Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Adults with attention deficit disorder are difficult to diagnose and treat. A therapist can help by examining the symptoms and their reasons, and educating patients on how to create structure and alter their behaviour, and offering medication when needed.
People suffering from ADD/ADHD may have difficulties with hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity. Symptoms include forgetfulness and difficulty waiting for their turn, or having difficulty in focusing on tasks or games.
Inattentive Type Symptoms
The most prominent symptoms of this ADHD subtype are high distractibility and difficulty paying attention to the small details. Adults with inattentive ADHD typically have difficulty to finish tasks or complete tasks that require a sustained concentration, such as writing, reading and completing homework. 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. In the end, their issues can persist throughout their adult lives, and may cause issues with relationships, school performance and career advancement.
Inattentive ADHD symptoms include fidgeting, having trouble playing quietly or participating in leisure activities, problems waiting for their turn, and blurting answers before the questions are finished. They are also often late to meetings or classes and are unable to stay organized. ADHD adult female symptoms 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 professional will assess a person to determine if there are any medical or mental conditions that could trigger similar symptoms. Then, they'll use their behavioral history to determine if a person is suffering from ADD. This could involve speaking to the person's parents, teachers and colleagues and asking about their behavior in different settings. The health care provider will also inquire about the person's mood and recent medical history.
Most often, psychostimulants are used to boost alertness and boost brain signals. Adderall, Ritalin, Concerta and methylphenidates such as Strattera (atomoxetine), Qelbree and Ritalin are all examples of these drugs. Antidepressants that affect neurotransmitters within the brain can be prescribed to people with inattentive ADHD in order to enhance their mood and improve their concentration. They can include Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). Other drugs that are not 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 symptom can make it difficult for people to concentrate on their work or school tasks, and could lead to careless mistakes. They also have difficulty following instructions or completing difficult tasks. They also have difficulty staying on track when playing games or in activities of leisure with others. They often interrupt or intrude on other people during conversations or games and are eagerly waiting for their turn. They might fiddle with their feet or hands or squirm in their seats 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 may struggle to control their own behavior and be constantly on the move and are unable to slow down or stop, even at events like fairs or theme park. They may have trouble with organizing tasks, completing long-term tasks or committing to schoolwork or other structured activities.
They typically have a low sense of personal responsibility and may have trouble creating and maintaining relationships. They may also have difficulty controlling their emotions, which could cause mood swings or severe depression. They might also have issues managing their finances and time, which can make them more prone to financial scams or other frauds.
Many people suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed until adulthood when their symptoms become more obvious. Teachers or other adults might have missed their symptoms throughout childhood. They may have sought to alleviate their problems in a safe environment and thrived until they were faced with the pressure of pursuing an occupation or raising a child when their problems became apparent. The male-to-female* ratio of diagnosed ADHD is significantly higher in the early years, but the rate becomes more similar in adulthood.
People with ADHD frequently find that certain dietary supplements, such as multiple vitamin, NeurOmega fish oil, GABA or taurine, and Brain Vitale or NeuroMemory can help to reduce the irritability and improve memory. They can also benefit from stress management techniques like regular exercise and deep breathing. They must discuss with their physician all options for treatment 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 difficulty staying focused on tasks that require a lot of mental effort for a long time or causing things to stick in their minds, such as schoolwork or chores, homework, or work. They also tend to make mistakes in school, at work, and in their personal lives. Attention and control of impulses can cause a lot of stress and difficulty in relationships.
The symptoms of this condition typically appear at different times in life and range from mild to severe. They may include daydreaming and becoming easily distracted from their thoughts, which may lead to an inability to remember things; a tendency lose things, like homework or keys; and difficulties following through on tasks. They might also have trouble staying still and may interfere with the activities of leisure or games.
Someone with a mixed presentation of ADHD may find that some medication helps while others don't, so it's best to try one an time and then evaluate the results carefully. Adults with this type of presentation who have been taking medications since they were teens should be able to review their treatment every six months, and particularly when they make any changes to their lifestyle that could alter the amount of medication required.
It is important to remember that ADD or ADHD is not a problem of race, ethnicity, or gender, but it is believed to be more prevalent in those who are assigned a male at birth (AMAB). Adults who show several symptoms but are unable to explain them are usually diagnosed.
There are several ways to deal with ADD among adults, including medications, 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 boost concentration by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. Non-stimulants are also readily available and can be a good choice for adults who do not want to take stimulants or require them at less of a dose.
Symptoms of Combined Type
For people with combined type ADHD, the symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity appear together. The signs of inattention could be apparent in the form of difficulty sitting still, forgetfulness, or having trouble finishing tasks and impulsivity, hyperactivity can manifest as a lack of concentration, fidgeting, squirming or blurting out answers without waiting for a full answer. ADHD symptoms in adults quiz are unable to stand in line or follow directions. This can result in frustration and rule-breaking behaviors.
Adults with a combination ADHD symptoms usually have trouble reading social boundaries in an environment, which can lead them to disrupt conversations or activities. They do this without considering what others might think. They are often struggling in organising their strategies and become overwhelmed by complex projects. Many people suffering from this ADHD also have a previous history of depression or mood disorders.
Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD is key to identifying the most effective treatment strategy. Many adults with ADHD are reluctant to seek assistance. However, a diagnosis can empower them and provide 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 be present prior to the age of 12 and last for at least six month to qualify as ADHD. In addition the symptoms have to be severe enough to hinder a person's performance at work, school or at home.
Experts do not fully understand the reason ADHD is a common occurrence. However, they know that it is hereditary and certain genes increase the chance of someone being diagnosed with the disorder. They also know that brain structure and brain chemistry play a part 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.