Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Attention deficit disorder in adults can be challenging to identify and manage. Therapists can help by examining the signs and causes, teaching the patient how to build structure, make behavioural modifications, and offering medication when needed.
People with ADD/ADHD have problems with hyperactivity, inattention, and the tendency to be impulsive. Symptoms may include problems with forgetfulness, trouble waiting for their turn, and difficulties concentrating on tasks or playing games.
Signs of Inattentive Type
This type of ADHD is distinguished by a high degree of distraction and a lack of focus on the smallest details. Adults with inattention ADHD struggle to complete tasks or projects that require continuous mental effort, such as writing and reading. They may have difficulty remembering appointments or paying bills and are prone to making careless 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. This means that the symptoms of inattentive ADHD can last throughout their adult lives and interfere with relationships, school performance, and career advancement.
Inattentive ADHD symptoms include fumbling, difficulty playing quietly or participating in leisure activities, problems waiting for their turn, and blurting answers before the questions are completed. They also have trouble staying organized at home and at work, and are often late for classes or meetings. People with inattention ADHD often have trouble staying focused during work or school are bored at meetings and need to chew gum or sip coffee to pass the time.
A health professional will assess the patient for potential mental health issues or medical conditions that could 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, colleagues and teachers and asking them to observe their behavior in different settings. The health professional may also inquire about the person's mood and their recent medical history.
Most often, psychostimulants are used to enhance alertness and streamline 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 in the brain, are often prescribed to people suffering from inattentive ADHD to improve their mood and focus. They may include Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). Other medications that aren't 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 can make it difficult for people to concentrate on their studies or work tasks, and may lead to careless mistakes. In addition, they typically have trouble following instructions or completing complicated tasks. They also struggle to stay on track when playing games or in leisure activities with other people. They often interrupt or interfere on conversations, games or other activities and are eagerly waiting for their turn. They might fiddle or squirm with their feet or hands or squirm in their seats or pacing as they talk or listen.
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 frequently be in a hurry and unable to stop or slow down, even if they're at organized events like fairs or theme parks. They may have difficulty with managing tasks, completing projects for a long period of time or applying themselves to scheduled tasks or homework.
They have a lack of a sense of responsibility and frequently struggle to form and maintain friendships. They may also have issues managing their emotions, which could result in mood swings and severe depression. They might also have issues managing their finances and time which could make them more susceptible to financial scams or other frauds.
Many people suffering from ADHD don't get a diagnosis until they reach adulthood, when their issues become more apparent. 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 problems in a safe environment and flourished until they had to face the pressure of finding a job or raising a child, when their issues became apparent. In childhood, the male-to-female* ADHD ratio is higher. However it is more even as they grow older.
Certain supplements in the diet can help reduce irritability for people suffering from ADHD. These include GABA and taurine, GABA fish oil and Brain Vitale. They can also benefit from techniques for managing stress like regular exercise and deep breathing. They should discuss all treatment options with their health care provider which includes stimulants and non-stimulants such as atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) and antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin).
Signs of Mixed Type
People with combined type ADHD exhibit symptoms of both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive presentations. They have difficulty staying focused 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 a lot of mistakes at school, at work, and in their personal lives. The issues with attention and impulse control can result in lots of stress and tension in relationships.
The symptoms of this condition can vary in severity and can manifest at various stages of life. Being easily distracted, daydreaming and forgetfulness are a few signs. They also include a tendency to misplace things like keys or homework, and having difficulty working through tasks. They also struggle to stay still and may interfere with or even take over games or other leisure activities.
A person with a mixed presentation of ADHD may find that certain medication helps while others don't, so it's recommended to test one at a time and evaluate the outcomes carefully. Adults who have had this presentation since the time they were teenagers should have their treatment evaluated every six months, especially when there are any lifestyle changes that could impact the amount of medication required.
It is important to know that ADD and ADHD do not impact race, gender, ethnicity or age. However, it does appear to be more prevalent in those who were categorized as male at birth. The diagnosis is usually made when adults present with various of the typical symptoms in several aspects of their lives but are unable to explain them in a satisfactory manner.
There are a variety of ways to treat and manage ADD in adults, such as behavioral therapy, lifestyle changes, and medication. 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 help to increase concentration by increasing the amount of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. Non-stimulants are also readily available and are an ideal choice for those who aren't keen on taking stimulants or need 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. Inattention symptoms can be apparent as a struggle to sit still, forgetfulness or difficulty finishing tasks as well as impulsivity and hyperactivity. can manifest as a lack of concentration, fidgeting or squirming, or blurting out answers without waiting for a full question. They often find it difficult to stand in line or to follow instructions, leading to frustration and behavior that is contrary to the rules.
Adults with an array of ADHD symptoms often also experience difficulty recognizing social boundaries in a situation, leading them to intrude into conversations or activities without considering how others might feel about it. They are often struggling with organizing strategies and get overwhelmed by complex projects. In many cases, people with this ADHD presentation may also be suffering from depression or other mood disorders.
A clear diagnosis is crucial to determine the best treatment plan. Many people suffering from ADHD are hesitant to seek assistance. However the diagnosis can empower them and provide them the tools 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 months in order to qualify as an ADHD diagnosis. this hyperlink must be severe enough to negatively impact the performance of a child at school, at work or at home.
Experts do not fully understand why ADHD is a common occurrence. However, they do know that it is genetic and certain genes increase the chance of someone being diagnosed with the disorder. They also recognize that differences in brain structure and the brain's chemical makeup play a role in the development of ADHD, and that some people 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. These treatments are typically more effective than medication.