Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Attention deficit disorder in adults can be challenging to diagnose and treat. Therapists can assist by examining symptoms and their causes, teaching patients ways to structure their lives and make behavioural changes and offer medication when required.
People suffering from ADD/ADHD experience issues with hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity. It is evident by the lack of memory and difficulty in waiting for their turn, or having difficulty concentrating on games or tasks.
Inattention Type Signs
The defining symptoms of this ADHD subtype include high distraction and trouble paying attention to the small details. Adults with inattention ADHD often find it hard to complete tasks or projects that require sustained concentration, such as writing, reading and completing homework. They may struggle to remember appointments or paying their bills, and are prone making careless 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. Their issues can continue into adulthood and affect their relationships, school performance, and even their career development.
The signs of inattention ADHD include the habit of fidgeting with your hands or feet, difficulties playing or engaging in leisure activities at a relaxed pace as well as difficulty waiting for their turn, and blurting out answers before questions are completed. They also are often late to classes or meetings and are unable to stay organized. Inattention ADHD sufferers often have a hard time staying focused at school or at work. They don't like boring meetings and chew gum or drink coffee to get them through.
A health care provider will examine the person for possible mental health or medical conditions that may cause similar symptoms. Then, they will examine their behavior to determine if they suffer from ADD. You can inquire about the person's behavior under various situations by talking to their family, teachers, and co-workers. The health care provider might also ask about the person’s mood and recent medical history.
Most commonly, psychostimulants are used to increase alertness and improve brain signals. Adderall, Ritalin, Concerta and methylphenidates such as Strattera (atomoxetine), Qelbree and Ritalin are just a few examples of these medicines. Antidepressants that affect neurotransmitters within the brain are often prescribed to people suffering from inattention ADHD in order to improve their mood and focus. Wellbutrin (bupropion), and Effexor, (venlafaxine) are two examples. Other drugs that are not 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 symptom can make it difficult for people to focus on their schoolwork or job tasks, and could cause mistakes due to negligence. In addition, they often struggle to follow instructions or performing complex tasks. They also have trouble staying focused while playing games or engaging in leisure activities. ADHD symptom test for adults interrupt or interfere on others during conversations, games or other activities and can't wait for their turn. They might fiddle with their feet or hands or even squirm 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 have trouble with self-control and can often be on the go and unable to stop or slow down, even if they're at organized events such as fairs or theme parks. They may have difficulties organizing tasks, completing long-term projects or applying themselves to schoolwork or other structured activities.
They typically have a low sense of their personal responsibility and experience trouble making and maintaining friendships. They may also have difficulty controlling their emotions, which could result in mood swings or depression. They may also have difficulty managing their finances and time and this can make it easier for them to fall victim to scams in the financial industry.
Many people with ADHD are not diagnosed until they reach adulthood, when their symptoms become more evident. Teachers and other adults could have missed their symptoms throughout childhood. They may have compensated for their issues in a supportive atmosphere and flourished until they were confronted with the stress of pursuing an occupation 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 in adulthood.
People with 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 the irritability and improve memory. They may also benefit from techniques for managing stress, such as regular exercise and deep breathing. They should discuss with their doctor all treatments options 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 have trouble staying focused on tasks that require mental effort for a long period of time or causing things to stay in their minds for example, schoolwork chores, homework or even work. They also make a lot of mistakes at school, at work, and in their personal lives. These attention and impulse problems can cause stress and lead to difficulties in relationships.
The signs of this condition can vary in severity and can manifest at different times in life. Being easily distracted, daydreaming, and forgetfulness are all signs. They also have the tendency to lose things like homework or keys and a difficult time following through with tasks. They also struggle to sit still, and they can interfere with or even take over games or other leisure activities.
It's important to evaluate the results of each medication carefully in the event of an unbalanced presentation. Adults who have experienced this presentation since they were teenagers should have their treatment evaluated every six months, particularly in the event of any lifestyle changes that may 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 is believed to be more prevalent in those who are assigned male at birth (AMAB). The diagnosis is typically identified when adults exhibit many of the common symptoms in various areas of their lives, but can't explain them satisfactorily.
There are a variety of ways to manage ADD in adults, which include 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 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 lower doses.
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 staying still. Hyperactivity and impulsivity may 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 with a combination ADHD symptoms are often having trouble reading social boundaries in an environment, which can lead them to disrupt conversations or activities. They do this without thinking about how others may feel. They are more likely to have a hard time with organizational strategies and tend to get overwhelmed by complicated projects. Many people with this ADHD also have a previous history of mood disorders or depression.
Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD is key to identifying the most effective treatment strategy. While many people with ADHD struggle to reach out for assistance, obtaining the 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. These symptoms must be present before the age of 12 and last for at least six months to be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis. The symptoms must be severe enough to impact the performance of a child at the workplace, at school or at home.
Experts aren't entirely sure the reason ADHD occurs. However, they are aware that it is genetic and certain genes increase the likelihood of someone being diagnosed with the disorder. They also recognize that differences in brain structure and brain chemistry play a role 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. These therapies are usually more effective than prescription medications.