Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Attention deficit disorder in adults can be difficult to identify and manage. Therapists can assist by examining symptoms and reasons, and educating patients on how to add structure and change their behavior and provide medication if needed.
People suffering from ADD/ADHD have issues with hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity. Symptoms include forgetfulness and difficulty in waiting for their turn, or having difficulty in focusing on tasks or games.
Signs of Inattentive Type
This subtype of ADHD is characterized by high distractibility, and difficulty paying attention to small details. Adults with inattentive ADHD often find it hard to complete tasks or tasks that require a sustained mental effort, such as writing, reading and completing homework. They may struggle to remember appointments or paying bills and are prone to making careless 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. Their issues can continue into adulthood and affect their relationships, school performance and their career progression.
The signs of inattention ADHD include frequent fidgeting with hands and feet, difficulty engaging in leisure activities at a relaxed pace, trouble waiting for their turn and answering questions before they are finished. They also are often late to meetings or classes and struggle to stay organized. Inattentive ADHD sufferers often have a hard time staying focused at school or at work. They dislike boring meetings and prefer to chew gum or drink coffee to get them through.
A health professional will evaluate a patient to determine if they have any medical or mental conditions which could cause similar symptoms. Then, they will use their behavioral history in order to determine if the patient is suffering from ADD. This may involve speaking with the person's family members, colleagues and teachers and asking about their behavior in different settings. The health professional may also inquire about the individual's mood and recent medical history.
Most often, psychostimulants are used to boost alertness and improve brain signals. These include amphetamines like Adderall, Ritalin and Concerta and methylphenidates, such as Strattera (atomoxetine) and Qelbree (viloxazine). Antidepressants that affect neurotransmitters within the brain can be prescribed to people with inattentive ADHD to help improve their mood and concentration. 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 can make it difficult for people to focus on their schoolwork or job tasks, and can lead to careless mistakes. In addition, they often struggle to follow instructions or performing complex tasks. They also have trouble staying on task when playing games or engaging in leisure activities with other people. They often interrupt or intrude on others during conversations, games or other activities and are eagerly waiting for their turn. They may fiddle or squirm with their feet or hands, squirm or pace in their chairs, or pacing while they listen or talk.
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 themselves and be constantly moving, unable even to slow down or stop, even at events like fairs or theme park. They may have trouble with organizing tasks, completing long-term projects or applying themselves to homework or other planned activities.
They typically have a low sense of personal responsibility and have trouble making and keeping friends. They may also have difficulties controlling their emotions, which could result in mood swings or depression. They may also have difficulty managing their time and finances which could make it easier for them to fall prey to scams in the financial industry.
Many people with ADHD are not diagnosed until adulthood when their symptoms become more apparent. Teachers or other adults may have missed their symptoms during their childhood. They may have learned to compensate for their symptoms and thrived in a supportive environment until they faced the stress of pursuing a career or having a family which is when their issues were more evident. In childhood, the male-to-female* ADHD ratio is higher. However it becomes more equal as they grow older.
People suffering from ADHD often discover that certain dietary supplements, such as multiple vitamin, NeurOmega fish oil, GABA or taurine, and Brain Vitale or NeuroMemory can help to reduce anxiety and improve memory. Stress management techniques like deep breathing and regular exercise can be beneficial. They should discuss all options for treatment with their health care provider including non-stimulants and stimulants like atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) and antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin).
Mixed Type Signs and symptoms
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 homework, schoolwork, chores or work. They also make careless mistakes at school, at work, and in their personal lives. These attention and impulse problems can cause stress and can lead to difficulties in relationships.
Symptoms of this presentation often occur at different times in life and range from mild to severe. They may include daydreaming and becoming easily distracted from their thoughts, which may lead to forgetfulness; a tendency to lose things, like keys or homework; and difficulties following through on tasks. They might also have trouble being still, and can disrupt or take over the activities of leisure or games.
It is crucial to analyze the results of each medication carefully in the event of mixed presentation. Adults who have experienced this condition since the time they were teenagers should have their treatment evaluated every six months, especially when there are any lifestyle changes that may alter the dosage of medication required.
It is important to remember that ADD and ADHD do not affect race or gender, ethnicity, or age. However, what are the symptoms for ADHD in adults does appear to be more prevalent in those who were categorized as male at birth. Adults who show 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 aid in increasing concentration by increasing the availability of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. Non-stimulants are also readily available, and these can be an ideal choice for those who don't want to take stimulants or require lower doses.
Signs and symptoms of Combined Type
For people with combined type ADHD, the symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity appear together. Inattention symptoms can be apparent in the form of difficulty sitting still, forgetfulness or trouble finishing tasks as well as impulsivity and hyperactivity. can manifest as restlessness, fidgeting or squirming, or blurting out answers without waiting for a complete question. They often have a difficult time to stay in line or follow directions, which can lead to frustration and a tendency to break the rules.
Adults with an array of ADHD symptoms often also experience difficulty recognizing social boundaries in a situation which can lead them to encroach on conversations or activities without considering how others might be feeling about it. They are more likely to have a hard to organize their lives and tend to get overwhelmed by large-scale projects. In many cases, those who exhibit this ADHD presentation may also be suffering from depression or other mood disorders.
Making sure you have a clear diagnosis of ADHD is essential to determine the most effective treatment strategy. Many adults suffering from ADHD are reluctant to seek help. However, a 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. The symptoms must be present before the age of 12 and last for at least six months to be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis. Additionally the symptoms have to be severe enough to hinder a person's performance at work, school or at home.
Experts aren't entirely sure the reasons 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 condition. They also know that brain structure and brain chemistry play a part in the development of the disorder, and that some individuals develop the disorder spontaneously 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.