Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Attention deficit disorder in adults can be challenging to identify and manage. A therapist can help by examining symptoms and their reasons, and educating patients on how to structure their lives and alter their behaviour, and offering medication when required.
People suffering from ADD/ADHD have issues with hyperactivity, inattention and the tendency to be impulsive. It is evident by the lack of memory, difficulty waiting for their turn, or difficulties concentrating on games or tasks.
Inattentive Type Symptoms
This type of ADHD is characterized by a high degree of distraction and a difficulty in paying attention to small details. Adults with inattentive ADHD struggle to complete tasks or projects that require sustained mental effort, such as writing and reading. They may have difficulty remembering appointments or paying their bills and are susceptible to making impulsive mistakes at 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. Their issues can continue into adulthood and affect their relationships, school performance and career advancement.
Inattentive ADHD symptoms include fidgeting, difficulty playing quietly or participating in leisure activities, problems waiting for their turn, and blurting out answers before the questions are finished. They also are often late to classes or meetings and have difficulty staying organized. our source with inattention ADHD frequently have difficulty staying focused during work or school dislike boring meetings and need to chew gum or drink coffee to get through them.
A health professional 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 the person is suffering from ADD. You can inquire about the person's behavior in various situations by speaking to their parents as well as teachers and colleagues. The health professional will also inquire about the person's mood as well as recent medical history.
The most common medications for inattention ADHD are psychostimulants which improve signals sent to the brain and increase alertness. Adderall, Ritalin, Concerta and methylphenidates, such as Strattera (atomoxetine), Qelbree and Ritalin are all examples of these medicines. Antidepressants, which affect neurotransmitters in the brain, are sometimes prescribed for people with inattention ADHD to help improve their mood and concentration. They may include Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). Other drugs 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 is a problem to focus on work or school assignments and could lead to unintentional errors. They also have trouble following instructions or completing complicated tasks. They also have difficulty staying on track when playing games or engaging in activities of leisure with others. They can be disruptive and interrupt others during games, conversations or other activities. They might fiddle or squirm with their feet or hands or squirm in their seats, or pacing while 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 themselves and be constantly on the move and are unable to slow down or stop during events such as fairs or a theme parks. They may have trouble organizing tasks, completing projects over a long time, or focusing on scheduled tasks or homework.
They usually have a weak sense of personal responsibility and may have difficulties making and maintaining friendships. They may also have difficulty controlling their emotions, which could result in mood swings or severe depression. They may also be having difficulty managing their time and finances, which can make it easier for them to fall prey to scams in the financial industry.
Many people who suffer from ADHD are not diagnosed until they reach adulthood, when their symptoms become more obvious. In their early years, they could be overlooked by teachers or other adults who were unaware of their issues. They might have learned to compensate for their symptoms and thrived in a supportive environment until they had to face the stresses of working or raising a family which is when their issues became more apparent. In the beginning, the male-to female* ADHD ratio is higher. However, adult ADHD symptoms becomes more equal as they grow older.
People with ADHD frequently discover that certain dietary supplements, like multiple vitamin, NeurOmega fish oil, GABA or taurine, and Brain Vitale or NeuroMemory, can help reduce anxiety and improve memory. Stress management techniques like deep breathing and regular exercise can be beneficial. They should discuss with their doctor all options for treatment, including stimulants (Strattera) and 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 long-term mental tasks, or recalling important things, like homework, schoolwork, chores or work. They tend to make careless mistakes in school, at work, and in personal life. These attention and impulse problems can cause stress and can lead to difficulties in relationships.
Symptoms of this presentation often appear at different times in life and can range from mild to severe. Daydreaming, being easily distracted and forgetfulness are a few symptoms. They also have the tendency to lose things like homework or keys, and having difficulty following through with tasks. They may also have a difficult time being still, and can disrupt or take over their leisure activities or games.
Someone with a mixed presentation of ADHD might find that certain medication helps while others don't. Therefore, it's best to try one each time and analyze the outcomes carefully. Adults with this type of presentation who have been taking medication since the time they were teenagers should have a look at their treatment every 6 months, and particularly after any changes in lifestyle that may affect the amount of medication required.
It is important to remember that ADD and ADHD do not impact race gender, ethnicity, gender or age. However it is believed that it will be more prevalent in those who were assigned male at birth. The diagnosis is usually given when people are suffering from many of the common symptoms in several areas of their lives, but can't explain them satisfactorily.
There are a variety of ways to manage and treat ADD in adults, including behavior therapy, lifestyle modifications, and medication. 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 help to increase concentration by increasing the amount of dopamine and norepinephrine within the brain. There are also non-stimulants available and can be an ideal choice for those who aren't keen on taking stimulants or require them at lower doses.
Symptoms of Combined Type
For people with combined type ADHD, the symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity appear together. The signs of inattention could be evident as difficulty sitting still, forgetfulness or trouble finishing tasks, while hyperactivity and impulsivity can show up as a lack of concentration, fidgeting or squirming, or blurting out answers without waiting for a full question. They have a difficult time learning to stay in line or follow instructions. This can lead to frustration and a tendency to break the rules.
Adults who have a mix of ADHD symptoms also have difficulties recognizing social boundaries within their environment and can be seen to intrude on activities or conversations without thinking about how others be feeling about it. They are more likely to have a hard to organize their lives and tend to get overwhelmed by complicated projects. Many people with this ADHD also have a history of depression or mood disorders.
Making sure you have a clear diagnosis of ADHD is essential to determine the most effective treatment plan. Many adults suffering from ADHD are reluctant to seek help. However, ADHD symptoms adults can empower them and give them the tools needed 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 before the age of 12 and continue for a minimum of six months to qualify as ADHD. The symptoms must also be severe enough to affect the student's performance at school, at work or at home.
Experts do not fully understand why ADHD occurs. However, they know that it is hereditary and certain genes increase the chance of someone being diagnosed with the disorder. 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. These therapies are usually more effective than medication.