Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Attention deficit disorder in adults can be difficult to recognize and treat. A therapist can help by examining symptoms and their reasons, and educating patients on how to create structure and change their behavior, and offering medication when necessary.
People suffering from ADD/ADHD have issues with inattention, hyperactivity, and the tendency to be impulsive. Symptoms include forgetfulness and difficulty in waiting for their turn, or difficulty in focusing on tasks or games.
Inattention Type Symptoms
This subtype of ADHD is distinguished by a high degree of distraction and a difficulty in paying attention to tiny details. Adults who have inattention ADHD frequently find it difficult to finish tasks or complete projects that require sustained mental effort, like writing, reading and completing homework. They may have difficulty remembering 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.
Inattentive ADHD symptoms include fidgeting, difficulty being quiet or engaging in leisure activities, issues waiting for their turn, and blurting answers before the questions are completed. They are also often late to meetings or classes and struggle to stay organized. Inattention ADHD sufferers often have a hard time staying focused at work or school. They don't like 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 there are any mental health or medical conditions which could cause similar symptoms. Then, they will use their behavioral history to determine if a person has ADD. This can involve talking to the person's family members, teachers and colleagues, and asking them to observe their behavior in different situations. The health care provider might also inquire about the individual's mood and recent medical history.
Most commonly, psychostimulants are used to increase alertness and streamline 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 also sometimes prescribed for people with inattention ADHD to improve their mood and 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 condition can make it difficult for people to focus on their studies or work tasks, and may result in a number of mistakes made by careless people. They also have trouble following instructions or completing complicated tasks. They also struggle to stay on task while playing games or engaging in leisure activities. They can be disruptive and interrupt others during games, conversations or other activities. They might play with their hands or feet or squirm in their seats, or pace while they're 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 may have difficulty controlling themselves and be constantly moving, unable even to slow down or stop, even during events such as fairs or a theme parks. They may have trouble organizing tasks, working on projects over a long period of time, or focusing on structured activities or homework.
They have a low sense of responsibility and often have a difficult time forming and maintaining friendships. They may also have difficulties regulating their emotions which can result in mood swings or severe depression. They may also have trouble managing their time and finances which could make it easier for them to fall victim to scams in the financial industry.
Many people who suffer from ADHD are not diagnosed until adulthood, when their symptoms become more obvious. Teachers or other adults may have missed their symptoms in the early years of their lives. They may have compensated for their problems in a safe environment and flourished until they had to face the stress of pursuing an occupation or raising a child, which is when their issues became evident. The male-to-female ratio of diagnosed ADHD is significantly higher in childhood, but the ratio becomes more comparable in adulthood.
Certain dietary supplements can reduce irritability for people suffering from ADHD. These include GABA as well as taurine. GABA fish oil and Brain Vitale. They can also benefit from techniques for managing stress that include regular exercise and deep breathing. They should discuss all treatments with their doctor including non-stimulants and stimulants like atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) and antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin).
Mixed Type Signs and symptoms
People with combined type ADHD exhibit symptoms of both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive presentations. They have trouble staying focused on tasks that require mental effort for a long time or causing things to stick in their mind for example, schoolwork homework, chores or work. They are prone to making careless mistakes in school, at work, and in personal life. The issues with attention and impulse control can lead to lots of stress and difficulty in relationships.
The symptoms of this condition can vary in severity and manifest at various stages of life. what is ADHD symptoms in adults may include daydreaming and becoming easily distracted by their own thoughts, which may lead to forgetfulness; a tendency to lose things like homework or keys and difficulty focusing on tasks. They may also have a difficult time being still, and can interfere with the activities of leisure or games.
Someone with a mixed presentation of ADHD might find that certain medication helps while others don't, so it's best to try one a time and evaluate the outcomes carefully. Adults who have experienced this condition since they were teenagers should have their treatment reviewed every six months, especially in the event of any changes in their lifestyle that could alter the dosage of medication needed.
It is important to know that ADD and ADHD do not affect race or gender, ethnicity, or age. However, it does appear to affect more people who were assigned male at birth. Adults who exhibit various symptoms that are not explained are typically diagnosed.
There are many ways to manage ADD in adults, which include medications, lifestyle changes, and behavior therapy. 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 boost concentration by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. There are also non-stimulants available, and these can be an ideal choice for those who do not want to take stimulants or require a lower dose.
The symptoms of Combined Type
For people with combined type ADHD, the symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity appear together. Inattention symptoms include forgetfulness, difficulty finishing tasks, or having trouble being still. Hyperactivity and impulsivity may manifest as restlessness, fidgeting, or squirming. They often have a difficult time to stay in line or to follow instructions, leading to frustration and a tendency to break the rules.
Adults with a mix of ADHD symptoms also have difficulty recognizing social boundaries in a situation and can be seen to intrude on conversations or activities without considering how others might feel about it. They tend to have difficulty in organising their strategies and become overwhelmed by complex projects. In a lot of cases, people who exhibit this ADHD appearance may also be suffering from depression or other mood disorders.
A clear diagnosis is crucial for determining the best treatment plan. Many adults with ADHD are hesitant to seek help. However, a diagnosis can empower them and provide 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 have been present before the age of 12 and persist for a minimum of six months to qualify as ADHD. The symptoms must be severe enough to negatively impact a person's performance in the workplace, at school or at home.
Experts aren't sure the reasons ADHD occurs however they know that it can be genetic and that certain genes increase a person's risk of developing the condition. They also recognize that brain chemistry and variations in the structure of the brain are a factor, and that some people suffer from the disorder without having 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 therapies can be more effective than medication.