Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Attention deficit disorder in adults can be difficult to diagnose and treat. Therapists can assist by examining symptoms and their reasons, and educating patients on how to structure their lives and make behavioural changes and provide medication if necessary.
People suffering from ADD/ADHD experience issues with hyperactivity, inattention, and an impulsive nature. It is evident by the lack of memory, difficulty waiting for their turn, or having difficulty concentrating on games or tasks.
Signs of Inattentive Type
This type of ADHD is characterized by a high degree of distraction and a lack of focus on small details. Adults with inattention ADHD typically have difficulty to complete tasks or projects that require constant concentration, such as writing, reading and completing homework. They may struggle to remember appointments or paying their bills and are prone making 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. Their issues can continue into adulthood, affecting their relationships, school performance, and their career progression.
The signs of inattention ADHD include frequent fidgeting with hands and feet, difficulties playing or taking part in leisure activities without interruption as well as difficulty waiting for their turn and blurting out answers before questions are completed. They are also often late to classes or meetings and have difficulty staying organized. Those with inattentive ADHD frequently have difficulty staying focused at school or at work, despise boring meetings and have to chew gum or drink coffee to pass the time.
A health professional will examine a person to determine if there are any medical or mental illnesses that may cause similar symptoms. Then, they'll use their behavioral history to determine if the person has ADD. You can request to observe the person's behavior in different situations by speaking to their parents as well as teachers and colleagues. The health care provider may also inquire about the person's mood and recent medical history.
The most commonly prescribed medications for inattention 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 a few examples of these drugs. Antidepressants that alter neurotransmitters inside the brain are often prescribed to those with inattentive ADHD in order to enhance their mood and improve their concentration. Wellbutrin (bupropion), and Effexor, (venlafaxine) are two examples. Non-stimulant medications 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 can make it difficult for people to focus on their studies or work tasks, and may cause mistakes due to negligence. In addition, they typically struggle to follow instructions or completing complicated tasks. They also have difficulty staying focused when playing games or engaging in activities of leisure with others. They frequently interrupt or interfere on other people during conversations, games or other activities and are eagerly waiting for their turn. They may fiddle with their feet or hands, squirm in their seat or jog 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 struggle to control themselves and be constantly on the move and are unable to slow down or stop at fairs or theme parks. They may have difficulty managing tasks, finishing long-term projects or applying themselves to homework or other structured activities.
They have a lack of a sense of responsibility and often have difficulty making and keeping friendships. They may also have trouble controlling their emotions, which could result in mood swings and depression. They may also have difficulty managing their time and finances and can make them more susceptible to financial scams or other fraudulent activities.
Many people who suffer from ADHD don't be diagnosed until the age of the age of adulthood, when their problems become more obvious. Teachers and other adults could have missed their symptoms in childhood. They may have sought to alleviate their problems in a supportive environment and thrived until they were faced with 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 as they grow older.
People with ADHD frequently 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. Stress management techniques such as deep breathing and regular exercise can be beneficial. They must discuss with their physician all options for treatment including 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 tasks that require mental effort for a long period of time or causing things to stick in their minds, such as schoolwork or homework, chores, or work. They tend to make careless mistakes at work, school, and in personal life. These attention and impulse problems can cause stress and lead to problems in relationships.
The signs of this condition are varied in severity and appear at different stages of life. They include daydreaming and being easily distracted from their thoughts, which may lead to the tendency to lose things like homework or keys and having trouble focusing on tasks. They also have a difficult time sitting still, and they can disrupt or take over games or other leisure activities.
Someone with a mixed presentation of ADHD may find that some medication helps while others don't, so it's recommended to test one at an time and then evaluate the outcomes carefully. Adults who have experienced this presentation since the time they were teenagers should have their treatment reviewed every six months, especially if there are any lifestyle changes that may affect the amount of medication required.
It is important to remember that ADD and ADHD do not affect race or gender, ethnicity, or age. However it does appear to affect people who were assigned male at birth. Adults who exhibit various symptoms that are not explained are typically diagnosed.
There are many ways to treat and manage ADD for adults, which includes 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 aid in increasing concentration by increasing the amount of dopamine and norepinephrine within the brain. Non-stimulants can also be utilized by adults who don't want to take stimulants, or require them in a lower dose.
Symptoms of Combined Type
For people with combined type ADHD, the symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity appear together. Inattention symptoms include forgetfulness, difficulties completing tasks, or having trouble sitting still. Hyperactivity and impulsivity can manifest as restlessness, fidgeting or squirming. They are unable to stay in line or follow directions. This leads to frustration and behavior that is contrary to the rules.
Adults who suffer from a combination of ADHD symptoms are often having trouble reading social boundaries in an environment and can cause them to interrupt conversations or activities. They do this without thinking about the feelings of others. They are more likely to have a difficult to organize their lives and are often overwhelmed by complicated projects. Many people who suffer from this ADHD also have a past history of mood disorders or depression.
Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD is essential to determine the most effective treatment strategy. Many people suffering from ADHD are reluctant to seek assistance. However the diagnosis 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. ADHD symptoms in women adults must be present prior the age of 12 and last for at least six months in order to be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis. The symptoms must also be severe enough to impact the performance of a child at school, at work or at home.
Experts don't fully understand why ADHD is a problem however they are aware that it could be hereditary and that certain genes can increase a person's risk of developing the disorder. They also know that 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. These treatments are often more effective than prescription medications.