Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Attention deficit disorder in adults can be challenging to diagnose and manage. Therapists can assist by examining symptoms and causes, teaching patients ways to create structure and alter their behaviour and offer medication when required.
People with ADD/ADHD experience difficulties with inattention, hyperactivity, and the tendency to be impulsive. Symptoms may include problems with forgetfulness, difficulty waiting for their turn and difficulty concentrating on tasks or playing games.
Inattentive Type Signs
The most obvious signs of this ADHD subtype are high levels of distraction and difficulty paying attention to details. Adults who are inattentive ADHD are unable to complete tasks or projects that require continuous mental efforts, such as reading and writing. They may have difficulty remembering appointments or paying their bills and are more likely to make careless mistakes at 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. Their problems can persist into adulthood and affect their relationships, school performance and even their career development.
The symptoms of inattention ADHD include frequent fidgeting with hands and feet, difficulty engaging in leisure activities at a relaxed pace, trouble waiting for their turn and answering questions before they 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 work or school. They dislike boring meetings and prefer to chew gum or drink coffee to get them through.
A health care provider will evaluate a patient to determine if they have any medical or mental conditions that could trigger similar symptoms. Then, they'll analyze their behavior to determine if the patient is suffering from ADD. This can involve talking to the person's family, colleagues and teachers and asking about their behavior in various settings. The health care provider may also inquire about the person's mood and medical history.
adult male ADHD symptoms prescribed drugs for inattention ADHD are psychostimulants which improve signals sent to the brain and boost alertness. Adderall, Ritalin, Concerta and methylphenidates like Strattera (atomoxetine), Qelbree and Ritalin are all examples of these drugs. Antidepressants, which affect neurotransmitters in the brain, are often prescribed to people suffering from inattentive ADHD to help improve their mood and concentration. They could include Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). Non-stimulant drugs 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 condition can make it difficult for people to focus on their schoolwork or job tasks, and can cause mistakes due to negligence. They also have difficulty following instructions or completing complicated tasks. They also struggle to stay focused when playing games or in leisure activities with others. They often disrupt and interrupt other players during games, discussions or other activities. They might fiddle 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 struggle with self-control, and often be constantly on the move and unable to stop or slow down, even when they're at organized events like fairs or theme parks. They may have trouble organizing tasks, completing projects over a long time, or focusing on routine tasks or assignments.
They lack a sense of accountability and often have difficulty making and keeping friendships. They may also have difficulty controlling their emotions, which can result in mood swings and extreme depression. They might also have issues managing their finances and time and can make them more susceptible to financial scams or other fraudulent activities.
Many people suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed until they reach adulthood when their symptoms become more evident. During childhood, they may be overlooked by teachers or other adults who were unaware of their symptoms. They may have compensated for their issues in a supportive atmosphere and flourished until they were confronted with the stress of pursuing the job of their dreams or raising a child, when their issues became apparent. In the early years, the male-to-female* ADHD ratio is higher. However it becomes more equal in adulthood.
Certain nutritional supplements can help reduce irritability for people suffering from ADHD. These include GABA, taurine, GABA fish oil and Brain Vitale. They can also benefit from techniques for managing stress, such as regular exercises and deep breathing. They should discuss all treatment options with their physician including non-stimulants and stimulants such as 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 tasks or remembering things, such as chores, schoolwork, homework or work. They also make careless mistakes at school, in the workplace as well as in their personal lives. The issues with attention and impulse control can result in lots of stress and trouble in relationships.
The symptoms of this condition typically manifest at various times throughout the day and can range from mild to severe. They can be characterized by daydreaming and being easily distracted by 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 struggle to sit still and may interfere with or even take over games or other leisure activities.
A person with a mixed presentation of ADHD may find that certain medication helps while others don't, so it's wise to try one at each time and analyze the outcomes carefully. Adults who have had this presentation since the time they were teenagers should have their treatment evaluated every six months, particularly when there are any lifestyle changes that may affect the amount of medication needed.
It is important to keep in mind that ADD or ADHD does not affect race, ethnicity, or gender, but it does seem to be more prevalent in those who are assigned males at birth (AMAB). Adults who present with a number of symptoms that are not explained are usually diagnosed.
There are several ways to deal with ADD for adults, such as 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 help to increase concentration by increasing the availability of dopamine and norepinephrine within the brain. Non-stimulants are also used by adults who don't want to take stimulants, or require them in a small dose.
Symptoms of Combined Type
For people with combined type ADHD, the symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity appear together. Inattention symptoms can be apparent in the form of difficulty sitting still, forgetfulness or trouble finishing tasks as well as impulsivity and hyperactivity. may manifest as fidgeting, restlessness and squirming. They may also be able to blurt out answers without waiting for a full answer. They are unable to wait in lines or follow directions. This can lead to frustration and a tendency to break the rules.
Adults who suffer from a combination of ADHD symptoms also have difficulties reading situational social boundaries which can lead them to encroach on activities or conversations without thinking about how others feel about it. They are often struggling organizing their thoughts and are overwhelmed by large-scale projects. In many cases, people who exhibit this ADHD presentation are also prone to depression or other mood disorders.
A correct diagnosis is crucial to determine the most effective treatment plan. Many people suffering from ADHD are hesitant to seek help. However, a 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. These symptoms must have been present before the age of 12 and continue for at least six months to qualify as ADHD. In addition, the symptoms must be severe enough to hinder the performance of a child at work, school or at home.
Experts aren't entirely sure why ADHD is a common occurrence. However, they know that it is hereditary and certain genes increase the risk of a person developing the condition. They also know that differences in brain structure and brain chemistry play a part, and that some people get the disorder on their own, with 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 medications.