Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Attention deficit disorder in adults can be challenging to identify and treat. Therapists can assist by examining symptoms and causes, teaching patients ways to structure their lives and make behavioural changes, and offering medication when necessary.
People with ADD/ADHD have problems with hyperactivity, inattention and an impulsive nature. Some of the symptoms include forgetfulness, difficulty waiting for their turn, and trouble concentrating on work or playing games.
Symptoms of Inattentive Type
This type of ADHD is distinguished by high distractibility, and difficulty paying attention to small details. Adults with inattention ADHD are unable to complete tasks or projects that require sustained mental effort, such as writing and reading. They may have trouble 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. The issues they face can last into adulthood, affecting their relationships, school performance and career advancement.
Inattention ADHD symptoms include fidgeting, difficulty playing quietly or participating in leisure activities, issues waiting for their turn, and blurting out answers before the questions are finished. They are also often late to classes or meetings and are unable to stay organized. People with inattention ADHD frequently have difficulty staying focused at school or work, despise boring meetings and require chewing gum or sip coffee to get through them.
A health care provider will examine the person for possible mental health or medical conditions that may cause similar symptoms and then examine their behavior to determine if they suffer from ADD. You can ask to see the person's behavior in different situations by speaking to their family or teachers as well as their coworkers. The health care provider will also ask about the person's mood and recent medical background.
The most frequently prescribed drugs for inattentive ADHD are psychostimulants that streamline signals sent to the brain and increase alertness. These include amphetamines such as Adderall, Ritalin and Concerta and methylphenidates like Strattera (atomoxetine) and Qelbree (viloxazine). Antidepressants that affect neurotransmitters within 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). Non-stimulant drugs can 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 condition can make it difficult for people to focus on their schoolwork or job tasks, and can cause mistakes due to negligence. In addition, they often struggle to follow instructions or completing complex tasks. They also have trouble staying on task while playing games or taking part in leisure activities. They frequently interrupt or interfere on conversations or games and are eagerly awaiting their turn. They might squirm or fiddle with their hands or feet 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 have trouble with self-control, and often be on the go, unable to stop or slow down, even if they're attending organized events like fairs and theme parks. They may have difficulty with managing tasks, completing projects for a long period of time, or working on structured activities or homework.
adult symptoms of ADHD have a poor sense of personal responsibility and have trouble making and maintaining friendships. They may also have difficulty regulating their emotions, which could result in mood swings and extreme depression. They may also have difficulty managing their time and finances which could make it easier for them to fall victim to scams in the financial industry.
Many people with ADHD are not diagnosed until adulthood when their symptoms become more obvious. In their early years, they could have been missed by teachers or other adults who were unaware of their symptoms. They might have learned to cope with their symptoms and thrived in a supportive environment until they faced the pressures of pursuing a career or raising a family when their problems became more evident. In the beginning, the male-to female* ADHD ratio is higher. However it becomes more equal in adulthood.
People with ADHD often find that certain nutritional supplements, like multiple vitamin, NeurOmega fish oil, GABA or taurine and Brain Vitale or NeuroMemory can help to reduce anxiety and improve memory. They may also benefit from stress management strategies like regular exercise and deep breathing. They should discuss with their doctor all options for treatment that include stimulants (Strattera) as well as non-stimulants (Viloxazine) (Qelbree), and antidepressants (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 long-term mental tasks, or remembering things, such as schoolwork, homework, chores or work. They also make a lot of mistakes at school, in the workplace, and in their personal lives. The issues with attention and control of impulses can cause lots of stress and tension in relationships.
The symptoms of this condition typically manifest at different times in life and can range from mild to severe. The ability to be easily distracted, daydreaming, and forgetfulness are all symptoms. They also include a tendency to misplace items like keys or homework and a difficulty in working through tasks. They might also have trouble sitting still and interfere with leisure activities or games.
Someone with a mixed presentation of ADHD may find that certain medication helps while others don't. adult female ADHD symptoms to try one an time and then evaluate the results carefully. Adults who have had this type of presentation since they were teens should have their treatment evaluated every six months, particularly in the event of any lifestyle changes that may impact the amount of medication required.
It is important to remember that ADD or ADHD does not affect race or ethnicity or gender, though it is believed to be more prevalent in those who are assigned males at birth (AMAB). Adults who show various symptoms and cannot explain them are typically diagnosed.
There are many methods to treat and manage ADD for adults, which includes 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 help to increase concentration by increasing the amount of dopamine and norepinephrine within the brain. Non-stimulants can also be used by adults who do not wish to use stimulants, or who only require them in a small dose.
The symptoms of Combined Type
For people with combined type ADHD, the symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity appear together. Inattention symptoms may include forgetfulness, difficulty finishing tasks, or having trouble staying still. Impulsivity and hyperactivity can manifest as restlessness, fidgeting, or squirming. They have a difficult time learning to wait in lines or follow directions. This leads to frustration and rule-breaking behaviors.
Adults who suffer from a combination of ADHD symptoms usually have trouble understanding the social boundaries of an environment which could cause them to disrupt conversations or activities. They do this without considering how others may feel. They are more likely to have a hard working with organizational strategies and tend to get overwhelmed by large-scale projects. Many people who suffer from this ADHD also have a history of mood disorders or depression.
adult symptoms of ADHD of ADHD is key to identifying the most effective treatment plan. While many people with ADHD struggle to reach out for assistance, getting the diagnosis can be an inspiring experience that provides them with the tools they need 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 prior to the age of 12 and continue for at least six month to qualify as ADHD. The symptoms must be severe enough to affect the student's performance at school, at work or at home.
Experts do not fully understand the reason ADHD occurs. However, they are aware that it is hereditary and certain genes increase the likelihood of someone developing the condition. They also are aware that brain chemistry as well as differences in brain structure 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. These treatments are typically more effective than medication.