Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Adults suffering from attention deficit disorder can be difficult to diagnose and treat. Therapists can help by analyzing the symptoms and their causes, educating the patient on how to add structure, make behavioural modifications and provide medication if needed.
People suffering from ADD/ADHD experience issues with hyperactivity, inattention, and an impulsive nature. Symptoms include forgetfulness and difficulty in waiting for their turn, or difficulties working on tasks or games.
Inattentive Type symptoms
This type of ADHD is distinguished by a high degree of distraction and a difficulty in paying attention to small details. Adults with inattentive ADHD often find it hard to complete tasks or tasks that require a sustained mental effort, such as reading, writing and doing homework. They may have trouble remembering appointments or paying bills and are more likely to make impulsive mistakes in their daily or personal life.
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 career advancement.
Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms include fidgeting, difficulty engaging in leisure activities, difficulties waiting for their turn, and blurting out answers before the questions are finished. They also have trouble staying well-organized at home and at work, and are often late for classes or meetings. Inattentive ADHD sufferers often have trouble staying focused at school or at work. They dislike boring meetings and often chew gum or drink coffee to help them through.
A health care provider will evaluate a patient to determine if they have any mental health or medical conditions that could trigger similar symptoms. Then, they will examine their behavior history to determine if the person has ADD. This can involve talking to the person's family, teachers and colleagues and asking to see their behavior in different settings. The health care provider will also ask about the person's mood as well as recent medical history.
Most often, psychostimulants are used to enhance alertness and boost brain signals. These include amphetamines like Adderall, Ritalin and Concerta and methylphenidates like Strattera (atomoxetine) and Qelbree (viloxazine). Antidepressants that affect neurotransmitters within the brain, are also often prescribed to people suffering from inattentive ADHD to improve their mood and focus. They can include Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). Other drugs that are not 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 symptom makes it difficult for them to concentrate on work or school assignments and may result in careless mistakes. In addition, they typically struggle to follow instructions or completing complex tasks. They also have difficulty staying on task when playing games or in leisure activities with others. ADHD symptoms adult female interrupt or interfere on conversations, games or other activities and are eagerly waiting for their turn. They might squirm or fiddle with their hands or feet or squirm 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 struggle with self-control and can often be constantly on the move and are unable to slow down or slow down, even if they are at events that are organized like fairs and theme parks. They may have difficulty with managing tasks, completing projects for a long period of time or applying themselves to routine tasks or assignments.
They usually have a weak sense of personal responsibility and have difficulties creating and maintaining relationships. They may also have issues managing their emotions, which could cause mood swings and extreme depression. They may also have trouble managing their finances and time and this can make it easier for them to fall victim to scams in the financial industry.
Many people suffering from ADHD don't be diagnosed until the age of adulthood, when their problems become more obvious. As children, they might have been missed by teachers or other adults who were unaware of their symptoms. They may have adapted to cope with their symptoms and thrived in a nurturing environment until they had to face the stresses of working or raising a family as their issues became more apparent. The ratio of males to females in diagnosed ADHD is higher in childhood, however the rate becomes more similar as they reach adulthood.
Certain supplements in the diet can help reduce irritability for people suffering from ADHD. These include GABA, taurine, GABA fish oil, and Brain Vitale. They may also benefit from stress management strategies, such as regular exercises and deep breathing. They must discuss with their physician all treatment options, including stimulants (Strattera), non-stimulants (Viloxazine) (Qelbree), and antidepressants (Wellbutrin).
Mixed Type Symptoms
People with combined type ADHD exhibit symptoms of both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive presentations. They have difficulty focusing on long-term mental tasks, or recalling important things, like schoolwork, homework, chores or work. They also tend to make mistakes in school, at work, and in their personal lives. These attention and impulse problems can cause stress and lead to problems in relationships.
Symptoms of this presentation often occur at different times in life and range from mild to severe. Being easily distracted, daydreaming, and forgetfulness are all symptoms. They also have a tendency to misplace things like keys or homework, and having difficulty keeping track of tasks. They also struggle to stay still, and they may disrupt or take over games or other activities.
Someone with a mixed presentation of ADHD might find that certain medications help and others don't. It's best to try one a time and evaluate the outcomes carefully. Adults who have had this presentation since the time they were teenagers should have their treatment evaluated every six months, particularly if there are any lifestyle changes that may affect the amount of medication required.
It is important to remember that ADD and ADHD are not influenced by race, gender, ethnicity or age. However it is believed that it will affect more people who were deemed male at birth. The diagnosis is typically given when people are suffering from various of the typical symptoms in several aspects of their lives but are unable to explain them in a satisfactory manner.
There are many ways to manage and treat ADD in adults, including 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 aid in increasing concentration by increasing the availability of dopamine and norepinephrine within the brain. Non-stimulants can also be utilized by adults who do not want to take stimulants, or require them in a small dose.
Signs and symptoms of Combined Type
For people with combined type ADHD, the symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity appear together. Inattention symptoms include forgetfulness, difficulty completing tasks or having difficulty sitting still. Hyperactivity and impulsivity may manifest as restlessness, fidgeting or squirming. They may find it difficult to wait in line or follow instructions, leading to frustration and rule-breaking behavior.
Adults who suffer from an array of ADHD symptoms also have difficulties recognizing social boundaries within their environment, leading them to intrude on conversations or activities without thinking about how others feel about it. They tend to have difficulty with organizing strategies and get overwhelmed by large-scale projects. Many people who suffer from this ADHD also have a past history of mood disorders or depression.
A proper diagnosis is essential for determining the best treatment plan. Many adults with ADHD are reluctant to seek help. 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 have been present before the age of 12 and continue for at least six month to be considered ADHD. In addition, the symptoms must be severe enough to affect the person's performance at school, work or at home.
Experts aren't sure why ADHD is a problem, but they do know that it can be hereditary and that certain genes increase a person's risk of developing the disorder. They also recognize that brain chemistry and differences in brain structure are a factor, 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. These treatments are typically more effective than prescription medications.