Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Adults with attention deficit disorder are difficult to identify and treat. A therapist can help by examining symptoms and reasons, and educating patients on how to create structure and alter their behaviour, and offering medication when required.
People suffering from ADD/ADHD experience issues with hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity. The symptoms include forgetfulness and difficulty waiting for their turn, or having difficulty working on tasks or games.
Symptoms of Inattentive Type
This type of ADHD is characterized by high distractibility, and a lack of focus on small details. Adults with inattentive ADHD have difficulty completing tasks or projects that require sustained mental effort, like writing and reading. They may have difficulty remembering appointments or paying their bills and are more likely to make careless errors in the workplace 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. This means that their problems may persist throughout their adult lives and interfere with relationships, school performance, and career advancement.
The signs of inattention ADHD include frequent fidgeting with hands or feet, difficulty taking part in leisure activities without interruption as well as difficulty waiting for their turn, and answering questions before they are answered. They also struggle to stay organized at home and work and often arrive late for classes or meetings. Inattention ADHD sufferers often have trouble staying focused at school or at work. They are not a fan of boring meetings and often chew gum or drink coffee to help them through.
A health professional will evaluate a patient to determine if they have any mental health or medical conditions which could cause similar symptoms. Then, they'll use their behavioral history in order to determine if a person is suffering from ADD. This may involve speaking with the person's family, teachers and colleagues, and asking to see their behavior in different situations. The health care provider might also inquire about the individual's mood and their recent medical history.
The most frequently prescribed drugs 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 just a few examples of these drugs. Antidepressants that affect neurotransmitters in the brain, are also often prescribed to people suffering from inattention ADHD to improve their mood and concentration. They could include Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). Other drugs 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 makes it difficult to focus on their work or schoolwork and may result in careless mistakes. Additionally, they frequently struggle to follow instructions or completing complex tasks. They also struggle to stay on task while playing games or engaging in leisure activities. They often interrupt or interfere on other people during conversations or games and are eagerly waiting for their turn. They might fiddle with their hands or feet or even squirm 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 may be unable to control themselves and be constantly on the move, unable even to slow down or stop during events such as fairs or a theme parks. They may have difficulty with managing tasks, completing projects for a long period of time or applying themselves to structured activities or homework.
They have a lack of a sense of accountability and often struggle to form and maintain friendships. They may also have trouble controlling their emotions, which could lead them to mood swings or severe depression. They may also have trouble managing their finances and time and can make them more prone to financial scams and other fraudulent activities.
Many people suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed until adulthood when their symptoms become more apparent. Teachers or other adults may have missed their symptoms in childhood. They may have compensated for their problems in a supportive environment and thrived until they had to face the pressure of finding the job of their dreams 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 in adulthood.
People with ADHD typically find that certain nutritional supplements, like multiple vitamin, NeurOmega fish oil, GABA or taurine and Brain Vitale or NeuroMemory can help to reduce irritability and improve memory. Techniques for managing stress, such as deep breathing and regular exercise can be beneficial. They should discuss all options for treatment with their health care provider which includes stimulants and non-stimulants such as Atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) and antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin).
The symptoms of mixed type
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 long periods of time or causing things to stay in their mind for example, schoolwork homework, chores, or work. They tend to make careless mistakes in school, at work, and in personal life. These attention and impulse problems can create a lot of stress and cause difficulties in relationships.
The signs of this condition can be varied in severity and can manifest at various stages of life. Daydreaming, being easily distracted, and forgetfulness are all symptoms. They also include a tendency to misplace items like keys or homework, and having difficulty working through tasks. They also struggle to sit still, and they can disrupt or take over games or other leisure activities.
It's important to evaluate the results of each drug carefully if you have an unbalanced presentation. Adults who have this presentation and have been taking medication since the age of a teenager should be able to review their treatment every 6 months, and especially when they make any changes to their lifestyle that could alter the dosage of medication needed.
It is important to know that ADD and ADHD are not influenced by race or gender, ethnicity, or age. However it is believed that it will be more prevalent in those who were assigned male at birth. The diagnosis is typically made when adults present with various of the typical symptoms in various aspects of their lives but are unable to explain them in a satisfactory manner.
There are many methods to treat and manage ADD in adults, such as 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 help to increase concentration by increasing the amount of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Non-stimulants are also readily available, and these can be an excellent option for adults who do not want to take stimulants or need them at 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 in the form of difficulty sitting still, forgetfulness, or having trouble finishing tasks and impulsivity, hyperactivity can manifest as fidgeting, restlessness and squirming. They may also be able to blurt out answers without waiting for a complete answer. They find it hard to wait in lines or follow directions. This can result in frustration and rule-breaking behaviors.
Adults who have a combination of ADHD symptoms often have difficulty understanding the social boundaries of a given situation, which can lead them to disrupt conversations or activities. They do this without thinking about the feelings of others. They are more likely to have a hard working with organizational strategies and are often overwhelmed by large-scale projects. In many cases, people with this ADHD presentation are also prone to depression or other mood disorders.
Making sure you have a clear diagnosis of ADHD is key to identifying the most effective treatment strategy. While many adults who have ADHD struggle to seek assistance, obtaining the diagnosis can be an empowering experience that gives them the tools they require 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. The symptoms must be present before age 12 and last for at least six months to qualify as an ADHD diagnosis. Additionally ADHD and adults symptoms have to be severe enough to hinder the person's performance at school, work or home.
Experts aren't entirely sure the reasons ADHD occurs however they are aware that it could be genetic and that certain genes can increase a person's risk of developing the disorder. They also know 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 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 cases, these treatments can be more effective than medication.