Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Adults suffering from attention deficit disorder may be difficult to diagnose and treat. Therapists can assist by examining the symptoms and their reasons, and educating patients on how to add structure and make behavioural changes and offer medication when needed.
People suffering from ADD/ADHD may have difficulties with hyperactivity, inattention, and an impulsiveness. Symptoms include forgetfulness, difficulty waiting for their turn, or difficulties working on tasks or games.
Inattentive Type Symptoms
This type of ADHD is characterized by high distractibility, and difficulty paying attention to small details. Adults with inattention ADHD have difficulty completing tasks or projects that require continuous mental efforts, such as reading and writing. They may have trouble 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. The issues they face can last into adulthood, affecting their relationships, school performance and their career progression.
Symptoms of inattentive ADHD include frequent fidgeting with hands and feet, difficulties playing or taking part in leisure activities without interruption, trouble waiting for their turn, and answering questions in a hurry before they are answered. They also struggle to stay organized at home and work, and are often late for classes or meetings. Inattentive ADHD sufferers often have a hard time staying focused at work or school. They dislike boring meetings and chew gum or drink coffee to get them through.
A health professional will assess a person to determine if there are any medical or mental conditions that could trigger similar symptoms. Then, they'll use their behavioral history to determine if the patient has ADD. You can request to observe the person's behavior in different situations by speaking to their family, teachers, and co-workers. The health professional will also ask about the person's mood and recent medical history.
Most often, psychostimulants are used to enhance alertness and streamline brain signals. 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 sometimes prescribed for people with inattention ADHD to improve their mood and concentration. They may include Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). Non-stimulant drugs may 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 makes it difficult for them to concentrate on schoolwork or work tasks and could lead to unintentional mistakes. They also have difficulty following directions or completing complex tasks. They also struggle to stay on task when playing games or in activities of leisure with others. They often interrupt or intrude on other people during conversations or games and are eagerly waiting for their turn. They might play with their hands or feet 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 have trouble with self-control and may often be on the go, unable to stop or slow down, even when they're attending organized events like fairs or theme parks. They may struggle with managing tasks, completing projects over a long period of time, or focusing on scheduled tasks or homework.
They have a lack of a sense of accountability and often have difficulty making and keeping friendships. They may also have trouble regulating their emotions, which could cause mood swings and depression. They may also be having difficulty managing their time and finances and this can make it easier for them to fall prey to financial scams.
Many people who suffer from ADHD don't receive a diagnosis until the age of adulthood, when their problems become more obvious. Teachers or other adults might have missed their symptoms in their childhood. They may have sought to alleviate their issues in a supportive environment and thrived until they had to face the stress of pursuing an occupation or raising a child when their problems became apparent. The male-to-female* ratio of diagnosed ADHD is significantly higher in the early years, but the proportions become more similar as they reach adulthood.
People suffering from ADHD frequently discover that certain dietary supplements, like multiple vitamin, NeurOmega fish oil, GABA or taurine and Brain Vitale or NeuroMemory, can help reduce the irritability and improve memory. They may also benefit from techniques for managing stress like regular exercises and deep breathing. They should discuss all treatments with their physician including non-stimulants and stimulants like atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) and antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin).
Mixed Type 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 like chores, schoolwork, homework or work. They also tend to make mistakes in school, in the workplace as well as in their personal lives. These issues with attention and impulse can cause a lot stress and cause relationship difficulties.
The signs of this condition are varied in severity and appear at different stages of life. They include daydreaming and being easily distracted by their own thoughts, which can cause the tendency to lose things like homework or keys and having trouble focusing on tasks. They also struggle to stay still and may interfere with or even take over games or other leisure activities.
Someone with a mixed presentation of ADHD might find that certain medications help and others don't, so it's best to try one an time and then evaluate the results carefully. Adults who have had this type of presentation since they were teenagers should be re-evaluated every six months, and especially in the event of any lifestyle changes that could impact the amount of medication needed.
It is important to keep in mind that ADD or ADHD is not a problem of race or ethnicity or gender, although it may affect more people who are assigned male at birth (AMAB). The diagnosis is usually made when adults present with various of the typical symptoms across a variety of areas of their lives and are unable to explain them in a satisfactory manner.
There are a variety of ways to manage and treat ADD for adults, which includes 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 help to increase concentration by increasing the availability of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Non-stimulants are also used by adults who do not wish to use stimulants, or who only require them in a lower dosage.
symptoms of ADHD in an adult of Combined Type
For people with combined type ADHD, the symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity appear together. Inattention symptoms can include forgetfulness, difficulty finishing tasks or difficulties sitting still. Hyperactivity and impulsivity may manifest as a lack of concentration, fidgeting or squirming. They are unable to wait in lines or follow directions. This leads to frustration and rule-breaking behaviors.
Adults who have a combination of ADHD symptoms often also experience difficulties recognizing social boundaries within their environment and can be seen to intrude into conversations or activities without thinking about how others feel about it. They tend to have difficulty with organizing strategies and get overwhelmed by complex projects. Many people who suffer from this ADHD also have a previous history of mood disorders or depression.
A proper diagnosis of ADHD is crucial to determining the most effective treatment plan. Although many adults with ADHD struggle to reach out for assistance, obtaining an accurate diagnosis can be a positive experience that provides them with the tools they need to manage their symptoms and live productive, satisfying 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 continue for at least six months to be considered ADHD. In addition the symptoms have to be severe enough to hinder a person's performance at work, school or at home.
Experts aren't entirely sure the reasons ADHD is a problem, but they know that it can be hereditary and that certain genes increase a person's risk of developing the condition. They also recognize that brain chemistry and variations in the structure of the brain are a factor, and that some people get the disorder without 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. In many cases, these treatments can be more effective than medications.