Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Attention deficit disorder in adults can be difficult to diagnose and treat. Therapists can assist by analyzing the symptoms and their root causes, and then teaching the patient how to build structure and behavioural changes and offer medication if necessary.
People suffering from ADD/ADHD have issues with inattention, hyperactivity, and an impulsiveness. The symptoms include forgetfulness, difficulty waiting for their turn, or having difficulty in focusing on tasks or games.
Inattention Type Signs
This type of ADHD is distinguished by high distractibility, and a difficulty in paying attention to the smallest details. Adults with inattentive ADHD are unable to complete tasks or projects that require sustained mental effort, such as reading and writing. They may have trouble remembering appointments or paying their bills and are more likely to make careless 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. Their problems can persist into adulthood, affecting their relationships, school performance and career advancement.
Inattention ADHD symptoms include fidgeting, having trouble being quiet or engaging in leisure activities, issues waiting for their turn, and blurting answers when the questions are not finished. They also tend to be late to meetings or classes and have difficulty staying organized. Inattention ADHD sufferers often have difficulty staying focused at work or school. They don't like boring meetings and prefer to chew gum or drink coffee to help them through.
A medical professional will assess the patient for potential mental health issues or medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms. Then, they will analyze their behavior history to determine if they suffer from ADD. You can inquire about the person's behavior under various situations by talking to their parents or teachers as well as their coworkers. The health professional will also inquire about the person's mood as well as recent medical history.
Most commonly, psychostimulants are used to boost alertness and improve brain signals. Adderall, Ritalin, Concerta and methylphenidates like Strattera (atomoxetine), Qelbree and Ritalin are a few examples of these drugs. Antidepressants that affect neurotransmitters within the brain, are also often prescribed to people suffering from inattentive ADHD to help improve their mood and focus. Wellbutrin (bupropion), and Effexor, (venlafaxine) are two examples. 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 makes it difficult for them to concentrate on their work or schoolwork and could lead to unintentional errors. In addition, they typically have trouble following instructions or performing complex tasks. adult male ADHD symptoms have trouble staying focused when playing games or taking part in leisure activities. They often interrupt or intrude on conversations, games or other activities and are eagerly waiting for their turn. They may fiddle or squirm using their hands or feet or squirm or move in their chairs, or pacing while 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 may be unable to control their own behavior and be constantly moving, unable even to slow down or stop, even at events like fairs or theme parks. They may have difficulty with managing tasks, completing projects over a long period of time or applying themselves to scheduled tasks or homework.
They typically have a low sense of personal responsibility and may have difficulty making and keeping friends. They may also have trouble controlling their emotions, which could cause mood swings and depression. They may also have difficulty managing their finances and time, which can make them more prone to financial scams and other fraudulent activities.
Many people suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed until adulthood, when their symptoms become more evident. During childhood, they may have been overlooked by teachers or other adults who were unaware of their symptoms. They may have learned to cope with their symptoms and thrived in a supportive environment until they encountered the pressures of working or having a family when their problems became 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 frequently discover that certain dietary supplements, such as multiple vitamin, NeurOmega fish oil, GABA or taurine, and Brain Vitale or NeuroMemory can reduce anxiety and improve memory. Stress management techniques like deep breathing and regular exercise can be beneficial. They should discuss all treatment options 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 trouble staying focused on tasks that require a lot of mental effort for a long period of time or causing things to stick in their heads for example, schoolwork chores, homework or even work. They also tend to make 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 tension 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 own thoughts, which may lead to forgetfulness; a tendency to lose things like homework or keys and difficulty focusing on their tasks. They also have a difficult time sitting still, and they can disrupt or take over games or other leisure activities.
Someone who has a mixed manifestation of ADHD may find that some medication helps while others don't. Therefore, it's wise to try one at a time and evaluate the results carefully. Adults who have had this type of presentation since they were teens should have their treatment evaluated every six months, particularly in the event of any lifestyle changes that may impact the amount of medication required.
It is important to remember that ADD or ADHD doesn't affect race or ethnicity, nor gender, although it does seem to be more prevalent in those who are assigned male at birth (AMAB). Adults who exhibit a number of symptoms but are unable to explain them are usually diagnosed.
There are a variety of ways to treat and manage ADD for adults, which includes behavior therapy, lifestyle modifications 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 are also available and can be an ideal choice for those who aren't keen on taking stimulants or need them at lower doses.
The 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 having trouble finishing tasks, while hyperactivity and impulsivity may manifest as restlessness, fidgeting, squirming or blurting out answers without waiting for a full question. They are unable to stand in line or follow instructions. This leads to frustration and a tendency to break the rules.
Adults with a combination of ADHD symptoms also have difficulties recognizing social boundaries within their environment and can be seen to intrude into conversations or activities without considering how others might feel about it. They are often struggling with organizing strategies and get overwhelmed by large-scale projects. Many people who suffer from this ADHD also have a previous history of mood disorders or depression.
A proper diagnosis of ADHD is essential to determine the most effective treatment plan. Many adults with ADHD are reluctant to seek help. However the diagnosis can empower them and give them the tools 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 prior age 12 and last for at least six months to qualify as an ADHD diagnosis. In addition the symptoms must be severe enough to hinder a person's performance at school, work or at home.
Experts aren't entirely sure the reasons ADHD occurs however they know that it can be genetic and that certain genes can increase the risk of developing the condition. They also recognize that brain chemistry and variations in the structure of the brain play a part in the development of the disorder, and that some individuals get the disorder without any 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 treatments can be more effective than medication.