Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Attention deficit disorder in adults can be difficult to identify and manage. A therapist can help by examining symptoms and their causes, teaching patients ways to structure their lives and change their behavior and provide medication if necessary.
People with ADD/ADHD may have issues with hyperactivity, inattention, and the tendency to be impulsive. Symptoms include forgetfulness, difficulty waiting for their turn, or difficulties concentrating on games or tasks.
Signs of Inattentive Type
The defining symptoms of this ADHD subtype include high distraction and difficulty paying attention details. Adults with inattention ADHD frequently find it difficult to complete tasks or projects that require sustained mental effort, such as writing, reading and completing homework. They may have difficulty remembering appointments or paying their bills, and are more likely to make careless errors in 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 and affect their relationships, school performance, and even their career development.
Symptoms of inattentive ADHD include frequent fidgeting with hands or feet, having difficulty taking part in leisure activities without interruption and unable to wait for their turn, and answering questions before they are completed. They also struggle to stay organized at home and work and often arrive late for classes or meetings. Inattention ADHD sufferers often have a hard time staying focused at work or school. They don't like boring meetings and often chew gum or drink coffee to get them through.
A medical professional will examine the person for potential mental health issues or medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms. Then, they will analyze their behavior history to determine if they suffer from ADD. You can inquire about the person's behavior under various situations by speaking to their parents or teachers as well as their coworkers. The health professional may also inquire about the individual's mood and their recent medical history.
Most commonly, psychostimulants are used to increase alertness and improve brain signals. These include amphetamines such as Adderall, Ritalin and Concerta and methylphenidates like Strattera (atomoxetine) and Qelbree (viloxazine). Antidepressants, which affect neurotransmitters in the brain, are also often prescribed to people suffering from inattentive ADHD to improve their mood and concentration. Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor, (venlafaxine) are two examples. Non-stimulant medications can also 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 condition can make it difficult for people to focus on their work or school tasks, and may lead to careless mistakes. Additionally, they frequently have trouble following instructions or performing complex tasks. They also have trouble staying focused when playing games or engaging in leisure activities. symptoms of inattentive ADHD in adults interrupt or interfere on conversations, games or other activities and can't wait for their turn. They might fiddle or squirm with their feet or hands, squirm or pace in their chairs, 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 frequently be in a hurry and unable to stop or slow down, even if they're at organized events like fairs and theme parks. They may have difficulties managing tasks, completing long-term tasks or committing to schoolwork or other structured activities.
They usually have a weak sense of their personal responsibility and experience trouble making and keeping friends. They may also have difficulty regulating their emotions, which can lead to mood swings and extreme depression. They may also be having difficulty managing their time and finances, which can make it easier for them to fall prey to scams in the financial industry.
Many people who suffer from 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 weren't aware of their problems. They may have sought to alleviate their problems in a supportive atmosphere and thrived until they were confronted with the pressure of finding a job or raising a child when their problems became apparent. In the early years, the male-to-female* ADHD ratio is higher. However it becomes more equal as they grow older.
People suffering from ADHD frequently find that certain nutritional supplements, such as multiple vitamin, NeurOmega fish oil, GABA or taurine, and Brain Vitale or NeuroMemory can reduce anxiety and improve memory. They may also benefit from techniques for managing stress that include regular exercise and deep breathing. They should discuss all treatment options with their doctor which includes stimulants and non-stimulants such as atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) and antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin).
Signs of Mixed Type
People with combined type ADHD exhibit symptoms of both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive presentations. They have trouble staying focused on tasks that require a lot of mental effort for a long period of time or causing things to stay in their mind for example, schoolwork homework, chores or even work. They also make a lot of mistakes at school, at work as well as in their personal lives. These attention and impulse problems can cause a lot stress and can lead to difficulties in relationships.
The signs of this condition can vary in severity and can manifest at various stages of life. Being easily distracted, daydreaming and forgetfulness are a few symptoms. They also have a tendency to misplace things like homework or keys and a difficulty in working through tasks. They also struggle to sit still and may interfere with or even take over games or other activities.
Someone with a mixed presentation of ADHD may find that some medications are helpful while others don't, so it's recommended to test one at a time and evaluate the outcomes carefully. Adults who have had this presentation since they were teenagers should be re-evaluated every six months, especially if there are any changes in their lifestyle that could alter the dosage of medication required.
It is important to remember that ADD or ADHD does not affect race or ethnicity or gender, though it may be more prevalent in those who are assigned male at birth (AMAB). Adults who show several symptoms that are not explained are typically diagnosed.
There are a variety of ways to treat and manage ADD in adults, including 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 assist in increasing concentration by increasing the supply of dopamine and norepinephrine within the brain. Non-stimulants are also readily available, and these can be an excellent option for adults who aren't keen on taking stimulants or require them at a lower dose.
Signs and symptoms of Combined Type
For people with combined type ADHD, the symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity appear together. Symptoms of inattention may be evident as difficulty sitting still, forgetfulness, or having trouble finishing tasks as well as impulsivity and hyperactivity. can show up as a lack of concentration, fidgeting, squirming or blurting out answers without waiting for the complete question. They may find it difficult to stay in line or follow instructions, leading to frustration and rule-breaking behavior.
Adults who have a combination of ADHD symptoms usually have trouble understanding social boundaries in the context of a particular situation, which can lead them to interrupt conversations or activities. They do this without considering how others may feel. They are more likely to have a difficult working with organizational strategies and tend to be overwhelmed by complicated projects. Many people suffering from this ADHD also have a history of depression or mood disorders.
A proper diagnosis of ADHD is crucial to determining the most effective treatment strategy. Although many adults with ADHD struggle to seek assistance, obtaining the diagnosis can be an inspiring experience that provides them with 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 in order to be considered an ADHD diagnosis. The symptoms must be severe enough to impact the student's performance at the workplace, at school or at home.
Experts aren't entirely sure why ADHD occurs but they are aware that it could be inherited and that certain genes increase the likelihood of developing the condition. They also know that brain structure and brain chemistry play a role in the development of ADHD, and that some people are born with the disorder and have 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 typically more effective than medications.