Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Adults suffering from attention deficit disorder may be difficult to identify and treat. Therapists can assist by examining the symptoms and their causes, teaching the patient how to build structure and behavioural changes, and offering medication if needed.
People with ADD/ADHD have problems with hyperactivity, inattention, and the tendency to be impulsive. It is evident by the lack of memory and difficulty waiting for their turn, or difficulty concentrating on games or tasks.
Inattentive Type Symptoms
The most obvious signs of this ADHD subtype include high distraction and difficulty paying attention to particulars. Adults who are inattentive ADHD are unable to complete tasks or projects that require sustained mental efforts, such as writing and reading. They may have difficulty remembering appointments or paying bills and are more likely to make impulsive mistakes in their daily or personal 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. In the end, their problems may persist throughout their adult lives and cause problems with relationships, school performance, and career advancement.
Symptoms of inattentive ADHD include frequent fidgeting with hands or feet, having difficulty playing or taking part in leisure activities without interruption as well as difficulty waiting for their turn, and answering questions before they are answered. They are also often late to meetings or classes and struggle to stay organized. Those with inattentive ADHD are often unable to stay focused during work or school are bored at meetings and require chewing gum or drink coffee to make it through them.
A health care provider will examine a person to determine if they have any mental health or medical illnesses that may cause similar symptoms. Then, they'll examine their behavior history in order to determine if a person is suffering from ADD. This may involve speaking with the person's family members, teachers and colleagues, and asking about their behavior in various settings. The health care provider may also ask about the person’s mood and recent medical history.
The most commonly prescribed medications for inattentive ADHD are psychostimulants which improve signals sent to the brain and increase alertness. These include amphetamines such as Adderall, Ritalin and Concerta and methylphenidates, such as Strattera (atomoxetine) and Qelbree (viloxazine). Antidepressants that affect neurotransmitters within the brain are sometimes prescribed to people suffering from inattention ADHD to help enhance their mood and improve their concentration. They can include Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). Other medications that aren't stimulants are also available. 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 concentrate on their work or school tasks, and can result in a number of mistakes made by careless people. In addition, they typically struggle to follow instructions or performing complex tasks. They also struggle to stay on task when playing games or engaging in leisure activities with others. They are often disruptive and interrupt other players during games, discussions or other activities. They might fiddle or squirm with their hands or feet or squirm or move in their chairs or pacing as they talk or listen.
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 their own behavior and be constantly on the move and unable to slow down or stop during events such as fairs or a theme park. They may have difficulty with organizing tasks, completing projects over a long time, or focusing on routine tasks or assignments.
They usually have a weak sense of personal responsibility and have difficulties making and maintaining friendships. They may also have trouble controlling their emotions, which could lead them to mood swings or severe depression. They may also have difficulty managing their finances and time which could make them more vulnerable to financial scams and other fraudulent activities.
Many people who suffer from ADHD do not get a diagnosis until they reach adulthood, when their issues become more obvious. In their early years, they could have been missed by teachers or other adults who weren't aware of their problems. They could have reacted to their symptoms in a safe environment and flourished until they were confronted with the stress of pursuing a job or raising a child, when their problems became apparent. In the beginning, the male-to female* ADHD ratio is higher. However, it becomes more equal as they grow older.
ADHD symptoms in adults males with ADHD frequently find that certain dietary supplements, like multiple vitamin, NeurOmega fish oil, GABA or taurine and Brain Vitale or NeuroMemory can reduce irritability and improve memory. They may also benefit from techniques for managing stress that include regular exercise and deep breathing. They should discuss with their doctor all treatments options, including stimulants (Strattera) and non-stimulants (Viloxazine) (Qelbree), and antidepressants (Wellbutrin).
Mixed Type Signs and 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 chores, schoolwork, homework or work. They tend to make impulsive errors at school, work, and in personal life. The issues with attention and impulse control can result in lots of stress and difficulty in relationships.
The symptoms of this condition typically appear at various times in the course of life, and they may vary from mild to severe. They can be characterized by daydreaming and being easily distracted from their own thoughts, which can cause the tendency to 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's important to evaluate the effects of each medication carefully in the event of a mixed presentation. Adults with this presentation who have been taking medication since the time they were teenagers should be able to review their treatment every six months, and particularly after any lifestyle changes that could alter the amount of medication needed.
It is important to keep in mind that ADD or ADHD does not affect race or ethnicity or gender, but it may affect more people who are assigned male at birth (AMAB). The diagnosis is typically made when adults present with many of the common symptoms in various areas of their lives, but can't explain them satisfactorily.
There are many ways to treat and manage 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 increase concentration by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. Non-stimulants can also be used by adults who do not wish to take stimulants, or only need them in a low dose.
Symptoms of Combined Type
For people with combined type ADHD, the symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity appear together. Inattention symptoms can be apparent in the form of difficulty sitting still, forgetfulness or difficulty finishing tasks as well as impulsivity and hyperactivity. can manifest as fidgeting, restlessness or squirming, or blurting out answers without waiting for the complete answer. They are unable to wait in lines or follow directions. This leads to frustration and a tendency to break the rules.
Adults with a combination of ADHD symptoms also often have difficulties recognizing social boundaries within their environment and can be seen to intrude on activities or conversations without considering how others might feel about it. They are more likely to have a difficult to organize their lives and tend to get overwhelmed by large-scale projects. In many cases, those with this ADHD presentation also have a history of depression or other mood disorders.
A proper diagnosis is essential to determine the best treatment plan. Many adults suffering from ADHD are hesitant to seek assistance. 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. These symptoms must be present prior age 12 and persist for at least six months to be considered an ADHD diagnosis. In addition the symptoms must be severe enough to affect the performance of a child at school, work or at home.
Experts aren't entirely sure the reasons ADHD is a problem however they do know that it can be hereditary and that certain genes increase a person's risk of developing the disorder. They also know that brain chemistry and differences in brain structure can play a role and that some people 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. In many instances, these treatments are more effective than medications.