Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Adults suffering from attention deficit disorder can be difficult to identify and treat. A therapist can assist by examining the symptoms and their causes, educating the patient on how to structure their lives and behavioural changes and provide medication when needed.
People suffering from ADD/ADHD may have difficulties with hyperactivity, inattention, and an impulsiveness. Some of the symptoms include forgetfulness, trouble waiting for their turn and trouble concentrating on work or playing games.
Signs of Inattentive Type
The most prominent symptoms of this ADHD subtype are high levels of distraction and difficulty paying attention details. Adults who have inattention ADHD frequently find it difficult to complete tasks or tasks that require a sustained mental effort, such as writing, reading and completing homework. They may struggle to remember 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. In the end, their problems may persist throughout their adult lives and interfere with relationships, school performance and career advancement.
Inattentive ADHD symptoms include fumbling, difficulty playing quietly or participating in leisure activities, problems waiting for their turn, and blurting out answers before the questions are finished. They also have trouble staying well-organized at home and at work and are often late for classes or meetings. Inattentive ADHD sufferers often have a hard time staying focused at work or school. They dislike boring meetings and prefer to chew gum or drink coffee to get them through.
A medical professional will assess the patient for potential mental health issues or medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms. Then, they will examine their behavior to identify if they have ADD. You can ask to see the person's behavior under various situations by talking to their parents as well as teachers and colleagues. The health care provider may also ask about the person’s mood and their recent medical history.
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 just a few examples of these drugs. Antidepressants that affect neurotransmitters within the brain can be prescribed to people suffering from inattention ADHD in order to improve their mood and focus. iampsychiatry.com may include Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). Non-stimulant drugs may also 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 can make it difficult for people to concentrate on their studies or work tasks, and could result in a number of mistakes made by careless people. They also have trouble following instructions or completing complicated tasks. They also struggle to stay focused while playing games or engaging in leisure activities. They frequently interrupt or interfere on conversations, games or other activities and are eagerly waiting for their turn. They might play with their hands or feet or squirm in their seats or walk around while 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 may be unable to control themselves and are constantly moving and are unable to slow down or stop at events like fairs or theme parks. They may have difficulty organizing tasks, completing long-term tasks or committing to schoolwork or other structured activities.
They typically have a low sense of personal responsibility and may have difficulties making and maintaining friendships. They may also have difficulty managing their emotions, which can cause mood swings and depression. They may also have difficulty managing their time and finances and can make them more susceptible to financial scams and other fraudulent activities.
Many people suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed until they reach adulthood when their symptoms become more obvious. Teachers and other adults could have missed their symptoms in the early years of their lives. They could have reacted to their issues in a supportive environment and thrived until they were faced with the stress of pursuing the job of their dreams or raising a child which is when their issues became evident. In childhood, the male-to-female* ADHD ratio is higher. However it is more even in adulthood.
People suffering from ADHD often find that certain dietary supplements, such as multiple vitamin, NeurOmega fish oil, GABA or taurine and Brain Vitale or NeuroMemory, can help reduce the irritability and improve memory. They may also benefit from techniques for managing stress, such as regular exercises and deep breathing. They should talk to their doctor about all options for treatment that include stimulants (Strattera), non-stimulants (Viloxazine) (Qelbree), and antidepressants (Wellbutrin).
Symptoms of Mixed Type
People with combined type ADHD exhibit symptoms of both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive presentations. They have difficulty focusing on long-term mental tasks or remembering things like chores, schoolwork, homework or work. They also make a lot of mistakes at school, in the workplace as well as in their personal lives. The issues with attention and impulse control can lead to a lot of stress and tension in relationships.
The symptoms of this condition typically occur at various times throughout the day and range from mild to severe. They can be characterized by daydreaming and being easily distracted by their own thoughts, which can cause forgetfulness; a tendency to lose things like homework or keys; and difficulties following through on tasks. They also struggle to stay still and may disrupt or take over games or other activities.
It's important to evaluate the results of each drug carefully if you have an unbalanced presentation. Adults with this type of presentation who have been taking medication since the time they were teenagers should have a look at their treatment every 6 months, and in particular after any changes in lifestyle that could affect the amount of medication needed.
It is important to note that ADD and ADHD are not influenced by race or gender, ethnicity, or age. However, it does appear to affect more people who were deemed male at birth. Adults who present with a number of symptoms that are not explained are typically diagnosed.
There are a variety of ways to manage 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 assist in increasing concentration by increasing the amount of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Non-stimulants are also used by adults who don't want to take stimulants, or require them in a small dose.
Signs and symptoms of Combined Type
For people with combined type ADHD, the symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity appear together. Inattention symptoms can be apparent as a struggle to sit still, forgetfulness, or having trouble finishing tasks as well as impulsivity and hyperactivity. can show up as restlessness, fidgeting and squirming. They may also be able to blurt out answers without waiting for the complete answer. They often have a difficult time to stay in line or to follow instructions, which can result in frustration and rule-breaking behavior.
Adults who suffer from an array of ADHD symptoms also often have difficulties reading situational social boundaries which can lead them to encroach on activities or conversations without considering how others might be feeling about it. They often have trouble with organizing strategies and get overwhelmed by complex projects. Many people with this ADHD also have a previous history of depression or mood disorders.
A proper diagnosis is essential to determine the best treatment plan. Although many adults with ADHD struggle to seek help, receiving the diagnosis can be an inspiring 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. The symptoms must be present prior to age 12 and persist for at least six months in order to be considered an ADHD diagnosis. Additionally, the symptoms must be severe enough to hinder a person's performance at work, school or at home.
Experts aren't entirely sure the reasons ADHD occurs but they do know that it can be hereditary and that certain genes increase the risk of developing the disorder. They also recognize that brain chemistry and differences in brain structure can play a role and that some people suffer from the disorder without having a 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 prescription medications.