Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Adults with attention deficit disorder are difficult to identify and treat. A therapist can assist by analyzing the signs and root causes, and then teaching the patient how to add structure and behavioral changes and offer medication if necessary.
People with ADD/ADHD experience difficulties with hyperactivity, inattention, and an impulsiveness. It is evident by the lack of memory and difficulty waiting for their turn, or having difficulty working on tasks or games.
Signs of Inattentive Type
The most prominent symptoms of this ADHD subtype include high distraction and difficulty paying attention the small details. Adults with inattentive ADHD struggle to complete tasks or projects that require sustained mental efforts, such as reading and writing. They may struggle to remember appointments or paying bills and are more likely to make impulsive 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. Their problems can persist into adulthood and affect their relationships, school performance, and even their career development.
Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms include fidgeting, having trouble playing quietly or participating in leisure activities, issues waiting for their turn, and blurting out answers before the questions are completed. They also struggle to stay organized at home and work, and are often late for classes or meetings. Inattentive ADHD sufferers often have difficulty 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 the person for any possible mental health issues or medical conditions that may cause similar symptoms and then use their behavioral history to identify if they have ADD. You can inquire about the person's behavior under various situations by talking to their family as well as teachers and colleagues. The health care provider might also ask about the person’s mood and their recent medical history.
The most commonly prescribed medications for inattention ADHD are psychostimulants that streamline the brain's signals and boost alertness. Adderall, Ritalin, Concerta and methylphenidates, such as Strattera (atomoxetine), Qelbree and Ritalin are just a few examples of these medicines. Antidepressants that affect neurotransmitters in the brain are often prescribed to people suffering from inattention ADHD to help enhance their mood and improve their concentration. Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor, (venlafaxine) are two examples. Other drugs that aren't stimulants can 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 is a problem for them to concentrate on schoolwork or work tasks and could lead to unintentional errors. They also have trouble following directions or completing complex tasks. They also have difficulty staying focused when playing games or engaging in leisure activities with others. They often interrupt or intrude on conversations or games and are eagerly awaiting their turn. They might fiddle with their feet or hands, squirm in their seat or jog 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 have trouble with self-control and can frequently be in a hurry and unable to stop or slow down, even if they're at organized events like fairs and theme parks. They may struggle with organizing tasks, completing projects over a long time or applying themselves to routine tasks or assignments.
They have a low sense of responsibility and often struggle to form and maintain friendships. They may also have trouble controlling their emotions, which could lead them to mood swings or severe depression. They might also have issues managing their time and finances, which can make them more susceptible to financial scams or other frauds.
Many people suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed until they reach adulthood when their symptoms become more obvious. As children, they might have been missed by teachers or other adults who were unaware of their symptoms. They may have sought to alleviate their problems in a supportive environment and flourished until they were confronted with the pressure of pursuing the job of their dreams or raising a child, which is when their issues became evident. The ratio of males to females in diagnosed ADHD is higher in the early years, but the proportions become more similar in adulthood.
People with ADHD typically find that certain nutritional supplements, like multiple vitamin, NeurOmega fish oil, GABA or taurine and Brain Vitale or NeuroMemory can reduce the irritability and improve memory. They can also benefit from techniques for managing stress like regular exercises and deep breathing. They must discuss with their physician all treatments options, including stimulants (Strattera) as well as non-stimulants (Viloxazine) (Qelbree), and antidepressants (Wellbutrin).
The symptoms of mixed type
People with combined type ADHD exhibit symptoms of both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive presentations. They have difficulty staying focused on tasks that require a lot of mental effort for a long period of time or causing things to stay in their heads, such as schoolwork or homework, chores, or work. They also tend to make careless mistakes at school, at work and in their private lives. The issues with attention and control of impulses can cause an abundance of stress and trouble in relationships.
The symptoms of this disorder can be varied in severity and appear at different times in life. They may include daydreaming and becoming easily distracted from their own thoughts, which can cause forgetfulness; a tendency to lose things, such as keys or homework; and difficulties following through on their tasks. They also have a difficult time sitting still, and they may disrupt or take over games or other leisure activities.
Someone with a mixed presentation of ADHD may find that certain medication helps while others don't. Therefore, it's wise to try one at each time and analyze the results carefully. Adults who have this presentation and have been taking medications since the time they were teenagers should be able to review their treatment every six months, and in particular after any changes in lifestyle that may affect the amount of medication required.
It is important to know that ADD and ADHD do not impact race, gender, ethnicity or age. However, it does appear to affect more people who were deemed male at birth. The diagnosis is usually made when adults present with various of the typical symptoms across a variety of areas of their lives and are unable to explain them in a satisfactory manner.
There are a variety of ways to treat and manage ADD in adults, such as 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). ADHD symptoms adults male assist in increasing concentration by increasing the amount of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Non-stimulants can also be utilized by adults who don't want to use stimulants, or who only need them in a low dosage.
The symptoms of Combined Type
For people with combined type ADHD, the symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity appear together. Inattention symptoms can be apparent as a struggle to sit still, forgetfulness, or having trouble finishing tasks, while hyperactivity and impulsivity may manifest as restlessness, fidgeting and squirming. They may also be able to blurt out answers without waiting for a complete question. They may find it difficult to wait in line or follow directions, which can lead to frustration and behavior that is contrary to the rules.
Adults who have a combination of ADHD symptoms also often have difficulties recognizing social boundaries within their environment which can lead them to encroach into conversations or activities without thinking about how others think about it. They are more likely to have a difficult to organize their lives and tend to get overwhelmed by large-scale projects. In many cases, people with this ADHD display also have a history of depression or other mood disorders.
A proper diagnosis of ADHD is crucial to determining the most effective treatment plan. Many adults suffering from ADHD are reluctant to seek help. However an accurate diagnosis can empower them and give 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. These symptoms must have been present before the age of 12 and last for a minimum of six months to be considered ADHD. Additionally the symptoms have to be severe enough to affect a person's performance at school, work or at home.
Experts aren't sure why ADHD occurs. However, they know that it is inherited and certain genes increase the risk of developing the condition. They also know that brain structure and the brain's chemical makeup play a role in the development of the disorder, and that some individuals are born with the disorder and have 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 instances, these therapies are more effective than medications.