Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Attention deficit disorder in adults can be challenging to recognize and manage. A therapist can help by examining symptoms and root causes, educating patients on how to create structure and alter their behaviour and offer medication when necessary.
People with ADD/ADHD experience difficulties with inattention, hyperactivity, and the tendency to be impulsive. The symptoms include forgetfulness and difficulty in waiting for their turn, or difficulties in focusing on tasks or games.
The Signs of Inattention Type
The defining symptoms of this ADHD subtype include high distraction and difficulty paying attention to particulars. Adults who have inattention ADHD frequently find it difficult to complete tasks or projects that require sustained mental effort, like writing, reading and completing homework. They may have difficulty remembering appointments or paying their bills and are more likely to make careless 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. The issues they face can last into adulthood, affecting their relationships, school performance, and even their career development.
Inattentive ADHD symptoms include fidgeting, difficulty playing quietly or participating in leisure activities, problems waiting for their turn, and blurting out answers when the questions are not finished. They also have difficulty staying well-organized at home and at work and often arrive late for classes or meetings. People with inattention ADHD often have trouble staying focused at school or work, despise boring meetings and require chewing gum or drink coffee to get through them.
A medical professional will examine the person for potential mental health issues or medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms. Then, they will examine their behavior to identify if they have ADD. You can request to observe the person's behavior in different situations by talking to their family or teachers as well as their coworkers. The health professional will also ask about the person's mood and recent medical history.
Psychostimulants are used to increase alertness and improve brain signals. Adderall, Ritalin, Concerta and methylphenidates like Strattera (atomoxetine), Qelbree and Ritalin are a few examples of these medicines. Antidepressants that affect neurotransmitters within the brain are often prescribed to those with inattentive ADHD to help improve their mood and concentration. Wellbutrin (bupropion), and Effexor, (venlafaxine) are two examples. 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 symptom makes it difficult for them to concentrate on schoolwork or work tasks and can lead to careless mistakes. Additionally, they frequently struggle to follow instructions or completing complex tasks. They also have trouble staying on task while playing games or participating in leisure activities. They frequently interrupt or interfere on others during conversations, games or other activities and can't wait for their turn. They might squirm or fiddle with their hands or feet or squirm or move in their chairs, or pacing while they listen or talk.
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 are 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 managing tasks, completing projects over a long time or applying themselves to routine tasks or assignments.
They typically have a low sense of personal responsibility and have difficulties creating and maintaining relationships. They may also have difficulty managing their emotions, which could result in mood swings and depression. They may also have trouble managing their time and finances, which can make them more susceptible to financial scams or other fraudulent activities.
Many people with ADHD don't receive a diagnosis until adulthood, when their issues become more evident. Teachers and other adults could have missed their symptoms during the early years of their lives. They may have adapted to manage their symptoms and thrived in a supportive environment until they had to face the pressures of pursuing a career or having a family as their issues became more evident. In the early years, the male-to-female* ADHD ratio is higher. However, it becomes more equal in adulthood.
Certain supplements in the diet can help reduce irritability in people with ADHD. ADHD symptoms in adult women include GABA as well as taurine. GABA fish oil, and Brain Vitale. They can also benefit from stress management strategies, such as regular exercises and deep breathing. They must discuss with their physician all treatment 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 staying focused on tasks that require mental effort for a long period of time or making things stick in their mind, such as schoolwork or chores, homework or even work. They also make careless mistakes at school, in the workplace, and in their personal lives. These attention and impulse problems can create a lot of stress and cause relationship difficulties.
The symptoms of this condition can be varied in severity and appear at different times in life. The ability to be easily distracted, daydreaming and forgetfulness are a few symptoms. They also include the tendency to lose things like keys or homework, and having difficulty keeping track of tasks. They may also have difficulty sitting still and interfere with their leisure activities or games.
It's important to evaluate the results of each drug carefully if you have mixed presentation. Adults who have this presentation and have been taking medication since the age of a teenager should have a look at their treatment every 6 months, and especially after any lifestyle changes that may alter the dosage of medication needed.
It is important to remember that ADD or ADHD does not affect race, ethnicity, or gender, although it is believed to affect more people who are assigned a male at birth (AMAB). Adults who present with a number of symptoms and cannot explain them are typically diagnosed.
There are many methods to treat 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. Non-stimulants are also available and can be an excellent option for adults who aren't keen on taking stimulants or require less of a dose.
Symptoms of Combined Type
For people with combined type ADHD, the symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity appear together. Inattention symptoms can be apparent in the form of difficulty sitting still, forgetfulness or difficulty finishing tasks and impulsivity, hyperactivity can show up as fidgeting, restlessness and squirming. They may also be able to blurt out answers without waiting for a full question. They are unable to stand in line or follow instructions. This can lead to frustration and rule-breaking behaviors.
Adults with a combination ADHD symptoms usually have trouble understanding the social boundaries of an environment, which can lead them to interfere with conversations or activities. They do this without considering what others might think. They are often struggling in organising their strategies and become overwhelmed by complex projects. Many people suffering from this ADHD also have a previous history of mood disorders or depression.
A proper diagnosis of ADHD is essential to determine the most effective treatment strategy. While many adults who have ADHD struggle to seek help, receiving an accurate diagnosis can be a positive experience that provides them with the tools they need 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. These symptoms must be present prior age 12 and last for at least six months in order to be considered an ADHD diagnosis. The symptoms must be severe enough to impact a person's performance in school, at work or at home.
Experts don't fully understand the reasons ADHD occurs but they are aware that it could be inherited and that certain genes increase the risk of developing the condition. They also know that brain structure and the brain's chemical makeup play a role, and that some people get the disorder on their own, with 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 medications.