Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Attention deficit disorder in adults can be challenging to diagnose and treat. A therapist can help by examining symptoms and their root causes, educating patients on how to structure their lives and change their behavior and offer medication when required.
People with ADD/ADHD may have issues with hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity. Some of the symptoms include forgetfulness, trouble waiting for their turn, and difficulty concentrating on tasks or playing games.
Symptoms of Inattentive Type
The defining symptoms of this ADHD subtype are high distractibility and trouble paying attention to the small details. Adults with inattention ADHD are unable to complete tasks or projects that require sustained mental effort, such as writing and reading. They may have difficulty remembering appointments or paying their bills, and are susceptible to making impulsive 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. As a result, their problems may persist throughout their adult lives and interfere with relationships, school performance, and career advancement.
Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms include fidgeting, difficulty engaging in leisure activities, difficulties waiting for their turn, and blurting answers when the questions are not finished. They also are often late to meetings or classes and are unable to stay organized. Inattention ADHD sufferers often have trouble staying focused at work or school. They dislike boring meetings and often chew gum or drink coffee to help them through.
A health professional will examine a person to determine if there are any mental health or medical conditions which could cause similar symptoms. Then, they'll analyze their behavior in order to determine if the patient is suffering from ADD. This could involve speaking to the person's family, teachers and colleagues, and asking to see their behavior in different settings. The health care provider might also inquire about the individual's mood and their recent medical history.
The most frequently prescribed drugs for inattentive ADHD are psychostimulants which improve the brain's signals and increase alertness. These include amphetamines such as Adderall, Ritalin and Concerta and methylphenidates, such as Strattera (atomoxetine) and Qelbree (viloxazine). Antidepressants that affect neurotransmitters in the brain are often prescribed to people with inattentive ADHD in order to enhance their mood and improve their concentration. They could include Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). Non-stimulant drugs can also 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 symptom makes it difficult to focus on schoolwork or work tasks and may result in careless errors. They also have difficulty following directions or completing complex tasks. They also have trouble staying on track when playing games or in leisure activities with other people. They often interrupt or intrude on conversations or games and are eagerly waiting for their turn. They might fiddle or squirm with their hands or feet, squirm or pace in their seats, 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 struggle with self-control and can often be constantly on the move and are unable to slow down or slow down, even when they're attending organized events like fairs and theme parks. They may have difficulties organizing tasks, completing long-term projects or applying themselves to schoolwork or other structured activities.
They usually have a weak sense of personal responsibility and have trouble making and keeping friends. They may also have trouble controlling their emotions, which could lead them to mood swings and depression. They might also have issues managing their time and finances which could make them more susceptible to financial scams and other fraudulent activities.
Many people with ADHD don't receive a diagnosis until the age of adulthood, when their problems become more obvious. Teachers or other adults may have missed their symptoms in their childhood. They may have learned to manage their symptoms and thrived in a nurturing environment until they had to face the pressures of working or raising a family when their problems were more evident. In the early years, the male-to-female* ADHD ratio is higher. However, it becomes more equal in adulthood.
Certain dietary supplements can reduce the irritability of people suffering from ADHD. These include GABA, taurine, GABA fish oil, and Brain Vitale. They can also benefit from techniques for managing stress, such as regular exercises and deep breathing. They should discuss all treatments with their doctor, including stimulants and non-stimulants such as 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 activities or remembering things, such as homework, schoolwork, chores or work. They are prone to making careless errors at school, work as well as in their personal lives. These problems with attention and control of impulses can cause an abundance of stress and tension in relationships.
The signs of this disorder typically appear at different times in life and can 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 homework or keys and having trouble focusing on their tasks. They may also have a difficult time staying still and may disrupt or take over the activities of leisure or games.
It's important to evaluate the results of each drug carefully if you have a mixed presentation. Adults who have had this type of presentation since the time they were teenagers should have their treatment evaluated every six months, particularly when there are any lifestyle changes that could impact the amount of medication required.
It is important to remember that ADD and ADHD do not impact race or gender, ethnicity, or age. However it is believed that it will be more prevalent in those who were deemed male at birth. Adults who exhibit a number of symptoms and cannot explain them are typically diagnosed.
There are many ways to manage and treat ADD in adults, such as 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 increase concentration by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine 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. The signs of inattention could be apparent as a struggle to sit still, forgetfulness or difficulty finishing tasks as well as impulsivity and hyperactivity. may manifest as restlessness, fidgeting or squirming, or blurting out answers without waiting for a complete question. They have a difficult time learning to stay in line or follow instructions. ADHD symptoms adult female can lead to frustration and behavior that is contrary to the rules.
Adults with a combination of ADHD symptoms often also experience difficulty recognizing social boundaries in a situation, leading them to intrude on conversations or activities without thinking about how others think about it. ADHD symptoms female adults are more likely to have a hard working with organizational strategies and tend to be overwhelmed easily by complex projects. In many cases, people with this ADHD presentation are also prone to depression or other mood disorders.
A correct diagnosis is crucial for determining the best treatment plan. Although many adults with ADHD struggle to seek help, receiving the diagnosis can be an inspiring experience that provides them with the tools they need to manage their symptoms and lead 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. ADHD symptoms female adults must be present prior age 12 and last for at least six months to be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis. In addition the symptoms have to be severe enough to affect a person's performance at school, work or at home.
Experts don't fully understand the reasons ADHD occurs however they are aware that it could be inherited and that certain genes can increase a person's risk of developing the condition. They also recognize that brain chemistry and differences in brain structure can play a role in the development of the disorder, and that some individuals suffer from the disorder without having a 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 treatments are often more effective than medication.