Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Adults with attention deficit disorder may be difficult to identify and treat. A therapist can assist by examining the signs and root causes, and then teaching the patient how to build structure and behavioral changes, and offering medication if needed.
People with ADD/ADHD experience difficulties with hyperactivity, inattention and an impulsiveness. The symptoms include forgetfulness and difficulty in waiting for their turn, or difficulty working on tasks or games.
Inattention Type Signs
This subtype of ADHD is distinguished by a high level of distraction, and a difficulty in paying attention to tiny details. Adults with inattentive ADHD frequently find it difficult to complete tasks or projects that require sustained concentration, such as reading, writing and doing homework. They may struggle to remember 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. This means that their problems may persist throughout their adult lives and cause problems with relationships, school performance, and career advancement.
Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms include fumbling, difficulty being quiet or engaging in leisure activities, issues waiting for their turn, and blurting answers before the questions are completed. They also have difficulty staying organized at home and at work and often arrive late for classes or meetings. Inattention ADHD sufferers often have a hard time staying focused at work or school. They don't like boring meetings and chew gum or drink coffee to get them through.
A health care provider will evaluate a patient to determine if they have any mental health or medical illnesses that may cause similar symptoms. Then, they will examine their behavior history to determine if the person has ADD. This may involve speaking with the person's family members, teachers and colleagues and asking about their behavior in various settings. The health care provider will also ask about the person's mood as well as recent medical background.
The most commonly prescribed medications for inattentive ADHD are psychostimulants that improve signals sent to the brain and boost alertness. Adderall, Ritalin, Concerta and methylphenidates such as Strattera (atomoxetine), Qelbree and Ritalin are just a few examples of these drugs. Antidepressants, which affect neurotransmitters in the brain, are sometimes prescribed for people with inattention ADHD to help improve their mood and concentration. They may include Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). Non-stimulant medications can also be utilized. 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 studies or work tasks, and can lead to careless mistakes. They also have difficulty following directions or completing complex tasks. They also struggle to stay focused when playing games or in activities of leisure with others. They can be disruptive and interrupt others during games, conversations or other activities. They may fiddle with their feet or hands, squirm in 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 may be unable to control themselves and are constantly moving, unable even to slow down or stop during events such as fairs or a theme park. They may have difficulty organizing tasks, completing long-term tasks or committing to homework or other structured activities.
They usually have a weak sense of personal responsibility and have difficulty making and maintaining friendships. They may also have difficulties controlling their emotions, which could cause mood swings or depression. They may also have difficulty managing their finances and time and this can make it easier for them to fall victim to frauds in the financial sector.
Many people who suffer from ADHD do not be diagnosed until the age of adulthood, when their problems become more obvious. Teachers and other adults could have missed their symptoms during childhood. They may have adapted to cope with their symptoms and thrived in a supportive environment until they encountered the stress of working or raising a family when their problems were more evident. In childhood, the male-to-female* ADHD ratio is higher. However, it becomes more equal in adulthood.
People suffering from ADHD frequently find that certain dietary supplements, like multiple vitamin, NeurOmega fish oil, GABA or taurine and Brain Vitale or NeuroMemory can reduce irritability and improve memory. They can also benefit from stress management strategies that include regular exercises and deep breathing. They should talk to their doctor about all options for treatment that include stimulants (Strattera) and 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 are unable to focus on long-term mental activities or recalling important things, like chores, schoolwork, homework or work. They also make mistakes in school, at work, and in their personal lives. These issues with attention and impulse can create a lot of stress and lead to difficulties in relationships.
The symptoms of this disorder can vary in severity and manifest at various stages of life. They can be characterized by daydreaming and being easily distracted by their own thoughts, which can lead to the tendency to lose things, like keys or homework and difficulty focusing on tasks. They might also have trouble being still, and can interfere with their leisure activities or games.
It's important to evaluate the results of each drug carefully in the event of a mixed presentation. Adults who have this presentation and have been taking medications since the time they were teenagers should get a review of their treatment every 6 months, and particularly after any lifestyle changes that could affect the amount of medication required.
It is important to know that ADD and ADHD are not influenced by race gender, ethnicity, gender or age. However it is believed that it will affect more people who were deemed male at birth. The diagnosis is typically identified when adults exhibit many of the common symptoms in various aspects of their lives but cannot explain them clearly.
There are many methods to treat and manage ADD in adults, such as 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 assist in increasing concentration by increasing the amount of dopamine and norepinephrine within the brain. There are also non-stimulants available, and these can be an excellent option for adults who don't want to take stimulants or require less of a dose.
Symptoms of Combined Type
For people with combined type ADHD, the symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity appear together. combined ADHD symptoms in adults may include forgetfulness, difficulties completing tasks or having difficulty being still. Hyperactivity and impulsivity can manifest as restlessness, fidgeting or squirming. They often find it difficult to stand in line or follow directions, which can lead to frustration and rule-breaking behavior.
Adults with an array of ADHD symptoms often also experience difficulties recognizing social boundaries within their environment, leading them to intrude into conversations or activities without considering how others might feel about it. They are more likely to have a difficult working with organizational strategies and tend to be overwhelmed by large-scale projects. In many cases, people with this ADHD display may also be suffering from depression or other mood disorders.
Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD is key to identifying the most effective treatment plan. Many adults suffering from ADHD are reluctant to seek help. However the 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. The symptoms must be present prior the age of 12 and last for at least six months in order to qualify as an ADHD diagnosis. In addition, the symptoms must be severe enough to reduce a person's performance at work, school or at home.
Experts don't fully understand why ADHD is a problem, but they are aware that it could be genetic and that certain genes increase a person's risk of developing the disorder. They also are aware that brain chemistry as well as differences in brain structure 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 instances, these therapies can be more effective than medications.