Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Attention deficit disorder in adults can be challenging to recognize and manage. Therapists can assist by analyzing the signs and causes, educating the patient on how to add structure and behavioral changes and provide medication if needed.
People with ADD/ADHD may have issues with hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity. Some of the symptoms include memory loss, trouble waiting for their turn, and trouble concentrating on work or playing games.
Inattention Type Signs
This subtype of ADHD is distinguished by a high level of distraction, and difficulty paying attention to small details. Adults with inattention ADHD often find it hard to complete tasks or tasks that require a sustained mental effort, like writing, reading or doing homework. They may struggle to remember appointments or paying their bills, and are prone making careless mistakes at 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. This means that their issues can persist throughout their adult lives and interfere with relationships, school performance and career advancement.
Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms include fidgeting, having trouble playing quietly or participating in leisure activities, problems waiting for their turn, and blurting answers when the questions are not finished. They also have trouble staying organized at home and at work and are often late for classes or meetings. Those with inattentive ADHD are often unable to stay focused at school or at work are bored at meetings and need to chew gum or drink coffee to make it through them.
A health professional will examine a person to determine if there are any medical or mental conditions that could trigger similar symptoms. Then, they will use their behavioral history to determine if a person is suffering from ADD. This may involve speaking with the person's family, teachers and colleagues, and asking about their behavior in different settings. The health care provider will also inquire about the person's mood as well as recent medical background.
The most commonly prescribed medications for inattention ADHD are psychostimulants that improve signals sent to the brain and boost alertness. Adderall, Ritalin, Concerta and methylphenidates, such as Strattera (atomoxetine), Qelbree and Ritalin are a few examples of these drugs. Antidepressants that affect neurotransmitters within the brain, are sometimes prescribed for people with inattentive ADHD to improve their mood and focus. 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 is a problem to focus on schoolwork or work tasks and may result in careless mistakes. Additionally, they frequently struggle to follow instructions or performing complex tasks. They also have trouble staying on task while playing games or engaging in leisure activities. They can be disruptive and disrupt others during games, conversations or other activities. They may fiddle or squirm with their feet or hands or squirm in their chairs or pacing while 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 frequently be in a hurry and are unable to slow down or slow down, even when they're attending organized events like fairs or theme parks. They may have difficulty managing tasks, completing long-term projects, or committing themselves to homework or other structured activities.
They usually have a weak sense of their personal responsibility and experience difficulties creating and maintaining relationships. They may also have trouble managing their emotions, which can result in mood swings and depression. They might also have issues managing their finances and time which could make them more prone to financial scams or other fraudulent activities.
Many people suffering from ADHD do not get a diagnosis until they reach the age of adulthood, when their problems become more evident. In their early years, they could have been missed by teachers or other adults who were unaware of their issues. They may have learned to compensate for their symptoms and thrived in a supportive environment until they encountered the stress of pursuing a career or having a family when their problems were more evident. The male-to-female* ratio of diagnosed ADHD is significantly higher in the early years, but the ratio becomes more comparable in adulthood.
Certain dietary supplements can reduce irritability in people with ADHD. These include GABA and taurine, GABA fish oil, and Brain Vitale. They can also benefit from stress management strategies that include regular exercise and deep breathing. They must discuss with their physician all treatments options including stimulants (Strattera) as well as non-stimulants (Viloxazine) (Qelbree), and antidepressants (Wellbutrin).
Mixed Type Signs and symptoms
People with combined type ADHD exhibit symptoms of both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive presentations. They have difficulty staying focused on tasks that require a lot of mental effort for a long period of time or causing things to stay in their heads like schoolwork, chores, homework or work. They also tend to make a lot of mistakes at school, at work, and in their personal lives. The issues with attention and control of impulses can cause an abundance of stress and trouble in relationships.
The signs of this condition can vary in severity and manifest at various stages of life. The ability to be easily distracted, daydreaming and forgetfulness are just a few signs. They also include a tendency to misplace things like homework or keys and a difficulty in working through tasks. They also have a difficult time sitting still, and they can interfere with or even take over games or other leisure activities.
A person with a mixed presentation of ADHD may find that some medications help and others don't. Therefore, it's recommended to test one at a time and evaluate the results carefully. Adults who have experienced this type of presentation since they were teenagers should have their treatment evaluated every six months, particularly in the event of any lifestyle changes that may impact the amount of medication needed.
It is important to know that ADD and ADHD are not influenced by race gender, ethnicity, gender or age. However, it does appear to affect people who were assigned male at birth. The diagnosis is typically given when people are suffering from several of the typical symptoms in several areas of their lives, but cannot explain them clearly.
There are many methods to treat and manage ADD in adults, such as behavior therapy, lifestyle modifications 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 availability of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Non-stimulants are also used by adults who do not want to take stimulants, or only need them in a low dose.
The symptoms of Combined Type
For people with combined type ADHD, the symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity appear together. The signs of inattention could be apparent in the form of difficulty sitting still, forgetfulness, or having trouble finishing tasks, while hyperactivity and impulsivity can manifest as restlessness, fidgeting or squirming, or blurting out answers without waiting for a complete answer. They may find it difficult to stand in line or follow instructions, leading to frustration and behavior that is contrary to the rules.
Adults who suffer from a mix of ADHD symptoms also often have difficulties recognizing social boundaries within their environment, leading them to intrude on activities or conversations without considering how others might feel about it. ADHD symptoms in adults females are more likely to have a difficult working with organizational strategies and are often overwhelmed by large-scale projects. In many cases, those with 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 people with ADHD struggle to reach out for assistance, getting the diagnosis can be an empowering experience that gives them the tools they need 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 continue for at least six months to be considered ADHD. The symptoms must be severe enough to negatively impact the performance of a child at the workplace, at school or at home.
Experts do not fully understand why ADHD is a common occurrence. However, they do know that it is hereditary and certain genes increase the risk of a person being diagnosed with the disorder. They also recognize that brain chemistry and differences in brain structure can play a role, and that some people have the disorder despite not having an ancestry 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 cases, these treatments can be more effective than medication.