Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Attention deficit disorder in adults can be challenging to diagnose and treat. A therapist can help by examining the symptoms and their reasons, and educating patients on how to create structure and alter their behaviour, and offering medication when required.
People suffering from ADD/ADHD experience issues with hyperactivity, inattention, and an impulsive nature. The symptoms could include memory loss, trouble waiting for their turn, and trouble concentrating on work or playing games.
Inattention Type Signs
This type of ADHD is distinguished by a high degree of distraction and a difficulty in paying attention to tiny details. Adults with inattention ADHD struggle to complete tasks or projects that require sustained mental efforts, such as reading and writing. They may have difficulty remembering appointments or paying bills and are prone to making careless mistakes at work or in their home 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. Their issues can continue into adulthood and affect their relationships, school performance and even their career development.
Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms include fidgeting, difficulty being quiet or engaging in leisure activities, problems waiting for their turn, and blurting answers before the questions are finished. They also struggle to stay organized at home and at work and often arrive late for classes or meetings. Inattentive ADHD sufferers often have trouble staying focused at school or at work. They are not a fan of boring meetings and often chew gum or drink coffee to get them through.
A health care provider will assess a person to determine if there are any medical or mental illnesses that may cause similar symptoms. Then, they'll examine their behavior history to determine if the patient has ADD. You can request to observe the person's behavior under various situations by talking to their family, teachers, and co-workers. The health care provider will also ask about the person's mood as well as recent medical history.
The most common medications for inattentive ADHD are psychostimulants that streamline the brain's signals and boost alertness. They include amphetamines, such as Adderall, Ritalin and Concerta and methylphenidates, such as Strattera (atomoxetine) and Qelbree (viloxazine). Antidepressants that affect neurotransmitters within the brain, are sometimes prescribed for people with inattentive ADHD to improve their mood and focus. Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor, (venlafaxine) are two examples. Non-stimulant drugs 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 is a problem for them to concentrate on their work or schoolwork and can lead to careless errors. They also have difficulty following instructions or completing difficult tasks. They also have difficulty staying on track when playing games or in activities of leisure with others. They often interrupt or interfere on other people during conversations or games and are eagerly awaiting their turn. They might play with their feet or hands, squirm in their seat, 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. They have trouble with self-control, and often be constantly on the move, unable to stop or slow down, even when they are at events that are organized like fairs or theme parks. They may have difficulty managing tasks, completing long-term projects or applying themselves to homework or other structured activities.
They have a low sense of responsibility and frequently have difficulty making and keeping friendships. They may also have difficulties controlling their emotions, which could lead them to mood swings or severe depression. They may also have trouble managing their finances and time which could make it easier for them to fall prey to frauds in the financial sector.
Many people who suffer from ADHD are not diagnosed until they reach adulthood when their symptoms become more apparent. As children, they might have been overlooked by teachers or other adults who were unaware of their issues. They may have adapted to cope with their symptoms and thrived in a supportive environment until they had to face the stresses 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 as they grow older.
Certain dietary supplements can reduce the irritability of people suffering from ADHD. adult ADHD symptoms include GABA, taurine, GABA fish oil and Brain Vitale. Stress management techniques such as deep breathing and regular exercise can be beneficial. They should discuss all treatment options with their doctor which includes stimulants and non-stimulants such as atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) and antidepressants, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin).
Signs of Mixed Type
People with combined type ADHD exhibit symptoms of both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive presentations. They have difficulty focusing on long-term mental activities or remembering things like homework, schoolwork, chores or work. They tend to make impulsive errors at school, work and even in their personal life. Attention and impulse issues can create a lot of stress and cause relationship difficulties.
The signs of this disorder typically manifest at various times in the course of life, and they may vary from mild to severe. They can be characterized by daydreaming and being easily distracted from their own thoughts, which can cause the tendency to lose things like homework or keys and difficulty focusing on tasks. They also struggle to stay still, and they may disrupt or take over games or other leisure activities.
It is crucial to analyze the results of each medication carefully if you have mixed presentation. Adults who have had this condition since they were teenagers should be re-evaluated every six months, especially if there are any changes in their lifestyle that could alter the dosage of medication required.
It is important to keep in mind that ADD or ADHD does not affect race or ethnicity, nor gender, but it is believed to affect more people who are assigned males at birth (AMAB). Adults who show various symptoms but are unable to explain them are usually diagnosed.
There are many methods to manage and treat ADD in adults, including behavioral therapy, lifestyle changes 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 aid in increasing concentration by increasing the availability of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. Non-stimulants are also readily available and can be a good choice for adults who do not want to take stimulants or need them at less of a dose.
The symptoms of Combined Type
For people with combined type ADHD, the symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity appear together. The signs of inattention could 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 or squirming, or blurting out answers without waiting for a full answer. They find it hard to wait in lines or follow directions. This can result in frustration and behavior that is contrary to the rules.
Adults with a mix of ADHD symptoms also often have difficulties reading situational social boundaries, leading them to intrude on conversations or activities without thinking about how others think about it. They are often struggling with organizing strategies and get overwhelmed by the complexity of projects. Many people suffering from this ADHD also have a previous history of depression or mood disorders.
A proper diagnosis of ADHD is essential to determine the most effective treatment strategy. While many people with ADHD struggle to seek help, receiving the diagnosis can be an empowering experience that gives them the tools needed to manage their symptoms and live productive, satisfying lives.
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 before age 12 and last for at least six months in order to qualify as an ADHD diagnosis. The symptoms must also be severe enough to negatively impact the performance of a child at the workplace, at school or at home.
Experts aren't sure why ADHD is a problem but they are aware that it could be hereditary and that certain genes can increase the risk of developing the disorder. They also recognize that brain chemistry and variations in the structure of the brain can play a role in the development of the disorder, and that some individuals suffer from the disorder without having 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 cases, these treatments can be more effective than medications.