Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Attention deficit disorder in adults can be challenging to diagnose and treat. A therapist can help by examining symptoms and root causes, educating patients on how to add structure and alter their behaviour and provide medication if needed.
People with ADD/ADHD experience difficulties with inattention, hyperactivity, and an impulsiveness. The symptoms could include memory loss, trouble waiting for their turn, and trouble concentrating on work or playing games.
Inattention Type symptoms
This type of ADHD is distinguished by a high level of distraction, and difficulty paying attention to small details. Adults with inattentive ADHD typically have difficulty to finish tasks or complete projects that require constant mental effort, like writing, reading or doing homework. They may have trouble remembering 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. As a result, their problems may persist throughout their adult lives and cause problems with relationships, school performance, and career advancement.
The symptoms of inattention ADHD include the habit of fidgeting with your hands or feet, difficulties engaging in leisure activities quietly, trouble waiting for their turn, and answering questions before they are finished. They also tend to be late to classes or meetings and are unable to stay organized. Those with inattentive ADHD are often unable to stay focused during work or school, despise boring meetings and need to chew gum or drink coffee to make it through them.
A health care provider will evaluate a patient to determine if they have any medical or mental conditions that could trigger similar symptoms. Then, they'll examine their behavior history to determine if the person has ADD. This may involve speaking with the person's family, teachers and colleagues and asking them to observe their behavior in various settings. The health care provider will also inquire about the person's mood and recent medical background.
The most commonly prescribed medications for inattentive ADHD are psychostimulants that improve signals sent to the brain and increase alertness. Adderall, Ritalin, Concerta and methylphenidates like Strattera (atomoxetine), Qelbree and Ritalin are all examples of these medications. 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. Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor, (venlafaxine) are two examples. 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 symptom makes it difficult to focus on schoolwork or work tasks and may result in careless mistakes. In addition, they typically have trouble following instructions or performing complex tasks. They also struggle to stay on track when playing games or engaging in activities of leisure with others. They frequently interrupt or interfere on other people during conversations or games and are eagerly waiting for their turn. They might fiddle with their feet or hands or even squirm their seat or jog 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 struggle to control their own behavior and be constantly on the move and are unable to slow down or stop, even at fairs or theme parks. They may have difficulty organizing tasks, completing long-term projects or applying themselves to schoolwork or other structured activities.
They typically have a low sense of their personal responsibility and experience trouble making and keeping friends. They may also have issues controlling their emotions, which can lead to mood swings and extreme depression. They may also be having difficulty managing their time and finances which could make it easier for them to fall prey to financial scams.
Many people suffering from ADHD do not get a diagnosis until they reach adulthood, when their issues become more apparent. As children, they might have been missed by teachers or other adults who weren't aware of their problems. They could have reacted to their problems in a safe environment and thrived until they had to face the stress of pursuing a job 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 is more even when they reach adulthood.
People with ADHD frequently find that certain dietary supplements, like multiple vitamin, NeurOmega fish oil, GABA or taurine, and Brain Vitale or NeuroMemory can help to reduce anxiety and improve memory. They can also benefit from techniques for managing stress, such as regular exercise and deep breathing. They should discuss all treatment options with their doctor including non-stimulants and stimulants like atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) and antidepressants, such as 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 a long time or causing things to stick in their heads, such as schoolwork or homework, chores or work. ADHD symptoms in adults uk tend to make impulsive errors at school, work, and in personal life. These issues with attention and impulse can create a lot of stress and cause difficulties in relationships.
The signs of this condition are varied in severity and appear at different stages of life. They include daydreaming and being easily distracted by their own thoughts, which can cause forgetfulness; a tendency to lose things, such as keys or homework and having trouble focusing on tasks. They may also have a difficult time staying still and may interrupt or take over leisure activities or games.
A person with a mixed presentation of ADHD may find that certain medication helps while others don't. It's best to try one an time and then evaluate the outcomes carefully. Adults who have had this type of presentation since they were teens should be re-evaluated every six months, particularly in the event of any lifestyle changes that may impact the amount of medication required.
It is important to know that ADD and ADHD are not influenced by race, gender, ethnicity or age. However it is believed that it will affect more people who were deemed male at birth. Adults who present with a number of symptoms but are unable to explain them 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 increase concentration by increasing levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Non-stimulants can also be used by adults who do not wish to take stimulants, or require them in a lower dosage.
The symptoms of Combined Type
For people with combined type ADHD, the symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity appear together. Inattention symptoms can be evident as difficulty sitting still, forgetfulness, or having trouble finishing tasks, while hyperactivity and impulsivity may manifest as a lack of concentration, fidgeting and squirming. They may also be able to blurt out answers without waiting for a full question. They often find it difficult to stay in line or follow instructions, leading to frustration and behavior that is contrary to the rules.
Adults who have an array of ADHD symptoms also have difficulties reading situational social boundaries, leading them to intrude on conversations or activities without considering how others might think about it. They are often struggling organizing their thoughts and are overwhelmed by large-scale projects. In many cases, people with this ADHD display may also be suffering from depression or other mood disorders.
A proper diagnosis of ADHD is essential to determine the most effective treatment plan. While many adults who have ADHD struggle to seek assistance, getting a 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 prior age 12 and persist for at least six months in order to be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis. Additionally the symptoms have to be severe enough to affect the person's performance at school, work or home.
Experts aren't entirely sure why ADHD occurs. However, they know that it is genetic and certain genes increase the risk of being diagnosed with the disorder. They also know that brain chemistry and differences in brain structure play a part in the development of the disorder, and that some individuals 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 medication.