Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Attention deficit disorder in adults can be challenging to identify and manage. Therapists can assist by examining symptoms and their causes, teaching patients ways to structure their lives and change their behavior and offer medication when needed.
People with ADD/ADHD have problems with hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity. The symptoms include forgetfulness, difficulty waiting for their turn, or difficulty concentrating on games or tasks.
Inattention Type symptoms
This type of ADHD is characterized by a high level of distraction, and a lack of focus on tiny details. Adults who have inattention ADHD often find it hard to finish tasks or complete projects that require constant mental effort, like reading, writing and doing homework. They may have trouble remembering appointments or paying their bills, and are more likely to make careless errors in 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. The issues they face can last into adulthood and affect their relationships, school performance, and their career progression.
Symptoms of inattentive ADHD include frequent fidgeting with hands or feet, having difficulty engaging in leisure activities at a relaxed pace and unable to wait for their turn, and answering questions in a hurry before they are completed. They also tend to be late to meetings or classes and are unable to stay organized. Inattentive ADHD sufferers often have trouble staying focused at school or at work. They are not a fan of boring meetings and prefer to chew gum or drink coffee to help them through.
A health professional will assess a person to determine if they have any medical or mental conditions that could trigger similar symptoms. Then, they'll examine their behavior history to determine if the patient has ADD. You can request to observe the person's behavior in different situations by talking to their family, teachers, and co-workers. The health professional may also inquire about the person's mood and their recent medical history.
Most often, psychostimulants are used to increase alertness and improve brain signals. These include amphetamines like Adderall, Ritalin and Concerta and methylphenidates such as Strattera (atomoxetine) and Qelbree (viloxazine). Antidepressants that affect neurotransmitters in the brain are sometimes prescribed to those with inattentive ADHD to help 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 can make it difficult for people to focus on their schoolwork or job tasks, and can lead to careless mistakes. In addition, they typically struggle to follow instructions or completing complex tasks. They also have trouble staying on task while playing games or engaging in leisure activities. They often interrupt or intrude on other people during conversations, games or other activities and are eagerly waiting for their turn. They might fiddle or squirm with their feet or hands or squirm in their chairs 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 struggle to control themselves and be constantly moving and unable to slow down or stop, even at events like fairs or theme park. They may have difficulty with organizing tasks, completing projects over a long period of time or applying themselves to scheduled tasks or homework.
They often have a poor sense of personal responsibility and may have difficulties making and keeping friends. They may also have difficulty regulating their emotions which can cause mood swings or severe depression. They may also have difficulty managing their time and finances which could make it easier for them to fall victim to frauds in the financial sector.
Many people who suffer from ADHD are not diagnosed until they reach adulthood, when their symptoms become more evident. Teachers or other adults might have missed their symptoms in their childhood. They may have sought to alleviate their problems in a safe environment and thrived until they were faced with the pressure of pursuing an occupation or raising a child when their problems became apparent. The male-to-female* ratio of diagnosed ADHD is much higher in childhood, but the proportions become more similar in adulthood.
People with ADHD typically find that certain dietary supplements, such as multiple vitamin, NeurOmega fish oil, GABA or taurine, and Brain Vitale or NeuroMemory can help to reduce anxiety and improve memory. Techniques for managing stress, such as deep breathing and regular exercise can be beneficial. They should discuss all options for treatment with their health care provider including non-stimulants and stimulants such as Atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) and antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin).
Symptoms of Mixed Type
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 chores, schoolwork, homework or work. They also tend to make careless mistakes at school, at work as well as in their personal lives. These problems with attention and impulse control can lead to an abundance of stress and difficulty in relationships.
The signs of this disorder typically manifest at various times throughout the day and range from mild to severe. The ability to be easily distracted, daydreaming and forgetfulness are a few symptoms. They also include the tendency to lose items like keys or homework, and having difficulty keeping track of tasks. They also struggle to stay still and may disrupt or take over games or other activities.
It is important to assess the results of each drug carefully when you have mixed presentation. Adults with this type of presentation who have been taking medications since they were teens should have a look at their treatment every six months, and particularly after any lifestyle changes that may affect the amount of medication needed.
It is important to know that ADD and ADHD are not influenced by race gender, ethnicity, gender or age. However, it does appear to be more prevalent in those who were assigned male at birth. extreme ADHD symptoms adults is typically identified when adults exhibit several of the typical symptoms in several areas of their lives, but can't explain them satisfactorily.
There are a variety of ways 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 increase concentration by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. There are also non-stimulants available, and these can be an ideal choice for those who don't want to take stimulants or need them at a lower dose.
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 trouble finishing tasks as well as impulsivity and hyperactivity. can show up as fidgeting, restlessness and squirming. They may also be able to blurt out answers without waiting for a complete question. They are unable to stay in line or follow instructions. This can result in frustration and behavior that is contrary to the rules.
Adults who have a mix of ADHD symptoms also have difficulties recognizing social boundaries within their environment, leading them to intrude on conversations or activities without thinking about how others feel about it. They are more likely to have a hard time with organizational strategies and tend to get overwhelmed by complicated projects. severe ADHD symptoms in adults suffering from this ADHD also have a history of depression or mood disorders.
A clear diagnosis is crucial for determining the best treatment plan. Many people suffering from ADHD are hesitant to seek help. However the diagnosis can empower them and give 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. The symptoms must be present prior to age 12 and persist for at least six months to qualify as an ADHD diagnosis. In addition the symptoms must be severe enough to hinder the performance of a child at work, school or home.
Experts do not fully understand why ADHD is a common occurrence. However, they are aware that it is genetic and certain genes increase the likelihood of becoming affected. They also know that brain structure and brain chemistry play a role in the development of ADHD, 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 can be more effective than medication.