Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Attention deficit disorder in adults can be difficult to recognize and treat. Therapists can assist by examining the symptoms and their reasons, and educating patients on how to create structure and make behavioural changes and offer medication when required.
People suffering from ADD/ADHD have issues with inattention, hyperactivity, and the tendency to be impulsive. The symptoms could include memory loss, trouble waiting for their turn, and difficulties concentrating on tasks or playing games.
Inattentive Type Symptoms
This subtype of ADHD is distinguished by a high level of distraction, and a lack of focus on small details. Adults with inattention ADHD struggle to complete tasks or projects that require continuous mental effort, like writing and reading. They may struggle to remember 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. This means that their problems may persist throughout their adult lives and interfere with relationships, school performance and career advancement.
Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms include fumbling, difficulty playing quietly or participating in leisure activities, difficulties waiting for their turn, and blurting out answers before the questions are completed. They also struggle to stay organized at home and work and often arrive late for classes or meetings. Inattention ADHD sufferers often have trouble staying focused at work or school. They don't like boring meetings and chew gum or drink coffee to help them through.
A health care provider will examine the person for any possible mental health issues or medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms. Then, they will examine their behavior to determine if they suffer from ADD. This could involve speaking to the person's family, teachers and colleagues and asking to see their behavior in different situations. The health professional may also inquire about the person's mood and medical history.
Psychostimulants are used to enhance alertness and streamline brain signals. These include amphetamines such as Adderall, Ritalin and Concerta and methylphenidates like Strattera (atomoxetine) and Qelbree (viloxazine). Antidepressants, which affect neurotransmitters in the brain, are sometimes prescribed for people with inattention ADHD to improve their mood and concentration. They could include Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). 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 symptom makes it difficult for them to concentrate on schoolwork or work tasks and may result in careless errors. They also have difficulty following directions or completing complex tasks. They also have difficulty staying on track when playing games or in leisure activities with other people. They often interrupt or intrude on other people during conversations or games and are eagerly awaiting their turn. They might fiddle with their feet or hands or squirm in their seats, or pace while they're 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. adult female ADHD symptoms may have difficulty controlling their own behavior and be constantly on the move and are unable to slow down or stop, even at fairs or theme parks. They may struggle with managing tasks, completing projects over a long period of time, or working on structured activities or homework.
They have a lack of a sense of accountability and often struggle to form and maintain friendships. They may also have issues managing their emotions, which could result in mood swings and severe depression. They might also have issues managing their finances and time which could make them more susceptible to financial scams and other fraudulent activities.
Many people who suffer from ADHD are not diagnosed until adulthood when their symptoms become more obvious. In their early years, they could be overlooked by teachers or other adults who were unaware of their issues. They may have sought to alleviate their problems in a supportive atmosphere and thrived until they were confronted with the pressure of pursuing a job or raising a child when their problems became apparent. In the beginning, the male-to female* ADHD ratio is higher. However, it becomes more equal in adulthood.
Certain supplements in the diet can help reduce the irritability of people suffering from ADHD. These include GABA as well as taurine. symptoms of ADHD in adults women , and Brain Vitale. Stress management techniques like deep breathing and regular exercise can be beneficial. They should discuss all treatment options with their physician which includes stimulants and non-stimulants like atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) and antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin).
The 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 time or causing things to stay in their mind like schoolwork, homework, chores or work. They tend to make impulsive mistakes at work, school as well as in their personal lives. These problems with attention and impulse control can result in an abundance of stress and difficulty in relationships.
The signs of this condition are varied in severity and appear at different stages of life. Daydreaming, being easily distracted and forgetfulness are a few signs. They also have a tendency to misplace items like keys or homework and a difficult time working through tasks. They may also have difficulty being still, and can interfere with their leisure activities or games.
Someone who has a mixed manifestation of ADHD may find that some medication helps while others don't. It's recommended to test one at each time and analyze the results carefully. Adults who have had this type of presentation since they were teens should be re-evaluated every six months, especially in the event of any lifestyle changes that may affect the amount of medication needed.
It is important to know that ADD and ADHD are not influenced by race, gender, ethnicity or age. However it is believed that it will be more prevalent in those 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 manage ADD in adults, which include medication, lifestyle changes and behavior therapy. 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 supply of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Non-stimulants can also be used by adults who don't want to take stimulants, or require them in a lower dosage.
The symptoms of Combined Type
For people with combined type ADHD, the symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity appear together. Inattention symptoms include forgetfulness, difficulty finishing tasks or difficulties sitting still. Hyperactivity and impulsivity can manifest as restlessness, fidgeting or squirming. They often have a difficult time to stay in line or to follow instructions, leading to frustration and behavior that is contrary to the rules.
Adults with a combination ADHD symptoms are often having trouble reading social boundaries in the context of a particular situation and can cause them to interrupt conversations or activities. They do this without thinking about the feelings of others. They are often struggling in organising their strategies and become overwhelmed by the complexity of projects. In many cases, those who exhibit this ADHD display may also be suffering from depression or other mood disorders.
A proper diagnosis is essential to determine the best treatment plan. Many people suffering from ADHD are reluctant to seek help. However an accurate 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. In addition the symptoms must be severe enough to affect the performance of a child at school, work or at home.
Experts aren't sure why ADHD occurs. However, they know that it is genetic and certain genes increase the chance of a person being diagnosed with the disorder. They also recognize that differences in brain structure and the brain's chemical makeup play a role in the development of the disorder, and that some individuals are born with the disorder and have 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 medication.