Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Attention deficit disorder in adults can be challenging to recognize and treat. Therapists can assist by examining the symptoms and their causes, teaching patients ways to add structure and make behavioural changes, and offering medication when needed.
People suffering from ADD/ADHD have issues with hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity. It is evident by the lack of memory and difficulty in waiting for their turn, or difficulty in focusing on tasks or games.
Inattention Type symptoms
The defining symptoms of this ADHD subtype are high distractibility and trouble paying attention to the small details. Adults who are inattentive ADHD struggle to complete tasks or projects that require continuous mental effort, like reading and writing. They may have trouble remembering appointments or paying bills and are prone to making careless mistakes in their work or home life.
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 throughout their adulthood and impact their relationships, school performance and career advancement.
Inattentive ADHD symptoms include fumbling, difficulty being quiet or engaging in leisure activities, problems waiting for their turn, and blurting out answers before the questions are finished. They are also often late to classes or meetings and struggle to stay organized. Inattentive ADHD sufferers often have trouble staying focused at work or school. ADHD symptoms in adult women don't like boring meetings and often chew gum or drink coffee to get them through.
A health care provider will examine the person for possible mental health or medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms. They will 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 them to observe their behavior in different situations. The health professional will also ask about the person's mood as well as recent medical history.
The most common medications for inattentive ADHD are psychostimulants which improve the brain's signals and improve alertness. Adderall, Ritalin, Concerta and methylphenidates such as Strattera (atomoxetine), Qelbree and Ritalin are all examples of these drugs. Antidepressants, which affect neurotransmitters in the brain, are sometimes prescribed to those suffering from inattentive ADHD to help improve their mood and focus. They may 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 condition can make it difficult for people to focus on their schoolwork or job tasks, and may cause mistakes due to negligence. They also have trouble following instructions or completing difficult tasks. They also have trouble staying on track when playing games or in activities of leisure with others. They often disrupt and interrupt others during games, conversations or other activities. They might play with their feet or hands, squirm in their seat or walk around 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 on the go and are unable to slow down or slow down, even if they are at events that are organized such as fairs or theme parks. They may have trouble with managing tasks, finishing long-term tasks or committing to schoolwork or other structured activities.
They have a lack of a sense of responsibility and frequently have difficulty making and keeping friendships. They may also have issues regulating their emotions, which could lead to mood swings and severe depression. They might also have issues managing their finances and time, which can make them more susceptible to financial scams and other frauds.
Many people who suffer from ADHD are not diagnosed until adulthood, when their symptoms become more apparent. Teachers and other adults could have missed their symptoms during the early years of their lives. They may have sought to alleviate their issues in a supportive atmosphere and thrived until they were faced with the pressure of finding an occupation or raising a child, when their issues became apparent. The male-to-female ratio of diagnosed ADHD is higher in childhood, but the rate becomes more similar as they reach adulthood.
Certain dietary supplements can reduce the irritability of people suffering from ADHD. These include GABA as well as taurine. GABA fish oil, and Brain Vitale. They may also benefit from stress management techniques that include regular exercises and deep breathing. They should talk to their doctor about all treatments options, including stimulants (Strattera) as well as 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 are unable to focus on tasks that require a lot of mental effort for a long time or causing things to stay in their heads for example, schoolwork homework, chores or work. They also make mistakes in school, in the workplace as well as in their personal lives. Attention and impulse issues can cause a lot stress and can lead to relationship difficulties.
The symptoms of this disorder are varied in severity and manifest at different times in life. They may include daydreaming and becoming easily distracted by their own thoughts, which can cause an inability to remember things; a tendency lose things, such as homework or keys and difficulty focusing on tasks. They also struggle to sit still, and they may disrupt or take over games or other leisure activities.
Someone with a mixed presentation of ADHD might find that certain medication helps while others don't. It's wise to try one at an time and then evaluate the results carefully. Adults with this type of presentation who have been taking medications since they were teens should get a review of their treatment every six months, and in particular after any changes in lifestyle that might affect the amount of medication required.
It is crucial to remember that ADD or ADHD does not affect race or ethnicity or gender, but it does seem to affect more people who are assigned male at birth (AMAB). The diagnosis is usually made when adults present with many of the common symptoms in various areas of their lives, but cannot explain them clearly.
There are many 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 assist in increasing concentration by increasing the supply of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Non-stimulants are also used by adults who don't want to take stimulants, or require them in a small dose.
Symptoms of Combined Type
For people with combined type ADHD, the symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity appear together. Inattention symptoms may include forgetfulness, difficulties completing tasks, or having trouble sitting still. Impulsivity and hyperactivity can manifest as restlessness, fidgeting, or squirming. They often find it difficult to stay in line or to follow instructions, which can result in frustration and behavior that is contrary to the rules.
Adults with an array of ADHD symptoms also have difficulty recognizing social boundaries in a situation and can be seen to intrude on conversations or activities without thinking about how others be feeling about it. They are more likely to have a difficult time with organizational strategies and tend to be overwhelmed by large-scale projects. Many people with this ADHD also have a previous history of mood disorders or depression.
A proper diagnosis is essential to determine the most effective treatment plan. Although many adults with ADHD struggle to reach out for assistance, getting an accurate diagnosis can be a positive experience that provides them with the tools they need 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. These symptoms must have been present before the age of 12 and persist for at least six months to qualify as ADHD. The symptoms must also be severe enough to affect the performance of a child at the workplace, at school or at home.
Experts aren't entirely sure why ADHD is a problem, but they do know that it can be hereditary and that certain genes can increase the likelihood of developing the disorder. They also recognize that brain chemistry and variations in the structure of the brain can play a role and that some people suffer from the disorder without having a family history.
There are visit this link 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 therapies are usually more effective than prescription medications.