Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Adults suffering from attention deficit disorder are difficult to identify and treat. A therapist can help by examining the symptoms and their root causes, educating patients on how to create structure and make behavioural changes, and offering medication when necessary.
People with ADD/ADHD experience difficulties with inattention, hyperactivity, and the tendency to be impulsive. The symptoms could include memory loss, trouble waiting for their turn and trouble concentrating on work or playing games.
Signs of Inattentive Type
This subtype of ADHD is distinguished by a high degree of distraction and a lack of focus on tiny details. Adults with inattention ADHD are unable to complete tasks or projects that require sustained mental effort, such as writing and reading. They may have trouble remembering appointments or paying bills and are prone to making careless mistakes in their daily or personal 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 issues can continue throughout their adulthood and impact their relationships, school performance and career advancement.
The signs of inattention ADHD include frequent fidgeting with hands or feet, difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities at a relaxed pace as well as difficulty waiting for their turn and blurting out answers before questions are finished. They also have trouble staying organized at home and at work and are often late for classes or meetings. Inattention ADHD sufferers often have difficulty staying focused at school or at work. They are not a fan of boring meetings and often chew gum or drink coffee to help them through.
A health care provider will assess the patient for any possible mental health issues or medical conditions that may cause similar symptoms. They will then examine their behavior to identify if they have ADD. You can request to observe the person's behavior in various situations by speaking to their parents as well as teachers and colleagues. The health professional may also inquire about the person's mood and recent medical history.
The most commonly prescribed medications for inattention ADHD are psychostimulants that improve signals sent to the brain and improve alertness. They include amphetamines, such as Adderall, Ritalin and Concerta and methylphenidates, such as Strattera (atomoxetine) and Qelbree (viloxazine). Antidepressants that affect neurotransmitters in the brain are sometimes prescribed to people suffering from inattention ADHD to help improve their mood and focus. They could include Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). Non-stimulant drugs can also 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 makes it difficult to focus on work or school assignments and may result in careless errors. In addition, they often struggle to follow instructions or completing complex tasks. They also struggle to stay focused while playing games or taking part in leisure activities. They often interrupt or interfere on other people during conversations or games and can't wait for their turn. They might fiddle with their feet or hands, squirm in 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 struggle to control themselves and be constantly on the move and are unable to slow down or stop at fairs or theme parks. They may have difficulty with managing tasks, completing projects over a long time, or working on structured activities or homework.
They lack a sense of responsibility and often have a difficult time forming and maintaining friendships. They may also have difficulty managing their emotions, which can lead them to mood swings or depression. They may also have trouble managing their finances and time, which can make it easier for them to fall victim to scams in the financial industry.
Many people who suffer from ADHD are not diagnosed until adulthood when their symptoms become more obvious. Teachers and other adults could have missed their symptoms throughout childhood. They might have learned to manage their symptoms and thrived in a supportive environment until they encountered the pressures of working or raising a family, which is when their issues became more evident. In childhood, the male-to-female* ADHD ratio is higher. However it is more even in adulthood.
Certain nutritional supplements can help reduce irritability for people suffering from ADHD. These include GABA, taurine, GABA fish oil and Brain Vitale. They can also benefit from stress management techniques that include regular exercise and deep breathing. They should discuss all treatments with their doctor which includes stimulants and non-stimulants like atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) and antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin).
Signs of Mixed Type
People with combined type ADHD exhibit symptoms of both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive presentations. They have difficulty focusing on long-term mental tasks or remembering things like chores, schoolwork, homework or work. They are prone to making careless mistakes at work, school and even in their personal life. The issues with attention and control of impulses can cause a lot of stress and trouble in relationships.
The symptoms of this disorder can vary in severity and appear at various stages of life. They include daydreaming and being easily distracted from their thoughts, which can lead to forgetfulness; a tendency to lose things, such as keys or homework and having trouble focusing on their tasks. They may also have difficulty staying still and may interfere with leisure activities or games.
It is important to assess the results of each drug carefully if you have mixed presentation. Adults who have this presentation and have been taking medication since they were teens should have a look at their treatment every six months, and especially after any changes in lifestyle that may alter the dosage of medication required.
It is important to note that ADD and ADHD are not influenced by race, gender, ethnicity or age. However it is believed that it will be more prevalent in those who were assigned male at birth. The diagnosis is usually made when adults present with several of the typical symptoms across a variety of areas of their lives and can't explain them satisfactorily.
There are several ways to manage ADD in adults, which include medication, 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 are a good choice for adults who do not want to take stimulants or need them at a lower dose.
The 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 in the form of difficulty sitting still, forgetfulness, or having trouble finishing tasks, while hyperactivity and impulsivity can manifest as fidgeting, restlessness and squirming. They may also be able to blurt out answers without waiting for the complete question. They often find it difficult to wait in line or to follow instructions, leading to frustration and rule-breaking behavior.
Adults who suffer from an array of ADHD symptoms often also experience difficulties reading situational social boundaries which can lead them to encroach into conversations or activities without thinking about how others feel about it. They often have trouble organizing their thoughts and are overwhelmed by large-scale projects. Many people suffering from this ADHD also have a previous history of depression or mood disorders.
A clear diagnosis is crucial to determine the most effective treatment plan. While many people with ADHD struggle to seek help, receiving a diagnosis can be an positive experience that provides them with the tools they need 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. These symptoms must have been present before the age of 12 and persist for at least six month to be considered ADHD. The symptoms must also be severe enough to impact the student's performance at school, at work or at home.
Experts do not fully understand why ADHD is a common occurrence. However, they know that it is inherited and certain genes increase the risk of someone becoming affected. They also know that brain chemistry and differences in brain structure are a factor in the development of the disorder, and that some individuals get the disorder without any 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 adult symptoms of ADHD , these treatments are more effective than medications.