Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Adults with attention deficit disorder can be difficult to diagnose and treat. Therapists can help by analyzing the signs and causes, educating the patient on how to build structure and behavioral changes, and offering medication when needed.
People with ADD/ADHD experience difficulties with hyperactivity, inattention and the tendency to be impulsive. Symptoms include forgetfulness, difficulty waiting for their turn, or difficulty working on tasks or games.
The Signs of Inattention Type
This type of ADHD is distinguished by a high level of distraction, and a difficulty in paying attention to the smallest details. Adults with inattention ADHD often find it hard to finish tasks or complete projects that require constant mental effort, like writing, reading and completing homework. They may have difficulty remembering appointments or paying their bills and are prone making careless errors in work 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. The issues they face can last into adulthood and affect their relationships, school performance, and their career progression.
Inattention ADHD symptoms include fidgeting, having trouble engaging in leisure activities, problems waiting for their turn, and blurting out answers before the questions are finished. They also have trouble staying organized at home and work, and are often late for classes or meetings. Those with inattentive ADHD are often unable to stay focused during work or school dislike boring meetings and have to chew gum or drink coffee to pass the time.
A health care provider will examine the person for possible mental health or medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms. They will then examine their behavior to determine if they suffer from ADD. This could involve speaking to the person's family, teachers and colleagues and asking about their behavior in various settings. The health care provider may also ask about the person’s mood and medical history.
Most often, psychostimulants are used to boost alertness and streamline brain signals. Adderall, Ritalin, Concerta and methylphenidates, such as Strattera (atomoxetine), Qelbree and Ritalin are a few examples of these drugs. Antidepressants that alter neurotransmitters inside the brain are sometimes prescribed to people with inattentive ADHD in order to enhance their mood and improve their concentration. They may include Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). Other medications that aren't stimulants can 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 symptom can make it difficult for people to focus on their work or school tasks, and could result in a number of mistakes made by careless people. Additionally, they frequently have trouble following instructions or completing complex tasks. They also have trouble staying on task while playing games or engaging in leisure activities. They can be disruptive and interrupt others during games, conversations or other activities. They might fiddle or squirm using their hands or feet or squirm or move 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 struggle with self-control and may frequently be in a hurry and unable to stop or slow down, even if they're at organized events such as fairs or theme parks. They may have difficulty with organizing tasks, completing projects for a long period of time, or focusing on scheduled tasks or homework.
They often have a poor sense of personal responsibility and have difficulties making and maintaining friendships. They may also have difficulties controlling their emotions, which could result in mood swings or depression. They might also have issues managing their time and finances which could make them more susceptible to financial scams and other frauds.
ADHD symptoms in adult men suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed until adulthood, when their symptoms become more obvious. As children, they might be overlooked by teachers or other adults who were unaware of their symptoms. They could have reacted to their problems in a supportive atmosphere and flourished until they were faced with the pressure of pursuing an occupation or raising a child when their problems became apparent. In the early years, the male-to-female* ADHD ratio is higher. However it becomes more equal when they reach adulthood.
Certain dietary supplements can reduce irritability in people with ADHD. These include GABA, taurine, GABA fish oil, and Brain Vitale. Stress management techniques like deep breathing and regular exercise can be beneficial. They should discuss all treatment options with their physician including non-stimulants and stimulants like Atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) and antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin).
Mixed Type Symptoms
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, such as schoolwork, homework, chores or work. They also make careless mistakes at school, at work and in their private lives. Attention and control of impulses can cause a lot of stress and trouble in relationships.
The symptoms of this condition can vary in severity and can manifest at different times in life. They can be characterized by daydreaming and being easily distracted from their own thoughts, which can cause forgetfulness; a tendency to lose things like keys or homework and having trouble focusing on their tasks. They might also have trouble staying still and may disrupt or take over leisure activities or games.
It is crucial to analyze the results of each drug carefully if you have an unbalanced presentation. Adults who have had this presentation since they were teenagers should have their treatment reviewed every six months, and especially if there are any changes in their lifestyle that could affect the amount of medication required.
It is crucial to remember that ADD or ADHD does not affect race, ethnicity, or gender, but it is believed to be more prevalent in those who are assigned males at birth (AMAB). The diagnosis is typically made when adults present with various of the typical symptoms across a variety of areas of their lives and are unable to explain them in a satisfactory manner.
There are a variety of ways to deal with ADD in adults, which include 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 improve concentration by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. Non-stimulants can also be used by adults who do not want to use stimulants, or who only require them in a small dose.
The symptoms of Combined Type
For people with combined type ADHD, the symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity appear together. Inattention symptoms may include forgetfulness, difficulties completing tasks or having difficulty being still. Hyperactivity and impulsivity can manifest as restlessness, fidgeting or squirming. They have a difficult time learning to wait in lines or follow directions. adult ADHD symptoms men can result in frustration and rule-breaking behaviors.
Adults with a combination of ADHD symptoms often also experience difficulties recognizing social boundaries within their environment which can lead them to encroach on conversations or activities without considering how others might think about it. They are often struggling with organizing strategies and get overwhelmed by complex projects. Many people who suffer from this ADHD also have a past history of mood disorders or depression.
A proper diagnosis of ADHD is essential to determine the most effective treatment strategy. While many adults who have 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 lead a 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. The symptoms must be present before the age of 12 and last for at least six months to be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis. The symptoms must also be severe enough to impact the student's performance at the workplace, at school or at home.
Experts aren't sure the reason ADHD occurs. However, they know that it is genetic and certain genes increase the chance of someone becoming affected. They also are aware that brain chemistry as well as variations in the structure of the brain are a factor and that some people suffer from the disorder without having 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. These treatments are typically more effective than medication.