Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Adults suffering from attention deficit disorder may be difficult to diagnose and treat. Therapists can assist by analyzing the signs and causes, teaching the patient how to build structure, make behavioural modifications and offer medication if necessary.
People with ADD/ADHD have problems with hyperactivity, inattention and the tendency to be impulsive. Symptoms include forgetfulness and difficulty waiting for their turn, or difficulties working on tasks or games.
The Signs of Inattention Type
This subtype of ADHD is characterized by a high degree of distraction and a lack of focus on the smallest details. Adults with inattentive ADHD typically have difficulty to finish tasks or complete projects that require constant mental effort, such as writing, reading or doing 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. As a result, their issues can persist throughout their adult lives and interfere with relationships as well as school performance and career advancement.
Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms include fidgeting, difficulty being quiet or engaging in leisure activities, difficulties waiting for their turn, and blurting out answers before the questions are finished. They are also often late to meetings or classes and struggle to stay organized. People with inattention ADHD are often unable to stay focused at school or at work dislike boring meetings and have to chew gum or drink coffee to make it through them.
A health care provider will assess the patient for potential mental health issues or medical conditions that may cause similar symptoms and then use their behavioral history to determine if they suffer from ADD. This can involve talking to the person's family, teachers and colleagues and asking about their behavior in various settings. The health care provider will also ask about the person's mood as well as recent medical background.
Psychostimulants are used to increase alertness and streamline brain signals. Adderall, Ritalin, Concerta and methylphenidates like Strattera (atomoxetine), Qelbree and Ritalin are a few examples of these medications. Antidepressants that alter neurotransmitters inside the brain can be prescribed to those with inattentive ADHD to help improve their mood and concentration. Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor, (venlafaxine) are two examples. Non-stimulant drugs may 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 can make it difficult for people to focus on their studies or work tasks, and could lead to careless mistakes. They also have trouble following directions or completing complex tasks. They also have trouble staying focused when playing games or engaging in leisure activities. They frequently interrupt or interfere on other people during conversations, games or other activities and can't wait for their turn. They might fiddle with their hands or feet or squirm in their seats or jog while 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 may often be constantly on the move and are unable to slow down or slow down, even when they're at organized events such as fairs or theme parks. They may have difficulty managing tasks, completing long-term projects, or committing themselves to homework or other planned activities.
They have a low sense of accountability and often have difficulty making and keeping friendships. They may also have difficulty controlling their emotions, which could lead them to mood swings or severe depression. They may also be having difficulty managing their finances and time, which can make it easier for them to fall victim to financial scams.
Many people with ADHD are not diagnosed until they reach adulthood when their symptoms become more evident. In their early years, they could have been missed by teachers or other adults who weren't aware of their problems. They might have learned to compensate for their symptoms and thrived in a nurturing environment until they had to face the stresses of working or raising a family, when their problems were more evident. The ratio of males to females in diagnosed ADHD is higher in the early years, but the ratio becomes more comparable in adulthood.
People with ADHD frequently find that certain nutritional supplements, like multiple vitamin, NeurOmega fish oil, GABA or taurine, and Brain Vitale or NeuroMemory, can help reduce irritability and improve memory. Stress management techniques like deep breathing and regular exercise can be beneficial. They should discuss with their doctor all treatments options, including stimulants (Strattera), non-stimulants (Viloxazine) (Qelbree), and antidepressants (Wellbutrin).
Signs 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 long periods of time or making things stick in their mind for example, schoolwork homework, chores or even work. They also tend to make mistakes in school, at work as well as in their personal lives. These problems with attention and impulse control can result in lots of stress and difficulty in relationships.
The symptoms of this condition can vary in severity and appear at different times in life. They include daydreaming and being easily distracted by their own thoughts, which can cause an inability to remember things; a tendency lose things, like keys or homework and difficulty focusing on tasks. They may also have difficulty staying still and may disrupt or take over their leisure activities or games.
It is crucial to analyze the results of each medication carefully when you have mixed presentation. Adults who have had this type of presentation since the time they were teenagers should have their treatment evaluated every six months, especially if there are any lifestyle changes that could affect the amount of medication needed.
It is important to keep in mind that ADD or ADHD doesn't affect race, ethnicity, or gender, but it is believed to affect more people who are assigned a male at birth (AMAB). Adults who show a number of symptoms and cannot explain them are usually diagnosed.
There are a variety of ways to treat and manage ADD in adults, including 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). adult ADHD symptoms boost concentration by increasing levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Non-stimulants are also used by adults who do not wish to use stimulants, or who only require them in a lower dosage.
Symptoms of Combined Type
For people with combined type ADHD, the symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity appear together. Symptoms of inattention may be apparent in the form of difficulty sitting still, forgetfulness, or having trouble finishing tasks and impulsivity, hyperactivity may manifest as restlessness, fidgeting and squirming. They may also be able to blurt out answers without waiting for the complete question. They have a difficult time learning to stand in line or follow instructions. This can lead to frustration and rule-breaking behaviors.
Adults who suffer from a combination of ADHD symptoms are often having trouble understanding social boundaries in an environment and can cause them to disrupt conversations or activities. They do this without thinking about what others might think. They tend to have difficulty organizing their thoughts and are overwhelmed by the complexity of projects. Many people who suffer from this ADHD also have a history of depression or mood disorders.
A proper diagnosis is essential for determining the best treatment plan. While many adults who have ADHD struggle to seek assistance, getting an accurate diagnosis can be a inspiring experience that provides them with the tools needed 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 the age of 12 and last for at least six months to qualify as an ADHD diagnosis. The symptoms must be severe enough to negatively impact a person's performance in the workplace, at school or at home.
Experts aren't entirely sure why ADHD occurs. However, they know that it is hereditary and certain genes increase the likelihood of a person developing the condition. They also know that brain structure and the brain's chemical makeup play a role, and that some people are born with the disorder and have 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 therapies are more effective than medications.