Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Adults with attention deficit disorder are difficult to diagnose and treat. Therapists can assist by examining symptoms and reasons, and educating patients on how to create structure and change their behavior and provide medication if required.
People suffering from ADD/ADHD have issues with hyperactivity, inattention and an impulsiveness. The symptoms could include forgetfulness, trouble waiting for their turn, and difficulty concentrating on tasks or playing games.
Inattentive Type Symptoms
The defining symptoms of this ADHD subtype include high distraction and difficulty paying attention particulars. Adults who have inattention ADHD frequently find it difficult to complete tasks or tasks that require a sustained mental effort, such as reading, writing and doing homework. They may struggle to remember appointments or paying their bills and are prone making careless mistakes at work or at home.
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 their career progression.
Symptoms of inattentive ADHD include frequent fidgeting with hands or feet, difficulty engaging in leisure activities quietly and unable to wait for their turn and blurting out answers before questions are answered. They also tend to be late to meetings or classes and struggle to stay organized. Inattentive ADHD sufferers often have a hard time 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 evaluate a patient to determine if there are any mental health or medical illnesses that may cause similar symptoms. Then, they will use their behavioral history to determine if the person has ADD. You can ask to see 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 inquire about the person's mood as well as recent medical history.
Most commonly, psychostimulants are used to increase alertness and streamline brain signals. These include amphetamines like Adderall, Ritalin and Concerta and methylphenidates such as Strattera (atomoxetine) and Qelbree (viloxazine). Antidepressants that alter neurotransmitters inside the brain are sometimes prescribed to people suffering from inattention ADHD in order to improve their mood and concentration. Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor, (venlafaxine) are two examples. Other drugs that are not 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 can make it difficult for people to focus on their studies or work tasks, and can result in a number of mistakes made by careless people. In addition, they often struggle to follow instructions or completing complex tasks. They also have difficulty staying focused when playing games or in activities of leisure with others. They often disrupt and interrupt other players during games, discussions or other activities. They might fiddle with their feet or hands or even squirm their seat or walk around 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 may be unable to control their own behavior and be constantly moving and are unable to slow down or stop at fairs or theme park. They may have difficulties managing tasks, finishing long-term tasks or committing to homework or other planned activities.
They have a lack of a sense of accountability and often have difficulty making and keeping friendships. They may also have trouble managing their emotions, which can cause mood swings and depression. They may also have trouble managing their time and finances, which can make them more vulnerable to financial scams and other frauds.
Many people with ADHD are not diagnosed until they reach adulthood when their symptoms become more apparent. Teachers and other adults could have missed their symptoms throughout childhood. They may have sought to alleviate their issues in a supportive environment and thrived until they had to face the stress 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 significantly higher in childhood, but the ratio becomes more comparable as they reach adulthood.
People suffering from ADHD typically find that certain dietary supplements, like multiple vitamin, NeurOmega fish oil, GABA or taurine and Brain Vitale or NeuroMemory can help to reduce irritability and improve memory. They can also benefit from stress management techniques like regular exercises and deep breathing. They should discuss all treatment options with their physician which includes stimulants and non-stimulants like Atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) and antidepressants such as bupropion (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 heads for example, schoolwork chores, homework, or work. They also tend to make careless mistakes at school, in the workplace, and in their personal lives. The issues with attention and impulse control can lead to lots of stress and trouble in relationships.
The signs of this disorder typically appear at various times in the course of life and range from mild to severe. The ability to be easily distracted, daydreaming, and forgetfulness are all signs. symptoms of inattentive ADHD in adults have the tendency to lose things like homework or keys, and having difficulty following through with tasks. They also have a difficult time sitting still, and they may disrupt or take over games or other activities.
It is crucial to analyze the effects of each medication carefully when you have mixed presentation. Adults who have had this presentation since they were teenagers should have their treatment reviewed every six months, particularly in the event of any lifestyle changes that may impact the amount of medication needed.
It is crucial to remember that ADD or ADHD doesn't affect race or ethnicity, nor gender, but it may be more prevalent in those who are assigned male at birth (AMAB). Adults who present with a number of symptoms that are not explained are typically diagnosed.
There are a variety of ways to manage and treat ADD in adults, such as lifestyle modification, behavior therapy 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 assist in increasing concentration by increasing the supply of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. Non-stimulants are also available and can be an excellent option for adults who do not want to take stimulants or require them at less of a dose.
Signs and 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 as a struggle to sit still, forgetfulness, or having trouble finishing tasks and impulsivity, hyperactivity can manifest as restlessness, fidgeting or squirming, or blurting out answers without waiting for a complete question. They often have a difficult time to wait in line or follow directions, which can lead to frustration and behavior that is contrary to the rules.
Adults with a combination ADHD symptoms usually have trouble understanding the social boundaries of the context of a particular situation, which can lead them to disrupt conversations or activities. They do this without thinking about the feelings of others. They are more likely to have a hard working with organizational strategies and tend to get overwhelmed easily by complex projects. Many people who suffer from this ADHD also have a history of depression or mood disorders.
A correct diagnosis is crucial for determining the best treatment plan. While many people with ADHD struggle to reach out for assistance, obtaining a diagnosis can be an inspiring experience that provides them with the tools they need 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 a minimum of six months to qualify as ADHD. The symptoms must be severe enough to negatively impact the student's performance at the workplace, at school or at home.
Experts aren't sure why ADHD occurs but they do know that it can be genetic and that certain genes increase the likelihood of developing the disorder. They also know that differences in brain structure and the brain's chemical makeup play a role, and that some people get the disorder on their own, 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 treatments are typically more effective than medication.