Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Attention deficit disorder in adults can be challenging to diagnose and manage. A therapist can assist by examining the signs and causes, teaching the patient how to build structure and behavioural changes and provide medication if needed.
People suffering from ADD/ADHD may have difficulties with hyperactivity, inattention and an impulsiveness. Symptoms may include problems with memory loss, trouble waiting for their turn, and difficulty concentrating on tasks or playing games.
Symptoms of Inattentive Type
The defining symptoms of this ADHD subtype are high levels of distraction and difficulty paying attention details. Adults with inattention ADHD frequently find it difficult to finish tasks or complete projects that require sustained mental effort, like writing, reading or doing homework. They may have difficulty 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. Their issues can continue into adulthood, affecting their relationships, school performance and even their career development.
Inattention ADHD symptoms include fidgeting, difficulty engaging in leisure activities, difficulties waiting for their turn, and blurting answers before the questions are completed. They are also often late to meetings or classes and have difficulty staying organized. Inattention ADHD sufferers often have trouble staying focused at work or school. They dislike boring meetings and prefer to chew gum or drink coffee to help them through.
A health care provider will assess a person to determine if there are any medical or mental conditions that could trigger similar symptoms. Then, they will examine their behavior history to determine if the person has ADD. This could involve speaking to the person's family, teachers and colleagues and asking about their behavior in different situations. The health professional may also inquire about the individual's mood and medical history.
Most often, psychostimulants are used to enhance alertness and improve 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 sometimes prescribed to those suffering from inattentive ADHD to improve their mood and focus. Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor, (venlafaxine) are two examples. 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 symptom can make it difficult for people to focus on their schoolwork or job tasks, and can result in a number of mistakes made by careless people. In addition, they often have trouble following instructions or performing complex tasks. They also struggle to stay on task when playing games or in leisure activities with others. They often disrupt and interrupt others during games, conversations or other activities. They may fiddle or squirm with their hands or feet or squirm or move in their seats or pacing while they listen or talk.
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, unable even to slow down or stop, even at events like fairs or theme park. They may have difficulties managing tasks, finishing long-term tasks or committing to homework or other planned activities.
They have a lack of a sense of responsibility and often have difficulty making and keeping friendships. They may also have issues managing their emotions, which could cause mood swings and depression. They may also have difficulty managing their finances and time, which can make them more vulnerable to financial scams and other frauds.
Many people with ADHD are not diagnosed until adulthood, when their symptoms become more evident. During childhood, they may have been overlooked by teachers or other adults who were unaware of their symptoms. They may have adapted to compensate for their symptoms and thrived in a nurturing environment until they encountered the stress of working or having a family when their problems became more apparent. In childhood, the male-to-female* ADHD ratio is higher. However it is more even when they reach adulthood.
People suffering from ADHD typically discover that certain dietary supplements, such as multiple vitamin, NeurOmega fish oil, GABA or taurine, and Brain Vitale or NeuroMemory, can help reduce irritability and improve memory. Stress management techniques such as deep breathing and regular exercise can be beneficial. They should talk to their doctor about all treatments options that include 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 focusing on long-term mental activities or remembering things like homework, schoolwork, chores or work. They are prone to making careless errors at school, work as well as in their personal lives. Attention and impulse issues can cause stress and can lead to relationship difficulties.
Symptoms of this presentation often appear at various times throughout the day and range from mild to severe. They may include daydreaming and becoming 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 their tasks. symptoms of ADHD in adults female might also have trouble being still, and can interfere with the activities of leisure or games.
It is important to assess the results of each medication carefully when you have mixed presentation. Adults who have experienced this presentation since they were teens should have their treatment reviewed every six months, and especially when there are any lifestyle changes that could affect the amount of medication needed.
It is crucial to remember that ADD or ADHD does not affect race or ethnicity, nor gender, but it may affect more people who are assigned a male at birth (AMAB). The diagnosis is usually given when people are suffering from various of the typical symptoms in various aspects of their lives but cannot explain them clearly.
There are many methods to treat ADD in adults, which include medications, 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 aid in increasing concentration by increasing the supply of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. Non-stimulants can also be used by adults who do not want to take stimulants, or 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 include forgetfulness, difficulties completing tasks or having difficulty staying still. Impulsivity and hyperactivity can manifest as a lack of concentration, fidgeting or squirming. They often find it difficult to stay in line or to follow instructions, which can result in frustration and a tendency to break the rules.
Adults with a combination ADHD symptoms often have difficulty understanding social boundaries in the context of a particular situation, which can lead them to interfere with conversations or activities. They do this without considering how others may feel. They tend to have difficulty with organizing strategies and get overwhelmed by complex projects. In many cases, people who exhibit this ADHD display may also be suffering from depression or other mood disorders.
A proper diagnosis of ADHD is crucial to determining the most effective treatment plan. Many adults suffering from ADHD are reluctant to seek assistance. However, a diagnosis can empower them and provide them the tools 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 be present prior to age 12 and last for at least six months to be considered an ADHD diagnosis. The symptoms must also be severe enough to negatively impact the student's performance at school, at work or at home.
Experts aren't entirely sure why ADHD is a common occurrence. However, they do know that it is hereditary and certain genes increase the chance of a person developing the condition. They also recognize that differences in brain structure and brain chemistry play a role in the development of the disorder, and that some individuals get the disorder on their own, 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 medication.