Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Adults suffering from attention deficit disorder can be difficult to diagnose and treat. A therapist can assist by analyzing the signs and causes, educating the patient on how to structure their lives and behavioral changes and offer medication if needed.
People with ADD/ADHD experience difficulties with inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It is evident by the lack of memory, 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 trouble paying attention to particulars. Adults who have inattention ADHD typically have difficulty to complete tasks or tasks that require a sustained mental effort, such as reading, writing and doing homework. They may have difficulty remembering 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, affecting their relationships, school performance, and even their career development.
Symptoms of inattentive ADHD include frequent fidgeting with hands and feet, difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities at a relaxed pace and unable to wait for their turn, and answering questions in a hurry before they are completed. They also have trouble staying organized at home and work and are often late for classes or meetings. Inattentive ADHD sufferers often have trouble 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 professional will examine a person to determine if they have any mental health or medical illnesses that may cause similar symptoms. Then, they will use their behavioral history in order to determine if the patient has ADD. This may involve speaking with the person's family, colleagues and teachers and asking to see their behavior in different situations. The health care provider may also inquire about the individual's mood and their recent medical history.
The most commonly prescribed medications for inattentive ADHD are psychostimulants that improve the brain's signals and improve alertness. Adderall, Ritalin, Concerta and methylphenidates such as Strattera (atomoxetine), Qelbree and Ritalin are a few examples of these drugs. Antidepressants that affect neurotransmitters within the brain, are also sometimes prescribed for people with inattention ADHD to improve their mood and concentration. They could include Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). 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 symptom makes it difficult for them to concentrate on work or school assignments and may result in careless errors. Additionally, they frequently have trouble following instructions or completing complex tasks. They also have trouble staying on task while playing games or participating in leisure activities. They often interrupt or intrude on others during conversations, games or other activities and are eagerly waiting for their turn. They might squirm or fiddle using their hands or feet, 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 be unable to control themselves and be constantly moving and unable to slow down or stop at events like fairs or theme parks. They may have difficulty with organizing tasks, completing projects for a long period of time, or focusing on scheduled tasks or homework.
They have a lack of a sense of accountability and often struggle to form and maintain friendships. They may also have issues managing their emotions, which can result in mood swings and extreme depression. They may also have difficulty managing their time and finances which could make it easier for them to fall victim to financial scams.
Many people with 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 weren't aware of their problems. They may have sought to alleviate their symptoms in a supportive atmosphere and thrived until they were confronted with the pressure of pursuing an occupation or raising a child which is when their issues became evident. In the beginning, the male-to female* ADHD ratio is higher. However it is more even when they reach adulthood.
Certain nutritional supplements can help reduce irritability in people with ADHD. These include GABA, taurine, GABA fish oil and Brain Vitale. Stress management techniques such as deep breathing and regular exercise can be beneficial. They should discuss all options for treatment with their doctor including non-stimulants and 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 are unable to focus on tasks that require mental effort for a long time or causing things to stick in their minds, such as schoolwork or homework, chores or work. They tend to make impulsive mistakes in school, at work and even in their personal life. These attention and impulse problems can create a lot of stress and can lead to relationship difficulties.
The signs of this disorder typically manifest at different times in life, and they may vary from mild to severe. Daydreaming, being easily distracted and forgetfulness are a few symptoms. They also include the tendency to lose things like keys or homework and a difficulty in keeping track of tasks. They also have a difficult time sitting still, and they can interrupt or take over games or other leisure activities.
A person with a mixed presentation of ADHD may find that certain medications help and others don't. Therefore, it's recommended to test one at an time and then evaluate the results carefully. Adults who have this presentation and have been taking medications since the age of a teenager should get a review of their treatment every 6 months, and in particular after any lifestyle changes that might alter the dosage of medication required.
It is important to note that ADD and ADHD do not affect race or gender, ethnicity, or age. However it is believed that it will be more prevalent in those who were deemed male at birth. The diagnosis is typically made when adults present with several of the typical symptoms in several areas of their lives, but cannot explain them clearly.
There are a variety of ways to treat and manage ADD in adults, such as behavior therapy, lifestyle modifications 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 increase concentration by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. There are also non-stimulants available and are an ideal choice for those who don't want to take stimulants or require them at a lower dose.
Signs and symptoms of Combined Type
For people with combined type ADHD, the symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity appear together. severe ADHD symptoms adults of inattention could be apparent as a struggle to sit still, forgetfulness, or having trouble finishing tasks, while hyperactivity and impulsivity may manifest as a lack of concentration, fidgeting or squirming, or blurting out answers without waiting for the complete question. They often have a difficult time to stay in line or to follow instructions, which can result in frustration and a tendency to break the rules.
Adults with a combination ADHD symptoms usually have trouble understanding social boundaries in an environment which could cause them to disrupt conversations or activities. They do this without thinking about the feelings of others. They are more likely to have a hard to organize their lives and are often overwhelmed by large-scale projects. In many cases, people with this ADHD presentation also have a history of depression or other mood disorders.
Making sure you have a clear diagnosis of ADHD is crucial to determining the most effective treatment strategy. Although many adults with ADHD struggle to seek assistance, getting an accurate diagnosis can be a positive experience that provides them with the tools needed to manage their symptoms and lead 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. The symptoms must be present prior to the age of 12 and last for at least six months in order to qualify as an ADHD diagnosis. Additionally, the symptoms must be severe enough to affect the person's performance at work, school or at home.
Experts aren't entirely sure the reason ADHD occurs. However, they do know that it is genetic and certain genes increase the chance of someone being diagnosed with the disorder. They also know that brain structure and the brain's chemical makeup 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 treatments are often more effective than medication.