAB). The diagnosis is usually identified when adults exhibit many of the common symptoms in various areas of their lives and are unable to explain them in a satisfactory manner.
There are several methods to treat ADD among adults, including medication, 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). These medications help to increase concentration by increasing the amount of dopamine and norepinephrine within the brain. Non-stimulants are also available, and these can be an excellent option for adults who aren't keen on taking stimulants or need them at lower doses.
Signs and symptoms of Combined Type
For people with combined type ADHD, the symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity appear together. Inattention symptoms include forgetfulness, difficulty completing tasks or having difficulty sitting still. Impulsivity and hyperactivity can manifest as restlessness, fidgeting or squirming. They are unable to stay in line or follow directions. This leads to frustration and behavior that is contrary to the rules.
Adults who have an array of ADHD symptoms also have difficulties reading situational social boundaries which can lead them to encroach on activities or conversations without thinking about how others feel about it. They are more likely to have a difficult working with organizational strategies and tend to be overwhelmed by complicated projects. In many cases, those with this ADHD display may also be suffering from depression or other mood disorders.
A proper diagnosis is essential to determine the best treatment plan. While many adults who have ADHD struggle to seek assistance, getting the diagnosis can be an empowering experience that gives them the tools they need 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. The symptoms must be present prior to age 12 and persist for at least six months in order to be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis. The symptoms must also be severe enough to affect a person's performance in school, at work or at home.
Experts aren't entirely sure the reasons ADHD occurs but they do know that it can be hereditary and that certain genes can increase the likelihood of developing the disorder. They also know that differences in brain structure and brain chemistry 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 therapies are usually more effective than medications.