Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Adults with attention deficit disorder can be difficult to diagnose and treat. Therapists can help by analyzing the signs and causes, educating the patient on how to build structure and behavioural changes, and offering medication if needed.
People with ADD/ADHD have problems with hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity. Some of the symptoms include forgetfulness, trouble waiting for their turn, and trouble concentrating on work or playing games.
Signs of Inattentive Type
The defining symptoms of this ADHD subtype are high levels of distraction and difficulty paying attention to particulars. Adults who have inattention ADHD typically have difficulty to finish tasks or complete projects that require sustained mental effort, like writing, reading or doing homework. They may have difficulty remembering appointments or paying bills and are more prone to making naive mistakes at work or in their 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. This means that their problems may persist throughout their adult lives, and may cause issues with relationships as well as 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 and unable to wait for their turn, and blurting out answers before questions are answered. They also have trouble staying well-organized at home and at work and are often late for classes or meetings. Inattentive ADHD sufferers often have trouble staying focused at work or school. They don't like boring meetings and chew gum or drink coffee to help them through.
A health care provider will examine the person for any possible mental health issues or medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms. Then, they will examine their behavior to determine if they suffer from ADD. You can inquire about the person's behavior in different situations by speaking to their family, teachers, and co-workers. The health professional may also inquire about the person's mood and recent medical history.
The most frequently prescribed drugs for inattentive ADHD are psychostimulants that improve the brain's signals and boost alertness. Adderall, Ritalin, Concerta and methylphenidates such as Strattera (atomoxetine), Qelbree and Ritalin are all examples of these drugs. Antidepressants, which affect neurotransmitters in the brain, are sometimes prescribed for people with inattentive ADHD to help improve their mood and focus. Wellbutrin (bupropion), and Effexor, (venlafaxine) are two examples. 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 is a problem for them to concentrate on schoolwork or work tasks and may result in careless mistakes. They also have trouble following instructions or completing difficult tasks. They also struggle to stay focused while playing games or taking part in leisure activities. They are often disruptive and disrupt other people during games, conversations or other activities. They might fiddle or squirm with their hands or feet, squirm or pace 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 be unable to control their own behavior and be constantly moving and are unable to slow down or stop at events like fairs or theme parks. They may have trouble managing tasks, completing projects over a long period of time, or working on scheduled tasks or homework.
They typically have a low sense of personal responsibility and have trouble making and keeping friends. They may also have trouble regulating their emotions which can result in mood swings or severe depression. They may also have trouble managing their finances and time which could make it easier for them to fall prey to scams in the financial industry.
Many people suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed until adulthood, when their symptoms become more evident. During childhood, they may have been overlooked by teachers or other adults who weren't aware of their problems. They may have adapted to cope with their symptoms and thrived in a supportive environment until they had to face the stress of working or having a family which is when their issues were more evident. The ratio of males to females in diagnosed ADHD is higher in the early years, but the rate becomes more similar in adulthood.
Certain supplements in the diet can help reduce irritability for people suffering from ADHD. These include GABA and taurine, GABA fish oil, and Brain Vitale. Stress management techniques like deep breathing and regular exercise can be beneficial. They must discuss with their physician all treatments options including stimulants (Strattera) as well as non-stimulants (Viloxazine) (Qelbree), and antidepressants (Wellbutrin).
Symptoms of Mixed Type
People with combined type ADHD exhibit symptoms of both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive presentations. adult male ADHD symptoms are unable to focus on tasks that require mental effort for a long time or causing things to stay in their minds like schoolwork, chores, homework or even work. They tend to make impulsive mistakes at work, school, and in personal life. Attention and impulse control can result in an abundance of stress and tension in relationships.
The signs of this disorder typically manifest at different times in life and can range from mild to severe. They may include daydreaming and becoming easily distracted from their own thoughts, which may lead to forgetfulness; a tendency to lose things like homework or keys and difficulty focusing on their tasks. They may also have difficulty sitting still and interfere with leisure activities or games.
It's important to evaluate the results of each drug carefully if you have a mixed presentation. Adults with this type of presentation who have been taking medications since the age of a teenager should have a look at their treatment every 6 months, and particularly when they make any changes to their lifestyle that may alter the amount of medication needed.
It is important to remember that ADD and ADHD are not influenced by race, gender, ethnicity or age. However it is believed that it will be more prevalent in those who were categorized as male at birth. Adults who present with various symptoms that are not explained are typically diagnosed.
There are several ways to deal with ADD among adults, including medication, 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 assist in increasing concentration by increasing the amount of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. Non-stimulants can also be used by adults who do not wish to take stimulants, or need them in a low dosage.
The symptoms of Combined Type
For people with combined type ADHD, the symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity appear together. Inattention symptoms can include forgetfulness, difficulty finishing tasks or difficulties staying still. Impulsivity and hyperactivity can manifest as restlessness, fidgeting or squirming. They are unable to stay in line or follow directions. This leads to frustration and a tendency to break the rules.
Adults who suffer from a combination of ADHD symptoms usually have trouble reading social boundaries in a given situation and can cause them to interrupt conversations or activities. They do this without thinking about what others might think. They are often struggling with organizing strategies and get overwhelmed by large-scale projects. In many cases, those who exhibit this ADHD appearance may also be suffering from depression or other mood disorders.
Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD is crucial to determining the most effective treatment plan. Many adults suffering from ADHD are reluctant to seek help. However an accurate diagnosis can empower them and provide 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 at least six month to qualify as ADHD. In addition, the symptoms must be severe enough to affect the performance of a child at school, work or at home.
Experts aren't sure the reason ADHD is a common occurrence. However, they know that it is inherited and certain genes increase the chance of someone becoming affected. They also recognize that differences in brain structure and the brain's chemical makeup play a role in the development of the disorder, and that some individuals 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. In many instances, these therapies are more effective than medication.