Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Attention deficit disorder in adults can be difficult to recognize and manage. A therapist can help by examining the symptoms and their root causes, educating patients on how to add structure and make behavioural changes and provide medication if necessary.
People with ADD/ADHD may have issues with hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity. The symptoms could include memory loss, trouble waiting for their turn and difficulty concentrating on tasks or playing games.
The Signs of Inattention Type
This type of ADHD is characterized by high distractibility, and difficulty paying attention to tiny details. Adults with inattention ADHD typically have difficulty to complete tasks or tasks that require a sustained mental effort, such as reading, writing and doing homework. They may struggle to remember appointments or paying bills and are more prone to making naive 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. Their problems can persist into adulthood, affecting their relationships, school performance and their career progression.
Symptoms of inattentive ADHD include frequent fidgeting with hands and feet, difficulties playing or engaging in leisure activities at a relaxed pace and unable to wait for their turn, and answering questions before they are answered. They also struggle to stay organized at home and work and are often late for classes or meetings. Inattentive 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 examine a person to determine if they have any medical or mental conditions which could cause similar symptoms. Then, they'll use their behavioral history to determine if a person has ADD. This can involve talking to the person's family members, colleagues and teachers and asking to see their behavior in various settings. The health professional may also inquire about the individual's mood and medical history.
The most frequently prescribed drugs for inattention 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 a few examples of these drugs. Antidepressants that alter neurotransmitters inside the brain are often prescribed to people with inattentive ADHD to help enhance their mood and improve their concentration. They may include Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). Non-stimulant drugs may also be utilized. 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 makes it difficult to focus on work or school assignments and may result in careless errors. In addition, they typically struggle to follow instructions or completing complicated tasks. They also have difficulty staying on track when playing games or engaging in leisure activities with others. They are often disruptive and interrupt others during games, conversations or other activities. They may fiddle with their feet or hands or squirm in their seats or jog 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 can frequently be in a hurry, unable to stop or slow down, even when they're at organized events like fairs and theme parks. They may have difficulties organizing tasks, completing long-term projects, or committing themselves to homework or other planned activities.
adult male ADHD symptoms have a low sense of responsibility and frequently have difficulty making and keeping friendships. They may also have difficulty managing their emotions, which can result in mood swings and extreme depression. They may also have trouble managing their finances and time and can make them more prone to financial scams or other frauds.
Many people with ADHD are not diagnosed until adulthood when their symptoms become more evident. Teachers or other adults may have missed their symptoms in childhood. They may have compensated for their problems in a supportive atmosphere and thrived until they were confronted with the stress of pursuing a job or raising a child when their problems became apparent. In the early years, the male-to-female* ADHD ratio is higher. However it is more even as they grow older.
People with ADHD often find that certain nutritional supplements, such as multiple vitamin, NeurOmega fish oil, GABA or taurine, and Brain Vitale or NeuroMemory can help to reduce the irritability and improve memory. They may also benefit from stress management strategies, such as regular exercise and deep breathing. They should talk to their doctor about all treatments options, including 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 trouble focusing on long-term mental tasks, or recalling important things, like chores, schoolwork, homework or work. They tend to make impulsive mistakes at work, school, and in personal life. The issues with attention and control of impulses can cause a lot of stress and tension in relationships.
Symptoms of this presentation often occur at various times in the course of life and range from mild to severe. Being easily distracted, daydreaming, and forgetfulness are all signs. They also have a tendency to misplace things like keys or homework and a difficulty in following through with tasks. They may also have difficulty sitting still and disrupt or take over the activities of leisure or games.
Someone who has a mixed manifestation of ADHD may find that some medications help and others don't. Therefore, it's wise to try one at a time and evaluate the outcomes carefully. Adults who have had this type of presentation since the time they were teenagers should have their treatment reviewed every six months, particularly if there are any lifestyle changes that could affect the amount of medication needed.
It is important to remember that ADD or ADHD does not affect race, ethnicity, or gender, though it may be more prevalent in those who are assigned males at birth (AMAB). Adults who present with various symptoms that are not explained are usually diagnosed.
There are many methods 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 dopamine and norepinephrine within the brain. There are also non-stimulants available and can be an excellent option for adults who don't want to take stimulants or require less of a dose.
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 apparent as a struggle to sit still, forgetfulness or difficulty finishing tasks as well as impulsivity and hyperactivity. can show up as restlessness, fidgeting, squirming or blurting out answers without waiting for the complete question. They find it hard to wait in lines or follow directions. This can lead to frustration and behavior that is contrary to the rules.
Adults who suffer from a combination of ADHD symptoms usually have trouble understanding social boundaries in the context of a particular situation and can cause them to interrupt conversations or activities. They do this without thinking about what others might think. They often have trouble with organizing strategies and get overwhelmed by large-scale projects. In many cases, people who exhibit this ADHD presentation are also prone to depression or other mood disorders.
A proper diagnosis of ADHD is essential to determine the most effective treatment plan. While many adults who have ADHD struggle to seek help, receiving the diagnosis can be an positive experience that provides them with the tools needed to manage their symptoms and lead 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 have been present before the age of 12 and continue for at least six month to qualify as ADHD. The symptoms must also be severe enough to affect a person's performance in the workplace, at school or at home.
Experts aren't sure the reason ADHD occurs. However, they know that it is hereditary and certain genes increase the likelihood of someone becoming affected. They also know that brain structure and brain chemistry play a role, 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. These treatments are typically more effective than medications.