Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Adults with attention deficit disorder can be difficult to identify and treat. A therapist can assist by examining the signs and root causes, and then teaching the patient how to structure their lives, make behavioural modifications, and offering medication when needed.
People with ADD/ADHD have problems with hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity. Symptoms include forgetfulness and difficulty in waiting for their turn, or difficulty working on tasks or games.
Inattentive Type Symptoms
The defining symptoms of this ADHD subtype include high distraction and difficulty paying attention the small details. Adults who are inattentive ADHD struggle to complete tasks or projects that require constant mental effort, like writing and reading. They may have trouble remembering appointments or paying their bills and are susceptible to making impulsive mistakes at the workplace 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. In the end, the symptoms of inattentive ADHD can last throughout their adult lives, and may cause issues with relationships as well as school performance and career advancement.
The signs of inattention ADHD include the habit of fidgeting with your hands or feet, difficulties playing or engaging in leisure activities at a relaxed pace, trouble waiting for their turn and answering questions before they are completed. They also have trouble staying organized at home and work and are often late for classes or meetings. Those with inattentive ADHD often have trouble staying focused during work or school are bored at meetings and require chewing gum or drink coffee to get through them.
A medical professional will evaluate the person for any possible mental health issues or medical conditions that may cause similar symptoms. Then, they will examine their behavior to identify if they have ADD. This can involve talking to the person's family members, teachers and colleagues, and asking about their behavior in different situations. signs and symptoms of ADHD in adults may also inquire about the individual's mood and recent medical history.
Most often, psychostimulants are used to boost alertness and improve brain signals. Adderall, Ritalin, Concerta and methylphenidates such as Strattera (atomoxetine), Qelbree and Ritalin are just a few examples of these drugs. Antidepressants that affect neurotransmitters within the brain, are also sometimes prescribed to those suffering from inattentive ADHD to improve their mood and 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 condition can make it difficult for people to focus on their schoolwork or job tasks, and may lead to careless mistakes. They also have difficulty following directions or completing complex tasks. They also struggle to stay on task while playing games or engaging in leisure activities. They are often disruptive and interrupt others during games, conversations or other activities. They might fiddle or squirm with their hands or feet, squirm or pace in their seats or pacing while 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 have trouble with self-control and can often be constantly on the move, unable to stop or slow down, even when they're at organized events like fairs and theme parks. They may have trouble managing tasks, completing projects for a long period of time or applying themselves to structured activities or homework.
They usually have a weak sense of their personal responsibility and experience difficulty making and keeping friends. They may also have difficulty managing their emotions, which can result in mood swings and depression. They may also have difficulty managing their finances and time, which can make them more susceptible to financial scams and other frauds.
Many people with ADHD do not receive a diagnosis until adulthood, when their problems become more evident. Teachers and other adults could have missed their symptoms during their childhood. They may have adapted to compensate for their symptoms and thrived in a supportive environment until they had to face the stresses of pursuing a career or raising a family, which is when their issues became more apparent. In the early years, the male-to-female* ADHD ratio is higher. However, it becomes more equal as they grow older.
Certain nutritional supplements can help reduce the irritability of people suffering from ADHD. These include GABA, taurine, GABA fish oil, and Brain Vitale. They can also benefit from stress management techniques, such as regular exercises and deep breathing. They should discuss all treatment options with their physician including non-stimulants and stimulants such as 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 have trouble focusing on long-term mental activities or recalling important things, like schoolwork, homework, chores or work. They tend to make careless mistakes at work, school as well as in their personal lives. These issues with attention and impulse can cause stress and can lead to difficulties in relationships.
The symptoms of this condition typically occur at various times in the course of life and range from mild to severe. They include daydreaming and being easily distracted from their own thoughts, which can lead to forgetfulness; a tendency to lose things like homework or keys; and difficulties following through on their tasks. They also have a difficult time sitting still, and they can disrupt or take over games or other activities.
It is important to assess the results of each drug carefully if you have a mixed presentation. Adults who have had this presentation since they were teenagers should have their treatment evaluated every six months, and especially when there are any changes in their lifestyle that could affect the amount of medication needed.
It is important to remember that ADD or ADHD does not affect race, ethnicity, or gender, though it is believed to be more prevalent in those who are assigned male at birth (AMAB). Adults who show various symptoms and cannot explain them are usually diagnosed.
There are several ways to manage ADD for adults, such as lifestyle changes, medication 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 levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Non-stimulants are also available and are an excellent option for adults who don't want to take stimulants or need them at lower doses.
Symptoms of Combined Type
For people with combined type ADHD, the symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity appear together. Inattention symptoms can include forgetfulness, difficulty completing tasks or having difficulty staying still. Impulsivity and hyperactivity can manifest as a lack of concentration, fidgeting or squirming. They often have a difficult time to stand in line or to follow instructions, which can result in frustration and behavior that is contrary to the rules.
Adults who suffer from a mix of ADHD symptoms also often have difficulties reading situational social boundaries and can be seen to intrude on conversations or activities without considering how others might be feeling about it. They tend to have difficulty organizing their thoughts and are overwhelmed by complex projects. In a lot of cases, people who exhibit this ADHD appearance also have a history of depression or other mood disorders.
Making sure you have a clear diagnosis of ADHD is key to identifying the most effective treatment plan. While many people with ADHD struggle to reach out for assistance, obtaining the diagnosis can be an positive 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 be present prior to the age of 12 and last for a minimum of six months to be considered ADHD. The symptoms must be severe enough to affect the performance of a child at the workplace, at school or at home.
Experts aren't sure why ADHD occurs, but they do know that it can be inherited and that certain genes can increase the risk of developing the condition. They also recognize that differences in brain structure and brain chemistry play a part 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 cases, these treatments are more effective than medications.