Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Adults suffering from attention deficit disorder can be difficult to identify and treat. Therapists can help by examining the signs and causes, teaching the patient how to build structure, make behavioural modifications and provide medication when needed.
People suffering from ADD/ADHD have issues with hyperactivity, inattention and the tendency to be impulsive. The symptoms include forgetfulness and difficulty waiting for their turn, or difficulty in focusing on tasks or games.
The Signs of Inattention Type
This type of ADHD is distinguished by a high degree of distraction and a difficulty in paying attention to tiny details. Adults with inattentive ADHD struggle to complete tasks or projects that require continuous mental effort, like reading and writing. They may struggle to remember appointments or paying bills, and are more likely to make impulsive mistakes in their daily or personal 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, their issues can persist throughout their adult lives and interfere with relationships, school performance and career advancement.
Symptoms of inattentive ADHD include frequent fidgeting with hands or feet, having difficulty engaging in leisure activities quietly, trouble waiting for their turn, and answering questions before they are answered. They also are often late to meetings or classes and are unable to stay organized. Inattention ADHD sufferers often have trouble staying focused at work or school. They are not a fan of boring meetings and chew gum or drink coffee to help them through.
A health care provider will examine a person to determine if they have any mental health or medical conditions which could cause similar symptoms. Then, they will examine their behavior history to determine if the person is suffering from ADD. You can request to observe the person's behavior in various situations by speaking to their family or teachers as well as their coworkers. The health care provider will also ask about the person's mood and recent medical history.
extreme ADHD symptoms adults , psychostimulants are used to increase alertness and streamline brain signals. These include amphetamines like Adderall, Ritalin and Concerta and methylphenidates like Strattera (atomoxetine) and Qelbree (viloxazine). Antidepressants that affect neurotransmitters in the brain can be prescribed to people with inattentive ADHD in order to improve their mood and focus. Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor, (venlafaxine) are two examples. Other medications that aren't stimulants are also available. 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 concentrate on their schoolwork or job tasks, and can result in a number of mistakes made by careless people. They also have difficulty following instructions or completing complicated tasks. They also struggle to stay focused while playing games or engaging in leisure activities. They often disrupt and interrupt 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 may struggle to control their own behavior and be constantly on the move and are unable to slow down or stop at fairs or theme park. They may struggle with organizing tasks, working on projects over a long time, or focusing on scheduled tasks or homework.
They have a lack of a sense of responsibility and frequently have a difficult time forming and maintaining friendships. They may also have difficulty managing their emotions, which can lead them to mood swings or severe depression. They may also be having difficulty managing their time and finances, which can make it easier for them to fall victim to scams in the financial industry.
Many people suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed until they reach adulthood when their symptoms become more obvious. In their early years, they could be overlooked by teachers or other adults who were unaware of their symptoms. They may have compensated for their problems in a safe environment and flourished until they were faced with the pressure of pursuing the job of their dreams or raising a child, when their problems became apparent. In the beginning, 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. These include GABA as well as taurine. GABA fish oil, and Brain Vitale. They may also benefit from stress management strategies like regular exercise and deep breathing. They should discuss with their doctor all treatment options 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 have trouble staying focused on tasks that require a lot of mental effort for a long period of time or causing things to stick in their mind for example, schoolwork chores, homework or even work. They tend to make impulsive mistakes at work, school, and in personal life. The issues with attention and control of impulses can cause a lot of stress and difficulty in relationships.
The symptoms of this disorder can be varied in severity and manifest at different times in life. The ability to be easily distracted, daydreaming and forgetfulness are a few symptoms. They also have a tendency to misplace things like homework or keys, and having difficulty following through with tasks. They also struggle to stay still and may interfere with or even take over games or other leisure activities.
Someone with a mixed presentation of ADHD may find that some medications are helpful while others don't, so it's best to try one a time and evaluate the results carefully. Adults with this type of presentation who have been taking medications since the age of a teenager should have a look at their treatment every 6 months, and in particular when they make any changes to their lifestyle that may alter the amount of medication needed.
It is important to remember that ADD and ADHD are not influenced by race gender, ethnicity, gender or age. However it does appear to affect more people who were assigned male at birth. The diagnosis is usually identified when adults exhibit several of the typical symptoms in various areas of their lives and are unable to explain them in a satisfactory manner.
There are many methods to treat ADD among adults, including 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 increase concentration by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. Non-stimulants are also available, and these can be a good choice for adults who don't want to take stimulants or require them at lower doses.
Signs and symptoms of Combined Type
For people with combined type ADHD, the symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity appear together. Inattention symptoms can include forgetfulness, difficulty completing tasks or having difficulty being still. Impulsivity and hyperactivity can manifest as restlessness, fidgeting, or squirming. They often have a difficult time to wait in line or follow instructions, leading to frustration and rule-breaking behavior.
Adults who suffer from a combination of ADHD symptoms are often having trouble reading social boundaries in the context of a particular situation which could cause them to interrupt conversations or activities. They do this without considering how others may feel. They are more likely to have a difficult to organize their lives and tend to get overwhelmed by large-scale projects. Many people who suffer from this ADHD also have a history of depression or mood disorders.
A proper diagnosis is essential for determining the best treatment plan. Many adults with ADHD are hesitant to seek help. However, a diagnosis can empower them and provide 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 prior to the age of 12 and last for a minimum of six months to qualify as ADHD. The symptoms must be severe enough to affect a person's performance in school, at work or at home.
Experts aren't sure the reason ADHD occurs. However, they are aware that it is inherited and certain genes increase the risk of a person developing the condition. They also know that brain chemistry and variations in the structure of the brain play a part in the development of the disorder, and that some individuals 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 can be more effective than medications.