Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Adults with attention deficit disorder can be difficult to identify and treat. Therapists can assist by examining symptoms and causes, teaching patients ways to add structure and make behavioural changes and offer medication when necessary.
People suffering from ADD/ADHD experience issues with hyperactivity, inattention, and the tendency to be impulsive. Symptoms may include problems with forgetfulness, difficulty waiting for their turn and difficulties concentrating on tasks or playing games.
Inattention Type symptoms
This subtype of ADHD is characterized by a high level of distraction, and difficulty paying attention to tiny details. Adults who have inattention ADHD typically have difficulty to complete tasks or projects that require constant mental effort, like writing, reading or doing homework. They may have trouble remembering appointments or paying their bills, and are susceptible to making impulsive 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. In the end, their problems may persist throughout their adult lives and cause problems with relationships, school performance, and career advancement.
The signs of inattention ADHD include the habit of fidgeting with your hands or feet, difficulties engaging in leisure activities at a relaxed pace as well as difficulty waiting for their turn, and answering questions in a hurry before they are finished. They also are often late to meetings or classes and struggle to stay organized. Inattention ADHD sufferers often have a hard time 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 professional will evaluate the person for possible mental health or medical conditions that may cause similar symptoms and then analyze their behavior history to determine if they suffer from ADD. This could involve speaking to the person's parents, teachers and colleagues and asking to see their behavior in different settings. The health care provider will also inquire about the person's mood and recent medical background.
The most common medications for inattention ADHD are psychostimulants that streamline signals sent to the brain and improve alertness. 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 often prescribed to people suffering from inattentive ADHD to improve their mood and focus. Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor, (venlafaxine) are two examples. 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 makes it difficult to focus on work or school assignments and can lead to careless mistakes. In addition, they typically have trouble following instructions or completing complicated tasks. They also struggle to stay focused while playing games or taking part in leisure activities. They frequently interrupt or interfere on other people during conversations, games or other activities and are eagerly waiting for their turn. They might fiddle or squirm using their hands or feet or squirm 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 may have difficulty controlling themselves and be constantly moving and unable to slow down or stop at fairs or theme park. They may have trouble organizing tasks, completing projects for a long period of time, or working on scheduled tasks or homework.
They lack a sense of responsibility and frequently have a difficult time forming and maintaining friendships. They may also have trouble regulating their emotions, which can result in mood swings and 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 with ADHD don't be diagnosed until the age of adulthood, when their problems become more obvious. Teachers or other adults might have missed their symptoms during their childhood. They might have learned to manage their symptoms and thrived in a supportive environment until they encountered the stresses of working or having a family which is when their issues became more apparent. In childhood, the male-to-female* ADHD ratio is higher. However, it becomes more equal as they grow older.
People with ADHD typically discover that certain dietary supplements, like multiple vitamin, NeurOmega fish oil, GABA or taurine and Brain Vitale or NeuroMemory can help to reduce the irritability and improve memory. They can also benefit from stress management techniques that include regular exercises and deep breathing. 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).
Signs of Mixed Type
People with combined type ADHD exhibit symptoms of both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive presentations. They are unable to focus on tasks that require mental effort for long periods of time or making things stick in their mind, such as schoolwork or chores, homework, or work. They tend to make careless mistakes at work, school as well as in their personal lives. These attention and impulse problems can cause a lot stress and cause relationship difficulties.
The symptoms of this disorder can be varied in severity and appear at various stages of life. Being easily distracted, daydreaming and forgetfulness are a few symptoms. They also have a tendency to misplace items like keys or homework and a difficult time following through with tasks. They also struggle to stay still and may interrupt or take over games or other leisure activities.
Someone with a mixed presentation of ADHD may find that certain medications are helpful while others don't, so it's best to try one each time and analyze the results carefully. Adults with this presentation who have been taking medication since the age of a teenager should have a look at their treatment every 6 months, and particularly after any lifestyle changes that might alter the dosage of medication needed.
It is important to remember that ADD or ADHD is not a problem of race or ethnicity, nor gender, though it is believed to affect more people who are assigned males at birth (AMAB). The diagnosis is typically identified when adults exhibit several of the typical symptoms in various areas of their lives, but are unable to explain them in a satisfactory manner.
There are many ways to manage and treat ADD in adults, such as lifestyle modification, behavior therapy and medications. 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 aid in increasing concentration by increasing the amount of dopamine and norepinephrine within the brain. There are also non-stimulants available and can be an ideal choice for those who aren't keen on taking stimulants or require a lower dose.
The symptoms of Combined Type
For people with combined type ADHD, the symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity appear together. Inattention symptoms include forgetfulness, difficulty completing tasks or difficulties being still. Impulsivity and hyperactivity can manifest as restlessness, fidgeting or squirming. They often have a difficult time to stay in line or follow instructions, leading to frustration and a tendency to break the rules.
Adults who suffer from a combination of ADHD symptoms usually have trouble understanding the social boundaries of an environment which could cause them to interfere with conversations or activities. They do this without thinking about what others might think. They often have trouble organizing their thoughts and are overwhelmed by complex projects. In many cases, those who exhibit this ADHD presentation may also be suffering from depression or other mood disorders.
A correct diagnosis is crucial for determining the best treatment plan. While many adults who have ADHD struggle to reach out for assistance, getting a diagnosis can be an positive experience that provides them with the tools needed 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. These symptoms must be present before the age of 12 and last for a minimum of six months to be considered ADHD. In addition the symptoms must be severe enough to hinder a person's performance at work, school or at home.
ADHD symptoms in adults uk aren't sure the reasons ADHD is a problem but they are aware that it could be genetic and that certain genes can increase a person's risk of developing the condition. They also know that brain structure and brain chemistry play a role in the development of the disorder, and that some individuals get the disorder on their own, 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. These treatments are often more effective than medication.