Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Adults suffering from attention deficit disorder can be difficult to identify and treat. Therapists can assist by examining symptoms and their causes, teaching patients ways to add structure and alter their behaviour, and offering medication when required.
People with ADD/ADHD experience difficulties with inattention, hyperactivity, and the tendency to be impulsive. It is evident by the lack of memory and difficulty in waiting for their turn, or difficulties in focusing on tasks or games.
Symptoms of Inattentive Type
This type of ADHD is distinguished by high distractibility, and a difficulty in paying attention to the smallest details. Adults who have inattention ADHD typically have difficulty to finish tasks or complete projects that require sustained mental effort, such as writing, reading or doing homework. They may have trouble remembering appointments or paying their bills, and are susceptible to making impulsive errors in the workplace 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. In the end, their issues can persist throughout their adult lives, and may cause issues with relationships, school performance and career advancement.
Inattentive ADHD symptoms include fidgeting, difficulty being quiet or engaging in leisure activities, problems waiting for their turn, and blurting out answers before the questions are completed. They also struggle to stay well-organized at home and at work and often arrive late for classes or meetings. Inattention ADHD sufferers often have trouble staying focused at school or at work. They dislike boring meetings and prefer to chew gum or drink coffee to help them through.
A health professional will evaluate a patient to determine if they have any mental health or medical illnesses that may cause similar symptoms. Then, they will examine their behavior history in order to determine if a person is suffering from ADD. This could involve speaking to the person's family members, teachers and colleagues and asking to see their behavior in different settings. The health care provider might also ask about the person’s mood and their recent medical history.
Most often, psychostimulants are used to increase alertness and streamline brain signals. They include amphetamines, such as Adderall, Ritalin and Concerta and methylphenidates like Strattera (atomoxetine) and Qelbree (viloxazine). Antidepressants that alter neurotransmitters inside the brain are sometimes prescribed to people with inattentive ADHD to help improve their mood and focus. Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor, (venlafaxine) are two examples. Non-stimulant drugs may 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 makes it difficult for them to concentrate on work or school assignments and can lead to careless errors. They also have difficulty following instructions or completing complicated tasks. They also have difficulty staying on task when playing games or in activities of leisure with others. They can be disruptive and interrupt others during games, conversations or other activities. They may fiddle or squirm using their hands or feet or squirm or move 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 may have difficulty controlling their own behavior and be constantly on the move and unable to slow down or stop during events such as fairs or a theme parks. They may have trouble with managing tasks, completing long-term tasks or committing to homework or other structured activities.
They often have a poor sense of personal responsibility and may have difficulties making and maintaining friendships. They may also have difficulty regulating their emotions, which can result in mood swings and extreme depression. They may also have difficulty managing their finances and time which could make it easier for them to fall prey to frauds in the financial sector.
Many people with ADHD don't receive a diagnosis until the age of adulthood, when their problems become more evident. Teachers or other adults might have missed their symptoms during their childhood. They may have sought to alleviate their problems in a supportive atmosphere and thrived until they were faced with the stress of pursuing an occupation or raising a child, when their issues became apparent. The male-to-female* ratio of diagnosed ADHD is significantly higher in the early years, but the ratio becomes more comparable as they reach adulthood.
People suffering from ADHD frequently discover that certain dietary supplements, such as multiple vitamin, NeurOmega fish oil, GABA or taurine and Brain Vitale or NeuroMemory, can help reduce the irritability and improve memory. Stress management techniques like deep breathing and regular exercise can be beneficial. They should discuss with their doctor all treatment options that include stimulants (Strattera) as well as non-stimulants (Viloxazine) (Qelbree), and antidepressants (Wellbutrin).
Signs of Mixed Type
People with combined type ADHD exhibit symptoms of both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive presentations. They have difficulty focusing on long-term mental tasks or remembering things, such as chores, schoolwork, homework or work. They are prone to making careless mistakes at work, school, and in personal life. These issues with attention and impulse can create a lot of stress and lead to relationship difficulties.
The signs of this condition are varied in severity and appear at various stages of life. Daydreaming, being easily distracted and forgetfulness are a few symptoms. They also have the tendency to lose items like keys or homework, and having difficulty working through tasks. They may also have difficulty sitting still and disrupt or take over their leisure activities or games.
A person with a mixed presentation of ADHD may find that certain medications help and others don't. It's recommended to test one at each time and analyze the results carefully. Adults who have this presentation and have been taking medication since they were teens should have a look at their treatment every 6 months, and in particular after any lifestyle changes that might alter the dosage of medication needed.
It is important to remember that ADD or ADHD is not a problem of race or ethnicity or gender, but it does seem to affect more people who are assigned a male at birth (AMAB). The diagnosis is usually given when people are suffering from various of the typical symptoms in several areas of their lives, but cannot explain them clearly.
There are a variety of ways to treat and manage ADD in adults, such as 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). adult male ADHD symptoms increase concentration by increasing levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Non-stimulants can also be used by adults who don't want to take stimulants, or only need them in a low dose.
Symptoms of Combined Type
For people with combined type ADHD, the symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity appear together. Symptoms of inattention may be apparent in the form of difficulty sitting still, forgetfulness or difficulty finishing tasks and impulsivity, hyperactivity may manifest as restlessness, fidgeting and squirming. They may also be able to blurt out answers without waiting for the complete question. They often find it difficult to stand in line or follow instructions, leading to frustration and behavior that is contrary to the rules.
Adults with a combination of ADHD symptoms also have difficulties reading situational social boundaries, leading them to intrude on activities or conversations without thinking about how others be feeling about it. They are often struggling organizing their thoughts and are overwhelmed by large-scale projects. In many cases, people with this ADHD presentation may also be suffering from depression or other mood disorders.
A proper diagnosis of ADHD is key to identifying the most effective treatment plan. While many people with ADHD struggle to reach out for help, receiving an accurate diagnosis can be a empowering experience that gives them 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. These symptoms must be present prior to the age of 12 and continue for a minimum of six months to be considered ADHD. The symptoms must also be severe enough to affect the performance of a child at the workplace, at school or at home.
Experts aren't sure why ADHD occurs. However, they are aware that it is inherited and certain genes increase the risk of being diagnosed with the disorder. They also recognize that brain chemistry and differences in brain structure are a factor in the development of the disorder, and that some individuals suffer from the disorder without having an ancestry 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 medication.