Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Adults with attention deficit disorder may be difficult to diagnose and treat. A therapist can assist by examining the symptoms and their causes, educating the patient on how to add structure and behavioral changes, and offering medication when needed.
People with ADD/ADHD may have issues with hyperactivity, inattention, and an impulsive nature. Symptoms include forgetfulness and difficulty in waiting for their turn, or difficulty working on tasks or games.
The Signs of Inattention Type
The defining symptoms of this ADHD subtype are high levels of distraction and trouble paying attention to particulars. Adults with inattentive ADHD struggle to complete tasks or projects that require constant mental effort, like writing and reading. They may struggle to remember appointments or paying their bills, and are susceptible to making impulsive mistakes at 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. As a result, the symptoms of inattentive ADHD can last throughout their adult lives, and may cause issues with relationships, school performance, and career advancement.
Symptoms of inattentive ADHD include the habit of fidgeting with your hands or feet, difficulties playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly as well as difficulty waiting for their turn and blurting out answers before questions are finished. They are also often late to classes or meetings and struggle to stay organized. Those with inattentive ADHD often have trouble staying focused during work or school, despise boring meetings and need to chew gum or sip coffee to get through them.
A medical professional will examine the person for possible mental health or medical conditions that may cause similar symptoms and then use their behavioral history to identify if they have ADD. You can ask to see the person's behavior in various situations by talking to their family as well as teachers and colleagues. The health care provider might also inquire about the person's mood and their recent medical history.
ADHD symptom test for adults prescribed medications for inattentive ADHD are psychostimulants that improve the brain's signals and improve alertness. These include amphetamines such as Adderall, Ritalin and Concerta and methylphenidates like Strattera (atomoxetine) and Qelbree (viloxazine). Antidepressants that affect neurotransmitters in the brain, are also sometimes prescribed for people with inattention ADHD to improve their mood and concentration. They can include Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). 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 to focus on their work or schoolwork and may result in careless mistakes. They also have difficulty following directions or completing complex tasks. They also struggle to stay focused when playing games or participating in leisure activities. They often interrupt or intrude on others during conversations or games and are eagerly waiting for their turn. They might fiddle with their feet or hands or even squirm 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 may have difficulty controlling their own behavior and be constantly moving and unable to slow down or stop, even at events like fairs or theme parks. They may have difficulty managing tasks, completing long-term projects or applying themselves to homework or other planned activities.
They have a lack of a sense of accountability and often struggle to form and maintain friendships. They may also have difficulty managing their emotions, which can cause mood swings and depression. They may also have difficulty managing their time and finances which could make them more prone to financial scams or other frauds.
Many people suffering from ADHD do not get a diagnosis until they reach adulthood, when their issues become more obvious. Teachers and other adults could have missed their symptoms during childhood. They may have compensated for their problems in a supportive atmosphere and thrived until they were faced with the stress of pursuing a job or raising a child, when their issues became apparent. The male-to-female* ratio of diagnosed ADHD is much higher in childhood, however the proportions become more similar as they reach adulthood.
symptoms of inattentive ADHD in adults can reduce the irritability of people suffering from ADHD. These include GABA and taurine, GABA fish oil, and Brain Vitale. They may also benefit from stress management strategies, such as regular exercise and deep breathing. They should discuss all treatments with their health care provider, including stimulants and non-stimulants like atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) and antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin).
Symptoms 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 like schoolwork, homework, chores or work. They also make mistakes in school, at work as well as in their personal lives. The issues with attention and impulse control can result in a lot of stress and trouble in relationships.
The signs of this disorder typically manifest at various times in the course of life and range from mild to severe. They can be characterized by daydreaming and being easily distracted from their thoughts, which can lead to forgetfulness; a tendency to lose things, like keys or homework and difficulty focusing on tasks. They may also have a difficult time staying still and may interfere with the activities of leisure or games.
It is crucial to analyze the results of each medication carefully when you have mixed presentation. Adults who have experienced this type of presentation since they were teens should be re-evaluated every six months, especially if there are any lifestyle changes that could alter the dosage of medication required.
It is important to keep in mind that ADD or ADHD doesn't affect race, ethnicity, or gender, though it is believed to be more prevalent in those who are assigned male at birth (AMAB). The diagnosis is usually given when people are suffering from several 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, including lifestyle modification, behavior therapy and medications. 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 amount of dopamine and norepinephrine within the brain. Non-stimulants can also be used by adults who do not want to use stimulants, or who only require them in a lower dose.
Symptoms of Combined Type
For people with combined type ADHD, the symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity appear together. Inattention symptoms include forgetfulness, difficulty finishing tasks or difficulties staying still. Impulsivity and hyperactivity can manifest as restlessness, fidgeting or squirming. They may find it difficult to stay in line or follow instructions, leading to frustration and rule-breaking behavior.
Adults with a combination ADHD symptoms often have difficulty understanding the social boundaries of the context of a particular situation and can cause them to interfere with conversations or activities. They do this without thinking about the feelings of others. They often have trouble in organising their strategies and become overwhelmed by the complexity of projects. Many people who suffer from this ADHD also have a past history of mood disorders or depression.
A clear diagnosis is crucial for determining the best treatment plan. Many people suffering from ADHD are hesitant to seek assistance. However the diagnosis can empower them and provide 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 age 12 and persist for at least six months in order to be considered an ADHD diagnosis. The symptoms must also be severe enough to affect the student's performance at school, at work or at home.
Experts don't fully understand the reasons ADHD occurs but they know that it can be hereditary and that certain genes increase the risk of developing the disorder. They also are aware that brain chemistry as well as variations in the structure of the brain can play a role and that some people have the disorder despite not 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. In many instances, these treatments can be more effective than medications.