Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Attention deficit disorder in adults can be challenging to identify and treat. A therapist can help by examining symptoms and reasons, and educating patients on how to add structure and alter their behaviour, and offering medication when necessary.
People with ADD/ADHD have problems with hyperactivity, inattention and an impulsive nature. The symptoms include forgetfulness and difficulty waiting for their turn, or having difficulty in focusing on tasks or games.
Symptoms of Inattentive Type
The most prominent symptoms of this ADHD subtype are high distractibility and difficulty paying attention the small details. Adults who are inattentive ADHD struggle to complete tasks or projects that require sustained mental effort, such as writing and reading. They may struggle to remember appointments or paying bills, and are more likely to make impulsive 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 problems can persist into adulthood, affecting their relationships, school performance and even their career development.
Inattentive ADHD symptoms include fumbling, difficulty playing quietly or participating in leisure activities, difficulties waiting for their turn, and blurting answers when the questions are not finished. They also tend to be late to classes or meetings and have difficulty staying organized. Inattention ADHD sufferers often have difficulty staying focused at school or at work. They dislike boring meetings and often chew gum or drink coffee to help them through.
A health professional will examine a person to determine if there are any medical or mental conditions which could cause similar symptoms. Then, they'll analyze their behavior in order to determine if the patient is suffering from ADD. This can involve talking to the person's family members, colleagues and teachers and asking to see their behavior in different settings. The health care provider will also inquire about the person's mood as well as recent medical background.
ADHD symptoms adult female , psychostimulants are used to enhance alertness and boost brain signals. Adderall, Ritalin, Concerta and methylphenidates like Strattera (atomoxetine), Qelbree and Ritalin are all examples of these medications. Antidepressants that alter neurotransmitters inside the brain can be prescribed to people with inattentive ADHD to help improve their mood and focus. They may include Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). 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 symptom makes it difficult for them to concentrate on their work or schoolwork and can lead to careless errors. Additionally, they frequently struggle to follow instructions or completing complex tasks. They also struggle to stay focused when playing games or in leisure activities with others. They are often disruptive and disrupt other players during games, discussions or other activities. They may fiddle or squirm with their feet or hands, squirm or pace in their seats or pacing as 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 themselves and are constantly moving and unable to slow down or stop during events such as fairs or a theme parks. They may struggle with organizing tasks, working on projects for a long period of time, or focusing on structured activities or homework.
They have a lack of a sense of accountability and often have a difficult time forming and maintaining friendships. They may also have difficulty managing their emotions, which can result in mood swings and depression. They may also have trouble managing their time and finances, which can make them more prone to financial scams and other frauds.
Many people suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed until adulthood, when their symptoms become more apparent. As children, they might be overlooked by teachers or other adults who were unaware of their issues. ADHD symptoms female adults might have learned to cope with their symptoms and thrived in a supportive environment until they had to face the stresses of pursuing a career or having a family when their problems became more evident. The male-to-female* ratio of diagnosed ADHD is significantly higher in childhood, but the proportions become more similar in adulthood.
People suffering from ADHD frequently discover that certain dietary supplements, such as multiple vitamin, NeurOmega fish oil, GABA or taurine and Brain Vitale or NeuroMemory, can help reduce the irritability and improve memory. Stress management techniques like deep breathing and regular exercise can be beneficial. They should discuss all treatments with their health care provider including non-stimulants and stimulants like Atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) and antidepressants, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin).
Symptoms of Mixed Type
People with combined type ADHD exhibit symptoms of both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive presentations. They are unable to focus on tasks that require mental effort for a long period of time or causing things to stay in their heads like schoolwork, chores, homework, or work. They also make careless mistakes at school, in the workplace, and in their personal lives. Attention and impulse control can lead to an abundance of stress and trouble in relationships.
The signs of this disorder typically manifest at various times in the course of life, and they may vary from mild to severe. 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 sit still, and they may interrupt or take over games or other leisure activities.
Someone who has a mixed manifestation of ADHD may find that some medication helps while others don't. Therefore, it's recommended to test one at each time and analyze the outcomes carefully. Adults who have had this type of presentation since they were teenagers should have their treatment reviewed every six months, particularly if there are any lifestyle changes that may affect the amount of medication needed.
It is important to keep in mind that ADD or ADHD doesn't affect race or ethnicity, nor gender, though it does seem to be more prevalent in those who are assigned males at birth (AMAB). The diagnosis is usually made when adults present with many of the common symptoms in various areas of their lives and are unable to explain them in a satisfactory manner.
There are many ways to deal with ADD in adults, which include medication, lifestyle changes 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 can also be used by adults who do not want to take stimulants, or only require them in a lower dose.
The symptoms of Combined Type
For people with combined type ADHD, the symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity appear together. Symptoms of inattention may be apparent in the form of difficulty sitting still, forgetfulness or difficulty finishing tasks, while hyperactivity and impulsivity may manifest as a lack of concentration, fidgeting and squirming. They may also be able to blurt out answers without waiting for a full answer. They may find it difficult to wait in line or to follow instructions, which can result in frustration and rule-breaking behavior.
Adults who have a combination of ADHD symptoms are often having trouble understanding the social boundaries of an environment, which can lead 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 past history of mood disorders or depression.
Making sure you have a clear diagnosis of ADHD is crucial to determining the most effective treatment plan. Although many adults with ADHD struggle to seek assistance, obtaining the diagnosis can be an empowering experience that gives them the tools they require to manage their symptoms and lead a productive, fulfilling 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 before the age of 12 and persist for a minimum of six months to qualify as ADHD. The symptoms must also be severe enough to affect the performance of a child at the workplace, at school or at home.
Experts aren't entirely sure the reasons ADHD occurs, but they do know that it can be hereditary and that certain genes increase a person's risk of developing the condition. They also recognize that brain chemistry and differences in brain structure can play a role and that some people get the disorder without 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. These treatments are often more effective than medication.