Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Adults with attention deficit disorder may be difficult to diagnose and treat. Therapists can assist by examining symptoms and their causes, teaching patients ways to structure their lives and change their behavior, and offering medication when needed.
People with ADD/ADHD have problems with hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity. It is evident by the lack of memory and difficulty in waiting for their turn, or difficulties working on tasks or games.
Symptoms of Inattentive Type
The defining symptoms of this ADHD subtype include high distraction and difficulty paying attention particulars. Adults with inattentive ADHD struggle to complete tasks or projects that require sustained mental efforts, such as writing and reading. They may have trouble 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. In the end, their issues can persist throughout their adult lives, and may cause issues with relationships, school performance and career advancement.
Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms include fidgeting, difficulty engaging in leisure activities, issues waiting for their turn, and blurting out answers before the questions are finished. They also tend to be late to meetings or classes and struggle to stay organized. Those with inattentive ADHD often have trouble staying focused at school or work are bored at meetings and have to chew gum or drink coffee to pass the time.
A health professional will evaluate a patient to determine if there are any mental health or medical conditions that could trigger similar symptoms. Then, they'll analyze their behavior in order to determine if a person has ADD. You can inquire about the person's behavior under various situations by talking to their family as well as teachers and colleagues. The health professional will also inquire about the person's mood and recent medical background.
Most often, psychostimulants are used to increase alertness and streamline brain signals. Adderall, Ritalin, Concerta and methylphenidates like Strattera (atomoxetine), Qelbree and Ritalin are just a few examples of these medicines. Antidepressants that affect neurotransmitters in the brain can be prescribed to people suffering from inattention ADHD to help improve their mood and concentration. Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor, (venlafaxine) are two examples. Non-stimulant medications 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 makes it difficult to focus on their work or schoolwork and could lead to unintentional errors. Additionally, they frequently struggle to follow instructions or completing complex tasks. They also have difficulty staying on track when playing games or engaging in leisure activities with others. They often interrupt or intrude on conversations or games and can't wait for their turn. They might squirm or fiddle using their hands or feet, squirm or pace in their chairs, 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 may struggle to control themselves and are constantly moving and are unable to slow down or stop at events like fairs or theme parks. They may have difficulty managing tasks, completing long-term tasks or committing to homework or other structured activities.
They have a low sense of responsibility and often struggle to form and maintain friendships. They may also have difficulty managing their emotions, which could result in mood swings and severe depression. They may also have difficulty managing their finances and time which could make it easier for them to fall prey to frauds in the financial sector.
Many people suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed until adulthood when their symptoms become more evident. Teachers or other adults may have missed their symptoms during their childhood. They could have reacted to their issues in a safe environment and flourished until they were faced with the pressure of pursuing a job or raising a child, when their problems became apparent. The male-to-female* ratio of diagnosed ADHD is higher in childhood, but the ratio becomes more comparable as they reach adulthood.
People with ADHD typically find that certain nutritional supplements, like multiple vitamin, NeurOmega fish oil, GABA or taurine and Brain Vitale or NeuroMemory can reduce anxiety and improve memory. ADHD adult female symptoms as deep breathing and regular exercise can be beneficial. They should discuss all options for treatment with their doctor including non-stimulants and stimulants like atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) and antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin).
Symptoms of Mixed Type
People with combined type ADHD exhibit symptoms of both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive presentations. They are unable to focus on long-term mental tasks or remembering things, such as chores, schoolwork, homework or work. They tend to make impulsive mistakes in school, at work and even in their personal life. These attention and impulse problems can cause a lot stress and can lead to problems in relationships.
The signs of this condition can be varied in severity and can manifest at various stages of life. Daydreaming, being easily distracted and forgetfulness are just a few signs. They also include a tendency to misplace items like keys or homework and a difficult time working through tasks. They also have a difficult time sitting still and may interfere with or even take over games or other activities.
It is important to assess the effects of each medication carefully if you have mixed presentation. Adults with this presentation who have been taking medications since the age of a teenager should get a review of their treatment every six months, and especially after any changes in lifestyle that might alter the amount of medication needed.
It is important to know that ADD and ADHD do not affect race, gender, ethnicity or age. However, it does appear to affect people who were categorized as male at birth. The diagnosis is typically given when people are suffering from several of the typical symptoms in various areas of their lives, but can't explain them satisfactorily.
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 help to increase concentration by increasing the amount of dopamine and norepinephrine within the brain. ADHD in adults symptoms quiz -stimulants are also available and are an excellent option for adults who don't want to take 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. Symptoms of inattention may be apparent in the form of difficulty sitting still, forgetfulness or difficulty finishing tasks, while hyperactivity and impulsivity can show up as a lack of concentration, fidgeting, squirming or blurting out answers without waiting for a full answer. They often find it difficult to stand in line or to follow instructions, leading to frustration and behavior that is contrary to the rules.
Adults who suffer from a mix of ADHD symptoms often also experience difficulties reading situational social boundaries, leading them to intrude on activities or conversations without thinking about how others feel about it. They are more likely to have a difficult time with organizational strategies and tend to be overwhelmed by large-scale projects. In a lot of cases, people with this ADHD presentation are also prone to depression or other mood disorders.
Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD is crucial to determining the most effective treatment strategy. ADHD symptoms in women adults suffering from ADHD are hesitant to seek assistance. However, a diagnosis can empower them and provide 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 prior the age of 12 and last for at least six months to be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis. The symptoms must be severe enough to affect a person's performance in school, at work or at home.
Experts don't fully understand the reasons ADHD is a problem but they know that it can be genetic and that certain genes can increase the likelihood of developing the condition. They also are aware that brain chemistry as well as variations in the structure of the brain can play a role and that some people have the disorder despite not having 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 therapies are more effective than medication.