Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Adults with attention deficit disorder are difficult to diagnose and treat. Therapists can assist by examining symptoms and their root causes, educating patients on how to add structure and make behavioural changes and provide medication if necessary.
People suffering from ADD/ADHD experience issues with hyperactivity, inattention, and an impulsive nature. Some of the symptoms 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 difficulty paying attention to the smallest details. Adults with inattention ADHD are unable to complete tasks or projects that require sustained mental effort, like writing and reading. 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 issues can continue throughout their adulthood and impact their relationships, school performance and even their career development.
The signs of inattention ADHD include frequent fidgeting with hands or feet, difficulties taking part in leisure activities without interruption and unable to wait for their turn and answering questions before they are answered. They are also often late to classes or meetings and are unable to stay organized. People with inattention ADHD are often unable to stay focused at school or at work dislike boring meetings and require chewing gum or drink coffee to pass the time.
A health care provider will evaluate a patient to determine if there are any medical or mental conditions that could trigger similar symptoms. Then, they will analyze their behavior in order to determine if the patient has ADD. This can involve talking to the person's family members, colleagues and teachers and asking to see their behavior in various settings. The health professional will also ask about the person's mood and recent medical history.
Psychostimulants are used to increase alertness and streamline brain signals. Adderall, Ritalin, Concerta and methylphenidates like Strattera (atomoxetine), Qelbree and Ritalin are all examples of these medicines. Antidepressants that affect neurotransmitters within the brain, are often prescribed to people suffering from inattentive ADHD to help improve their mood and concentration. They can include Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). Other drugs 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 symptom can make it difficult for people to concentrate on their work or school tasks, and may result in a number of mistakes made by careless people. In addition, they typically have trouble following instructions or completing complex tasks. They also have trouble staying on task while playing games or participating in leisure activities. They can be disruptive and interrupt other people during games, conversations or other activities. They might fiddle or squirm using their hands or feet or squirm 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 struggle to control their own behavior and be constantly moving and unable to slow down or stop during events such as fairs or a theme parks. They may have trouble with managing tasks, finishing long-term tasks or committing to schoolwork or other structured activities.
They have a low sense of accountability and often have a difficult time forming and maintaining friendships. They may also have difficulty controlling their emotions, which could result in mood swings or depression. They might also have issues managing their time and finances, which can make them more susceptible to financial scams and other fraudulent activities.
Many people suffering from ADHD don't receive a diagnosis until adulthood, when their problems 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 learned to cope with their symptoms and thrived in a supportive environment until they had to face the stresses of pursuing a career or raising a family, when their problems 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 dietary supplements can reduce irritability for people suffering from ADHD. These include GABA as well as taurine. GABA fish oil, and Brain Vitale. Stress management techniques like deep breathing and regular exercise can be beneficial. They should discuss all options for treatment with their physician including non-stimulants and stimulants like Atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) and antidepressants like 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 tasks or remembering things like homework, schoolwork, chores or work. They also tend to make mistakes in school, in the workplace and in their private lives. These issues with attention and impulse can cause a lot stress and lead to problems in relationships.
The signs of this condition can vary in severity and can manifest at different stages of life. Being easily distracted, daydreaming and forgetfulness are just a few signs. They also have a tendency to misplace things like homework or keys and a difficulty in working through tasks. They may also have difficulty sitting still and disrupt or take over the activities of leisure or games.
Someone who has a mixed manifestation of ADHD might find that certain medication helps while others don't, so it's best to try one a time and evaluate the outcomes carefully. extreme ADHD symptoms adults who have experienced this presentation since the time they were teenagers should have their treatment reviewed every six months, particularly if there are any changes in their lifestyle that could affect the amount of medication required.
It is important to remember that ADD or ADHD is not a problem of race or ethnicity or gender, though it may affect more people who are assigned males at birth (AMAB). The diagnosis is typically identified when adults exhibit several of the typical symptoms across a variety of areas of their lives, but are unable to explain them in a satisfactory manner.
There are several ways to deal with ADD among adults, including 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 help to increase concentration by increasing the supply of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Non-stimulants are also available and are an ideal choice for those who don't want to take stimulants or need them at a lower dose.
Symptoms of Combined Type
For people with combined type ADHD, the symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity appear together. Inattention symptoms may include forgetfulness, difficulty completing tasks, or having trouble staying still. Hyperactivity and impulsivity may manifest as restlessness, fidgeting or squirming. They are unable to stand in line or follow instructions. This leads to frustration and a tendency to break the rules.
Adults who have an array of ADHD symptoms often also experience difficulties recognizing social boundaries within their environment, leading them to intrude on activities or conversations without considering how others might be feeling about it. They are often struggling with organizing strategies and get overwhelmed by the complexity of projects. Many people suffering from this ADHD also have a past history of mood disorders or depression.
A clear diagnosis is crucial to determine the most effective treatment plan. Although many adults with ADHD struggle to reach out for assistance, obtaining the diagnosis can be an positive experience that provides them with the tools they require 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 have been present before the age of 12 and last for at least six months to be considered ADHD. In addition the symptoms have to be severe enough to affect a person's performance at work, school or at home.
Experts aren't sure the reason ADHD is a common occurrence. However, they do know that it is inherited and certain genes increase the likelihood of becoming affected. They also know that differences in brain structure and brain chemistry play a part, 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. In many instances, these treatments are more effective than medication.