Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Adults with attention deficit disorder can be difficult to identify and treat. Therapists can assist by examining symptoms and reasons, and educating patients on how to add structure and change their behavior and provide medication if necessary.
People with ADD/ADHD experience difficulties with hyperactivity, inattention and the tendency to be impulsive. The symptoms include forgetfulness, difficulty waiting for their turn, or difficulties concentrating on games or tasks.
Inattentive Type symptoms
This subtype of ADHD is characterized by high distractibility, and difficulty paying attention to small details. Adults with inattention ADHD are unable to complete tasks or projects that require constant mental effort, like writing and reading. They may have difficulty remembering appointments or paying their bills, and are prone making careless errors in 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 problems can persist throughout their adulthood and impact their relationships, school performance and their career progression.
Inattention ADHD symptoms include fumbling, difficulty playing quietly or participating in leisure activities, difficulties waiting for their turn, and blurting out answers when the questions are not finished. They also tend to be late to meetings or classes and are unable to stay organized. Inattention ADHD sufferers often have a hard time staying focused at work or school. They don't like boring meetings and chew gum or drink coffee to get them through.
A health care provider will assess the patient for any possible mental health issues or medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms and then examine their behavior to identify if they have ADD. You can request to observe the person's behavior under various situations by speaking to their parents as well as teachers and colleagues. The health care provider might also ask about the person’s mood and medical history.
Most commonly, psychostimulants are used to boost alertness and improve brain signals. They include amphetamines, such as Adderall, Ritalin and Concerta and methylphenidates like Strattera (atomoxetine) and Qelbree (viloxazine). Antidepressants that affect neurotransmitters in the brain can be prescribed to people suffering from inattention ADHD in order to enhance their mood and improve their concentration. Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor, (venlafaxine) are two examples. Other drugs that aren't stimulants can be used. 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 condition can make it difficult for people to focus on their work or school tasks, and could lead to careless mistakes. They also have difficulty following directions or completing complex tasks. They also have trouble staying on task while playing games or taking part in leisure activities. They frequently interrupt or interfere on conversations, games or other activities and are eagerly waiting for their turn. They might squirm or fiddle with their feet or hands, squirm or pace in their chairs or pacing as 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 struggle with self-control and may frequently be in a hurry and are unable to slow down or slow down, even when they're attending organized events such as fairs or theme parks. They may have difficulty managing tasks, finishing long-term projects or applying themselves to homework or other planned activities.
They often have a poor sense of their personal responsibility and experience difficulty creating and maintaining relationships. They may also have difficulties regulating their emotions which can cause mood swings and depression. ADHD symptoms in adults females may also have trouble managing their time and finances and this can make it easier for them to fall prey to scams in the financial industry.
Many people who suffer from ADHD are not diagnosed until adulthood when their symptoms become more evident. During childhood, they may have been missed by teachers or other adults who were unaware of their symptoms. They may have learned to compensate for their symptoms and thrived in a nurturing environment until they had to face the stress of working or raising a family, when their problems became more evident. In childhood, the male-to-female* ADHD ratio is higher. However, it becomes more equal in 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 to reduce the irritability and improve memory. They may also benefit from stress management strategies like regular exercise and deep breathing. 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 are unable to focus on long-term mental activities or remembering things, such as schoolwork, homework, chores or work. They tend to make impulsive mistakes in school, at work as well as in their personal lives. These problems with attention and impulse control can lead to a lot of stress and difficulty in relationships.
The symptoms of this condition typically occur at different times in life and range from mild to severe. They may include daydreaming and becoming easily distracted by their own thoughts, which can cause the tendency to lose things, such as homework or keys and having trouble focusing on tasks. They might also have trouble staying still and may disrupt or take over leisure activities or games.
Someone with a mixed presentation of ADHD may find that certain medications help and others don't. It's wise to try one at a time and evaluate the results carefully. Adults who have experienced this condition since they were teenagers should have their treatment reviewed every six months, and especially in the event of any lifestyle changes that may impact the amount of medication needed.
It is important to know that ADD and ADHD do not affect race or gender, ethnicity, or age. However, it does appear to affect more people who were deemed male at birth. The diagnosis is usually given when people are suffering from many of the common symptoms across a variety of aspects of their lives but cannot explain them clearly.
There are a variety of ways to treat and manage ADD for adults, which includes 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). These medications improve concentration by increasing levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Non-stimulants are also used by adults who do not wish to take stimulants, or require them in a lower dosage.
Signs and symptoms of Combined Type
For people with combined type ADHD, the symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity appear together. Inattention symptoms may include forgetfulness, difficulties completing tasks or difficulties being still. Hyperactivity and impulsivity can manifest as a lack of concentration, fidgeting or squirming. They often have a difficult time to wait in line or follow instructions, leading to frustration and behavior that is contrary to the rules.
Adults who have a combination of ADHD symptoms often have difficulty understanding social boundaries in an environment which could cause them to interfere with conversations or activities. They do this without considering the feelings of others. They are more likely to have a hard to organize their lives and tend to be overwhelmed by complicated projects. In many cases, those who exhibit this ADHD presentation are also prone to depression or other mood disorders.
A clear diagnosis is crucial for determining the best treatment plan. Many adults with ADHD are reluctant to seek assistance. However the 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. These symptoms must be present before age 12 and persist for at least six months to be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis. The symptoms must be severe enough to impact a person's performance in the workplace, at school or at home.
severe ADHD symptoms in adults do not fully understand why ADHD occurs. However, they know that it is genetic and certain genes increase the risk of a person being diagnosed with the disorder. They also know that brain structure and brain chemistry play a role in the development of ADHD, and that some people get the disorder on their own, 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 cases, these treatments can be more effective than medications.