Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Adults suffering from attention deficit disorder are difficult to diagnose and treat. Therapists can assist by examining the symptoms and their reasons, and educating patients on how to create structure and alter their behaviour, and offering medication when needed.
People with ADD/ADHD have problems with hyperactivity, inattention and the tendency to be impulsive. The symptoms could include forgetfulness, trouble waiting for their turn, and difficulty concentrating on tasks or playing games.
Inattention Type Signs
This type of ADHD is characterized by high distractibility, and a difficulty in paying attention to the smallest details. Adults who are inattentive ADHD are unable to complete tasks or projects that require continuous mental efforts, such as writing and reading. They may struggle to remember appointments or paying their bills and are susceptible to making impulsive mistakes at 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. This means that their issues can persist throughout their adult lives and interfere with relationships, school performance, and career advancement.
Symptoms of inattentive ADHD include the habit of fidgeting with your hands or feet, 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 also are often late to meetings or classes and have difficulty staying organized. Those with inattentive ADHD often have trouble staying focused during work or school are bored at meetings and have to chew gum or sip coffee to pass the time.
A health care provider will examine a person to determine if there are any medical or mental conditions which could cause similar symptoms. Then, they will examine their behavior history in order to determine if the patient is suffering from ADD. This can involve talking to the person's family members, colleagues and teachers and asking about their behavior in different situations. The health professional will also inquire about the person's mood and recent medical history.
Most commonly, psychostimulants are used to boost alertness and improve brain signals. These include amphetamines like Adderall, Ritalin and Concerta and methylphenidates like Strattera (atomoxetine) and Qelbree (viloxazine). Antidepressants that affect neurotransmitters within the brain, are also sometimes prescribed for people with inattentive ADHD to help improve their mood and concentration. Wellbutrin (bupropion), and Effexor, (venlafaxine) are two examples. Non-stimulant medications 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 is a problem to focus on work or school assignments and can lead to careless errors. Additionally, they frequently struggle to follow instructions or completing complicated tasks. They also have difficulty staying on task when playing games or in activities of leisure with others. They often interrupt or intrude on conversations or games and can't wait for their turn. They might fiddle or squirm with their hands or feet or squirm in their seats or pacing as 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 have trouble with self-control and may often be constantly on the move and unable to stop or slow down, even if they're at organized events like fairs or theme parks. They may have difficulty with organizing tasks, working on projects over a long period of time or applying themselves to structured activities or homework.
They have a lack of a sense of responsibility and frequently have difficulty making and keeping friendships. They may also have trouble regulating their emotions which can cause mood swings or severe depression. They may also be having difficulty managing their finances and time which could make it easier for them to fall prey to frauds in the financial sector.
Many people suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed until adulthood when their symptoms become more evident. In their early years, they could be overlooked by teachers or other adults who weren't aware of their problems. They may have sought to alleviate their symptoms in a supportive atmosphere and thrived until they were faced with the pressure of pursuing the job of their dreams or raising a child, which is when their issues became evident. The male-to-female ratio of diagnosed ADHD is much higher in the early years, but the proportions become more similar as they reach adulthood.
Certain nutritional supplements can help reduce irritability for people suffering from ADHD. These include GABA, taurine, GABA fish oil and Brain Vitale. They can also benefit from stress management techniques that include regular exercise and deep breathing. They must discuss with their physician all treatment options that include stimulants (Strattera), 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 difficulty focusing on long-term mental tasks or recalling important things, like homework, schoolwork, chores or work. They also make mistakes in school, at work, and in their personal lives. Attention and control of impulses can cause an abundance of stress and tension in relationships.
The signs of this condition are varied in severity and manifest at different times in life. They can be characterized by daydreaming and being easily distracted by their own thoughts, which can lead to the tendency to lose things, like homework or keys; and difficulties following through on their tasks. ADHD in adult men symptoms struggle to stay still and may disrupt or take over games or other leisure activities.
It's important to evaluate the results of each drug carefully in the event of a mixed presentation. Adults with this presentation who have been taking medications since the time they were teenagers should have a look at their treatment every 6 months, and especially when they make any changes to their lifestyle that may alter the amount of medication required.
It is important to note that ADD and ADHD are not influenced by race or gender, ethnicity, or age. However it is believed that it will be more prevalent in those who were assigned male at birth. Adults who show several symptoms that are not explained are usually diagnosed.
There are many methods to manage and treat ADD for adults, which includes 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). These medications improve concentration by increasing levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Non-stimulants are also available and can be an ideal choice for those who do not want to take stimulants or require lower doses.
The symptoms of Combined Type
For people with combined type ADHD, the symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity appear together. Symptoms of inattention may be evident as difficulty sitting still, forgetfulness or difficulty finishing tasks, while hyperactivity and impulsivity can manifest as a lack of concentration, fidgeting, squirming or blurting out answers without waiting for a complete question. They often have a difficult time to stand in line or to follow directions, which can lead to frustration and a tendency to break the rules.
Adults who have a combination of ADHD symptoms usually have trouble understanding social boundaries in an environment and can cause them to disrupt conversations or activities. They do this without considering what others might think. They often have trouble organizing their thoughts and are overwhelmed by large-scale projects. Many people suffering from this ADHD also have a past history of depression or mood disorders.
A correct diagnosis is crucial to determine the best treatment plan. While many people with ADHD struggle to reach out for assistance, getting the diagnosis can be an positive experience that provides them with the tools needed to manage their symptoms and lead a productive, fulfilling 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 before the age of 12 and last for at least six months to be considered ADHD. The symptoms must also be severe enough to impact the performance of a child at school, at work or at home.
Experts do not fully understand the reason ADHD is a common occurrence. However, they are aware that it is hereditary and certain genes increase the likelihood of someone becoming affected. They also recognize that brain chemistry and variations in the structure of the brain play a part in the development of the disorder, and that some individuals get the disorder without a 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 often more effective than medications.