Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Adults suffering from attention deficit disorder can be difficult to diagnose and treat. A therapist can help by examining symptoms and root causes, educating patients on how to add structure and make behavioural changes, and offering medication when necessary.
People suffering from ADD/ADHD have issues with hyperactivity, inattention and an impulsiveness. Symptoms include forgetfulness, difficulty waiting for their turn, or difficulty concentrating on games or tasks.
Inattention Type Symptoms
The most prominent symptoms of this ADHD subtype include high distraction and trouble paying attention to particulars. Adults with inattention ADHD frequently find it difficult to finish tasks or complete projects that require sustained mental effort, such as reading, writing and doing homework. They may have difficulty remembering appointments or paying bills, and are more prone to making naive 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 into adulthood, affecting their relationships, school performance, and their career progression.
Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms include fidgeting, having trouble playing quietly or participating in leisure activities, issues waiting for their turn, and blurting out answers before the questions are finished. They are also often late to classes or meetings and struggle to stay organized. People with inattention ADHD often have trouble staying focused during work or school dislike boring meetings and need to chew gum or drink coffee to pass the time.
A health professional will evaluate the person for possible mental health or medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms. They will then use their behavioral history to determine if they suffer from ADD. This could involve speaking to the person's parents, colleagues and teachers and asking to see their behavior in different settings. The health care provider might also ask about the person’s mood and their recent medical history.
The most commonly prescribed medications for inattention ADHD are psychostimulants that streamline signals sent to the brain and increase alertness. These include amphetamines such as Adderall, Ritalin and Concerta and methylphenidates like Strattera (atomoxetine) and Qelbree (viloxazine). Antidepressants that affect neurotransmitters in the brain, are sometimes prescribed to those suffering from inattention ADHD to help improve their mood and focus. adult symptoms of ADHD (bupropion) and Effexor, (venlafaxine) are two examples. 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 can make it difficult for people to focus on their schoolwork or job tasks, and could cause mistakes due to negligence. They also have trouble following instructions or completing complicated tasks. They also have trouble staying focused when playing games or engaging in leisure activities with other people. They are often disruptive and disrupt others during games, conversations or other activities. They might play with their hands or feet, squirm in their seat, or pace while they're 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 struggle with self-control and may often be constantly on the move, unable to stop or slow down, even if they're at organized events such as fairs or theme parks. They may have trouble with managing tasks, completing long-term projects, or committing themselves to homework 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 difficulties regulating their emotions which can result in mood swings or depression. They might also have issues managing their time and finances which could make them more vulnerable to financial scams and other fraudulent activities.
Many people suffering from ADHD do not be diagnosed until the age of adulthood, when their issues become more evident. During childhood, they may have been missed by teachers or other adults who were unaware of their symptoms. They may have sought to alleviate their issues in a supportive environment and thrived until they were confronted with the pressure of finding an occupation or raising a child which is when their issues became evident. In the early years, the male-to-female* ADHD ratio is higher. However it becomes more equal when they reach adulthood.
People suffering from ADHD frequently find that certain nutritional supplements, such as multiple vitamin, NeurOmega fish oil, GABA or taurine, and Brain Vitale or NeuroMemory can help to reduce anxiety and improve memory. Stress management techniques such as deep breathing and regular exercise can be beneficial. They should talk to their doctor about all treatment options including stimulants (Strattera) as well as non-stimulants (Viloxazine) (Qelbree), and antidepressants (Wellbutrin).
Mixed Type Symptoms
People with combined type ADHD exhibit symptoms of both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive presentations. They are unable to focus on long-term mental tasks or remembering things like homework, schoolwork, chores or work. They tend to make careless errors at school, work and even in their personal life. These problems with attention and impulse control can result in an abundance of stress and trouble in relationships.
The symptoms of this condition can be varied in severity and appear at different stages of life. They include daydreaming and being easily distracted from their own thoughts, which can cause an inability to remember things; a tendency lose things like keys or homework; and difficulties following through on their tasks. They also have a difficult time sitting still, and they can disrupt or take over games or other leisure activities.
It's important to evaluate the effects of each medication carefully in the event of an unbalanced presentation. Adults who have this presentation and have been taking medication since they were teens should get a review of their treatment every six months, and particularly when they make any changes to their lifestyle that could alter the dosage of medication required.
It is important to remember that ADD or ADHD does not affect race or ethnicity, nor gender, although it does seem to be more prevalent in those who are assigned a male at birth (AMAB). The diagnosis is usually made when adults present with various of the typical symptoms in several areas of their lives, but can't explain them satisfactorily.
There are several 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 boost concentration by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. There are also non-stimulants available and can be a good choice for adults who aren't keen on taking stimulants or require lower doses.
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 difficulties staying still. Hyperactivity and impulsivity may manifest as restlessness, fidgeting or squirming. They often find it difficult to wait in line or to follow instructions, leading to frustration and rule-breaking behavior.
Adults who have a combination of ADHD symptoms often have difficulty reading social boundaries in the context of a particular situation and can cause them to interfere with conversations or activities. They do this without considering how others may feel. They are more likely to have a hard to organize their lives and tend to be overwhelmed by complicated projects. In a lot of cases, people who exhibit this ADHD appearance may also be suffering from depression or other mood disorders.
A proper diagnosis is essential to determine the most effective treatment plan. Although many adults with ADHD struggle to seek assistance, getting the diagnosis can be an empowering experience that gives them the tools needed 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 be present prior to the age of 12 and persist for a minimum of six months to be considered ADHD. The symptoms must be severe enough to affect a person's performance in school, at work or at home.
Experts don't fully understand the reasons ADHD is a problem, but they know that it can be inherited and that certain genes can increase the risk of developing the disorder. They also know that brain structure and the brain's chemical makeup 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 therapies are usually more effective than medication.