Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Attention deficit disorder in adults can be difficult to diagnose and manage. A therapist can assist by examining the signs and root causes, and then teaching the patient how to build structure and behavioral changes and provide medication if necessary.
People suffering from ADD/ADHD may have difficulties 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 type of ADHD is distinguished by a high level of distraction, and difficulty paying attention to the smallest details. Learn Alot more Here with inattention ADHD struggle to complete tasks or projects that require continuous mental effort, like reading and writing. They may have trouble remembering appointments or paying bills, and are prone to making careless mistakes in their work or 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. In the end, the symptoms of inattentive ADHD can last throughout their adult lives and interfere with relationships as well as school performance and career advancement.
Inattentive ADHD symptoms include fidgeting, having trouble playing quietly or participating in leisure activities, difficulties waiting for their turn, and blurting out answers when the questions are not 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 difficulty staying focused at school or at work. They are not a fan of boring meetings and often chew gum or drink coffee to help them through.
A health professional will assess the patient for potential mental health issues or medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms. Then, they will examine their behavior to determine if they suffer from ADD. You can request to observe the person's behavior in different situations by talking to their parents or teachers as well as their coworkers. The health professional will also ask about the person's mood and recent medical background.
Psychostimulants are used to boost alertness and improve brain signals. Adderall, Ritalin, Concerta and methylphenidates such as Strattera (atomoxetine), Qelbree and Ritalin are all examples of these medications. Antidepressants that affect neurotransmitters in the brain, are also often prescribed to people suffering from inattention ADHD to improve their mood and focus. Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor, (venlafaxine) are two examples. 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 symptom makes it difficult for them to concentrate on schoolwork or work tasks and could lead to unintentional mistakes. Additionally, they frequently have trouble following instructions or performing complex tasks. They also have trouble staying on track when playing games or in leisure activities with others. They are often disruptive and disrupt other players during games, discussions or other activities. They might squirm or fiddle using their hands or feet or squirm or move 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 struggle with self-control and can 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 with managing tasks, finishing long-term projects, or committing themselves 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 difficulties controlling their emotions, which could cause mood swings or severe depression. They may also have trouble managing their finances and time and can make them more susceptible to financial scams or other frauds.
Many people suffering from ADHD don't receive a diagnosis until adulthood, when their issues become more evident. During childhood, they may have been missed by teachers or other adults who were unaware of their issues. They might have learned to manage their symptoms and thrived in a nurturing environment until they had to face the pressures of pursuing a career or raising a family, as their issues became more evident. The male-to-female ratio of diagnosed ADHD is much higher in the early years, but the proportions become more similar as they reach adulthood.
People suffering from ADHD typically discover that certain dietary supplements, such as multiple vitamin, NeurOmega fish oil, GABA or taurine and Brain Vitale or NeuroMemory can help to reduce anxiety and improve memory. They may also benefit from stress management techniques, such as regular exercise and deep breathing. They should discuss with their doctor all treatments options that include stimulants (Strattera), non-stimulants (Viloxazine) (Qelbree), and antidepressants (Wellbutrin).
Signs 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 stick in their minds for example, schoolwork homework, chores or work. They also tend to make a lot of mistakes at school, in the workplace and in their private lives. These attention and impulse problems can cause stress and lead to relationship difficulties.
Symptoms of this presentation often occur at various times throughout the day and range from mild to severe. They may include daydreaming and becoming easily distracted from their thoughts, which can lead to forgetfulness; a tendency to lose things, such as homework or keys and difficulty focusing on their tasks. They may also have a difficult time staying still and may interfere with the activities of leisure or games.
It is crucial to analyze the results of each medication carefully if you have a mixed presentation. Adults who have had this type of presentation since they were teens should have their treatment evaluated every six months, especially when there are any lifestyle changes that may affect the amount of medication needed.
It is important to know that ADD and ADHD do not affect race or gender, ethnicity, or age. However, it does appear to affect more people who were assigned male at birth. The diagnosis is typically identified when adults exhibit many of the common symptoms across a variety of aspects of their lives but cannot explain them clearly.
There are many ways to deal with ADD in adults, which include lifestyle changes, medication, 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 amount of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Non-stimulants can also be used by adults who do not want to take stimulants, or only 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 include forgetfulness, difficulties completing tasks or having difficulty sitting still. Impulsivity and hyperactivity can manifest as restlessness, fidgeting or squirming. They often find it difficult to stand in line or to follow instructions, which can result in frustration and a tendency to break the rules.
Adults who have an array of ADHD symptoms also have difficulties recognizing social boundaries within their environment, leading them to intrude on conversations or activities without thinking about how others be feeling about it. They are more likely to have a difficult time with organizational strategies and tend to get overwhelmed easily by complex projects. In many cases, people who exhibit this ADHD presentation may also be suffering from depression or other mood disorders.
A clear diagnosis is crucial to determine the best treatment plan. While many people with ADHD struggle to seek assistance, obtaining the diagnosis can be an positive experience that provides them with the tools they require 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. These symptoms must have been present prior to the age of 12 and persist for at least six month to be considered ADHD. The symptoms must be severe enough to impact a person's performance in the workplace, at school or at home.
Experts do not fully understand the reason ADHD is a common occurrence. However, they know that it is inherited and certain genes increase the likelihood of becoming affected. They also know that brain structure and brain chemistry play a role in the development of ADHD, and that some people develop the disorder spontaneously 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. These therapies are usually more effective than medications.