Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Attention deficit disorder in adults can be challenging to recognize and manage. Therapists can assist by examining the symptoms and their causes, teaching patients ways to create structure and change their behavior, and offering medication when needed.
People suffering from ADD/ADHD experience issues with hyperactivity, inattention, and an impulsive nature. The symptoms could include memory loss, trouble waiting for their turn and difficulties concentrating on tasks or playing games.
Inattention Type Symptoms
The most obvious signs of this ADHD subtype are high distractibility and difficulty paying attention to particulars. Adults who are inattentive ADHD have difficulty completing tasks or projects that require constant mental efforts, such as reading and writing. They may struggle to remember appointments or paying bills, and are more likely to make impulsive 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. This means that the symptoms of inattentive ADHD can last throughout their adult lives, and may cause issues with relationships, school performance and career advancement.
Inattention ADHD symptoms include fidgeting, difficulty engaging in leisure activities, difficulties waiting for their turn, and blurting out answers before the questions are completed. They also are often late to classes or meetings and have difficulty staying organized. Inattention ADHD sufferers often have trouble staying focused at work or school. They dislike boring meetings and prefer to chew gum or drink coffee to help them through.
A health care provider will assess a person to determine if there are any mental health or medical conditions that could trigger similar symptoms. Then, they'll examine their behavior history to determine if a person is suffering from ADD. This can involve talking to the person's family, teachers and colleagues and asking about their behavior in various settings. The health professional will also ask about the person's mood and recent medical background.
The most common medications for inattentive ADHD are psychostimulants that improve signals sent to the brain and improve alertness. Adderall, Ritalin, Concerta and methylphenidates such as Strattera (atomoxetine), Qelbree and Ritalin are a few examples of these drugs. Antidepressants that affect neurotransmitters in the brain are often prescribed to people suffering from inattention ADHD to help improve their mood and focus. Wellbutrin (bupropion), and Effexor, (venlafaxine) are two examples. Non-stimulant medications can 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 can make it difficult for people to concentrate on their schoolwork or job tasks, and may lead to careless mistakes. They also have difficulty following directions or completing complex tasks. They also have difficulty staying focused when playing games or in activities of leisure with others. They often interrupt or interfere on other people during conversations, games or other activities and can't wait for their turn. They might play with their hands or feet, squirm in their seat 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 have trouble with self-control, and frequently be in a hurry, unable to stop or slow down, even if they're at organized events like fairs and theme parks. They may have trouble organizing tasks, completing projects over a long time, or focusing on structured activities or homework.
They often have a poor sense of personal responsibility and have trouble creating and maintaining relationships. They may also have difficulty controlling their emotions, which could lead them to mood swings or severe depression. They may also have difficulty managing their finances and time, which can make them more prone to financial scams and other frauds.
Many people suffering from ADHD do not get a diagnosis until they reach the age of adulthood, when their problems become more apparent. Teachers or other adults may have missed their symptoms during their childhood. They may have learned to compensate for their symptoms and thrived in a supportive environment until they encountered the stresses of working or raising a family which is when their issues became more apparent. In adult ADHD symptoms men , the male-to-female* ADHD ratio is higher. However it is more even in adulthood.
Certain nutritional supplements can help reduce irritability for people suffering from ADHD. These include GABA, taurine, GABA fish oil, and Brain Vitale. They may also benefit from stress management techniques, such as regular exercises 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 like bupropion (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 activities or recalling important things, like chores, schoolwork, homework or work. They are prone to making careless mistakes at work, school as well as in their personal lives. These problems with attention and impulse control can lead to lots of stress and tension in relationships.
The signs of this condition can be varied in severity and manifest at different times in life. They include daydreaming and being easily distracted from their thoughts, which may lead to an inability to remember things; a tendency lose things, like homework or keys and having trouble focusing on tasks. They might also have trouble sitting still and interrupt or take over their leisure activities or games.
Someone who has a mixed manifestation of ADHD may find that certain medications help and others don't. It's wise to try one at an time and then evaluate the results carefully. Adults with this presentation who have been taking medication since the time they were teenagers should get a review of their treatment every six months, and particularly after any lifestyle changes that might affect the amount of medication required.
It is important to know that ADD and ADHD do not affect race gender, ethnicity, gender or age. However, it does appear to affect more people who were assigned male at birth. Adults who present with various symptoms but are unable to explain them are typically diagnosed.
There are a variety of ways to treat and manage ADD for adults, which includes 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 increase concentration by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine 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 include forgetfulness, difficulty finishing tasks, or having trouble being still. Impulsivity and hyperactivity can manifest as restlessness, fidgeting, or squirming. They are unable to stay in line or follow instructions. This leads to frustration and rule-breaking behaviors.
Adults who have a mix of ADHD symptoms also have difficulty recognizing social boundaries in a situation and can be seen to intrude on conversations or activities without thinking about how others be feeling about it. They are more likely to have a difficult time with organizational strategies and tend to be overwhelmed by large-scale projects. Many people with this ADHD also have a past history of depression or mood disorders.
Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD is crucial to determining the most effective treatment strategy. While many people with ADHD struggle to seek assistance, getting an accurate diagnosis can be a empowering experience that gives them 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 have been present before the age of 12 and last for at least six months to be considered ADHD. The symptoms must also be severe enough to negatively impact the student's performance at school, at work or at home.
Experts aren't sure the reason ADHD occurs. However, they know that it is hereditary and certain genes increase the risk of someone becoming affected. 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 are born with the disorder and have 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 prescription medications.