Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Adults with attention deficit disorder may be difficult to identify and treat. Therapists can assist by examining symptoms and root causes, educating patients on how to create structure and alter their behaviour and offer medication when needed.
People suffering from ADD/ADHD have issues with hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity. Some of the symptoms include forgetfulness, trouble waiting for their turn and difficulties concentrating on tasks or playing games.
Signs of Inattentive Type
The most obvious signs of this ADHD subtype include high distraction and trouble paying attention to the small details. Adults with inattention ADHD often find it hard to finish tasks or complete tasks that require a sustained mental effort, such as writing, reading or doing homework. They may struggle to remember 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. Their issues can continue throughout their adulthood and impact their relationships, school performance and even their career development.
Inattention ADHD symptoms include fidgeting, having trouble engaging in leisure activities, difficulties waiting for their turn, and blurting out answers when the questions are not finished. They also have difficulty staying organized at home and at work and are often late for classes or meetings. Inattentive ADHD sufferers often have difficulty staying focused at school or at work. They don't like boring meetings and prefer to chew gum or drink coffee to get them through.
A health professional will assess a person to determine if there are any mental health or medical conditions that could trigger similar symptoms. Then, they will examine their behavior history in order to determine if the person has ADD. This may involve speaking with the person's family, colleagues and teachers and asking them to observe their behavior in different settings. The health care provider might also ask about the person’s mood and recent medical history.
Most often, psychostimulants are used to boost alertness and streamline brain signals. These include amphetamines like Adderall, Ritalin and Concerta and methylphenidates such as Strattera (atomoxetine) and Qelbree (viloxazine). Antidepressants that alter neurotransmitters inside the brain can be prescribed to 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 their work or schoolwork and can lead to careless mistakes. They also have difficulty following instructions or completing difficult tasks. They also have trouble staying focused while playing games or participating in leisure activities. They often interrupt or interfere on conversations, games or other activities and can't wait for their turn. They might fiddle with their feet or hands, squirm in their seat or walk around 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 struggle with self-control, and often be constantly on the move and unable to stop or slow down, even if they're attending organized events like fairs or theme parks. They may have trouble with managing tasks, finishing long-term projects, or committing themselves to schoolwork or other structured activities.
They usually have a weak sense of personal responsibility and may have trouble creating and maintaining relationships. They may also have difficulty controlling their emotions, which could cause mood swings and severe depression. They may also have difficulty managing their finances and time and this can make it easier for them to fall victim to financial scams.
Many people who suffer from ADHD are not diagnosed until adulthood, when their symptoms become more apparent. During childhood, they may have been missed by teachers or other adults who were unaware of their issues. They may have compensated for their problems in a supportive atmosphere and thrived until they had to face the pressure of finding a job or raising a child, which is when their issues became evident. In the beginning, the male-to female* ADHD ratio is higher. However, it becomes more equal when they reach adulthood.
People with ADHD often find that certain dietary supplements, such as multiple vitamin, NeurOmega fish oil, GABA or taurine and Brain Vitale or NeuroMemory, can help reduce irritability and improve memory. Techniques for managing stress, such as deep breathing and regular exercise can be beneficial. They should discuss all treatments with their doctor which includes stimulants and non-stimulants like atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) and antidepressants, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin).
Mixed Type Symptoms
People with combined type ADHD exhibit symptoms of both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive presentations. They are unable to focus on tasks that require a lot of mental effort for a long period of time or making things stick in their heads like schoolwork, homework, chores or even work. They also tend to make careless mistakes at school, in the workplace, and in their personal lives. The issues with attention and impulse control can lead to a lot of stress and difficulty in relationships.
The symptoms of this condition typically appear at different times in life and range from mild to severe. 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 working through tasks. They also struggle to stay still, and they may interfere with or even take over games or other leisure activities.
Someone who has a mixed manifestation of ADHD may find that some medications help and others don't. Therefore, it's wise to try one at each time and analyze the outcomes carefully. Adults with this type of presentation who have been taking medication since they were teens should have a look at their treatment every six months, and in particular 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 do not affect race gender, ethnicity, gender or age. However, it does appear to affect more people who were categorized as male at birth. The diagnosis is usually identified when adults exhibit several of the typical symptoms across a variety of areas of their lives and are unable to explain them in a satisfactory manner.
There are many ways to manage ADD among adults, including 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 aid in increasing concentration by increasing the availability of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Non-stimulants are also used by adults who don't want to take stimulants, or only require them in a lower 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 completing tasks or having difficulty being still. Impulsivity and hyperactivity can manifest as restlessness, fidgeting, or squirming. They find it hard to wait in lines or follow directions. This can lead to frustration and a tendency to break the rules.
Adults who have a mix of ADHD symptoms often also experience difficulties reading situational social boundaries which can lead them to encroach into conversations or activities without considering how others might feel about it. They are more likely to have a hard to organize their lives and tend to be overwhelmed by complicated projects. In many cases, people with this ADHD display also have a history of depression or other mood disorders.
A correct diagnosis is crucial to determine the most effective treatment plan. While many adults who have ADHD struggle to reach out for assistance, getting a diagnosis can be an positive experience that provides them with the tools needed to manage their symptoms and lead a productive, fulfilling 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 prior to 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 negatively impact a person's performance in school, at work or at home.
Experts aren't sure the reason ADHD occurs. However, inattentive ADHD in adults symptoms do know that it is genetic and certain genes increase the risk of someone being diagnosed with the disorder. They also are aware that brain chemistry as well as differences in brain structure are a factor, and that some people 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 prescription medications.