Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Adults suffering from attention deficit disorder are difficult to identify and treat. Therapists can assist by examining the signs and causes, educating the patient on how to structure their lives and behavioral changes, and offering medication if necessary.
People with ADD/ADHD may have issues with hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity. The symptoms include forgetfulness and difficulty in waiting for their turn, or having difficulty concentrating on games or tasks.
symptoms of ADHD in an adult defining symptoms of this ADHD subtype are high levels of distraction and trouble paying attention to particulars. Adults who are inattentive ADHD are unable to complete tasks or projects that require continuous mental effort, like reading and writing. They may have trouble remembering appointments or paying their bills, and are prone making careless errors in the workplace 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 throughout their adulthood and impact their relationships, school performance and their career progression.
Symptoms of inattentive ADHD include the habit of fidgeting with your hands or feet, having difficulty engaging in leisure activities at a relaxed pace and unable to wait for their turn and answering questions before they are finished. They also are often late to meetings or classes and are unable to stay organized. Those with inattentive ADHD often have trouble staying focused at school or work dislike boring meetings and require chewing gum or sip coffee to get through them.
A health care provider will assess a person to determine if there are any mental health or medical conditions which could cause similar symptoms. Then, they'll use their behavioral history to determine if the patient is suffering from ADD. You can request to observe the person's behavior in different situations by speaking to their parents as well as teachers and colleagues. The health professional will also ask about the person's mood and recent medical background.
Most often, psychostimulants are used to boost alertness and streamline brain signals. They include amphetamines, such as Adderall, Ritalin and Concerta and methylphenidates like Strattera (atomoxetine) and Qelbree (viloxazine). Antidepressants that affect neurotransmitters in the brain are often prescribed to those with inattentive ADHD in order to improve their mood and focus. They can include Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). Other medications 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 symptom can make it difficult for people to concentrate on their work or school tasks, and may cause mistakes due to negligence. They also have difficulty following directions or completing complex tasks. They also struggle to stay on track when playing games or in leisure activities with other people. They often interrupt or intrude on others during conversations or games and are eagerly awaiting their turn. They might play with their feet or hands 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 struggle with self-control, and frequently be in a hurry and unable to stop or slow down, even when they are at events that are organized like fairs or theme parks. They may have difficulty organizing tasks, completing long-term projects, or committing themselves to homework or other planned activities.
They typically have a low sense of personal responsibility and have trouble making and keeping friends. They may also have trouble regulating their emotions which can lead them to mood swings and depression. They may also have trouble managing their finances and time which could make them more vulnerable to financial scams and other frauds.
Many people who suffer from ADHD don't be diagnosed until the age of adulthood, when their problems become more evident. Teachers and other adults could have missed their symptoms throughout childhood. They might have learned to cope with their symptoms and thrived in a supportive environment until they encountered the stresses of working or raising a family, when their problems became more evident. In the early years, the male-to-female* ADHD ratio is higher. However, it becomes more equal when they reach adulthood.
People suffering from ADHD typically find that certain dietary supplements, like multiple vitamin, NeurOmega fish oil, GABA or taurine, and Brain Vitale or NeuroMemory can reduce the irritability and improve memory. Stress management techniques such as deep breathing and regular exercise can be beneficial. They should discuss all treatments with their doctor, including stimulants and non-stimulants like Atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) and antidepressants like bupropion (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 minds, such as schoolwork or homework, chores, or work. They tend to make impulsive mistakes in school, at work, and in personal life. These problems with attention and impulse control can lead to an abundance of stress and difficulty in relationships.
The signs of this disorder typically appear at various times in the course of life, and they may vary from mild to severe. They may include daydreaming and becoming easily distracted from their thoughts, which may lead to an inability to remember things; a tendency lose things, such as keys or homework and having trouble focusing on their tasks. They may also have a difficult time sitting still and interrupt or take over their leisure activities or games.
Someone with a mixed presentation of ADHD might find that certain medications are helpful while others don't. Therefore, it's wise to try one at a time and evaluate the results carefully. Adults who have experienced this type of presentation since they were teens should be re-evaluated every six months, particularly when there are any lifestyle changes that may alter the dosage of medication required.
It is important to remember that ADD and ADHD are not influenced by race, gender, ethnicity or age. However it is believed that it will affect people who were assigned male at birth. Adults who present with a number of symptoms and cannot explain them are usually diagnosed.
There are many methods to treat and manage ADD in adults, including 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 the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. Non-stimulants can also be utilized by adults who do not wish to use stimulants, or who only require them in a small dosage.
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, difficulty completing tasks, or having trouble staying still. Hyperactivity and impulsivity can manifest as restlessness, fidgeting or squirming. They often have a difficult time to stay in line or to follow instructions, leading to frustration and behavior that is contrary to the rules.
Adults who have a mix of ADHD symptoms often also experience difficulties recognizing social boundaries within their environment and can be seen to intrude into conversations or activities without thinking about how others be feeling about it. They often have trouble with organizing strategies and get overwhelmed by large-scale projects. In many cases, those who exhibit this ADHD appearance also have a history of depression or other mood disorders.
Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD is essential to determine the most effective treatment strategy. Many people suffering from ADHD are hesitant 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. These symptoms must have been present prior to the age of 12 and last for a minimum of six months to qualify as ADHD. Additionally the symptoms must be severe enough to reduce the person's performance at work, school or home.
Experts aren't entirely sure the reason ADHD is a common occurrence. However, symptoms of ADHD in adults do know that it is genetic and certain genes increase the chance of a person being diagnosed with the disorder. They also recognize that differences in brain structure and the brain's chemical makeup play a role in the development of the disorder, and that some individuals 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 treatments are more effective than medication.