Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Adults with attention deficit disorder can be difficult to diagnose and treat. Therapists can assist by examining the signs and root causes, and then teaching the patient how to build structure, make behavioural modifications and offer medication if necessary.
People with ADD/ADHD experience difficulties with inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. The symptoms could include memory loss, trouble waiting for their turn and trouble concentrating on work or playing games.
Symptoms of Inattentive Type
The most obvious signs of this ADHD subtype are high distractibility and trouble paying attention to details. Adults with inattention ADHD frequently find it difficult to complete tasks or projects that require constant concentration, such as reading, writing and doing homework. They may have difficulty remembering appointments or paying bills, and are prone to making careless 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. Their issues can continue throughout their adulthood and impact their relationships, school performance, and career advancement.
read the full info here include fidgeting, difficulty playing quietly or participating in leisure activities, issues waiting for their turn, and blurting out answers before the questions are finished. They also tend to be late to classes or meetings and are unable to stay organized. Inattentive ADHD sufferers often have trouble staying focused at work or school. They dislike boring meetings and often chew gum or drink coffee to help them through.
A health care provider will evaluate a patient to determine if they have any mental health or medical illnesses that may cause 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 parents, colleagues and teachers and asking them to observe their behavior in different settings. The health care provider will also ask about the person's mood and recent medical history.
Most commonly, psychostimulants are used to boost alertness and improve brain signals. Adderall, Ritalin, Concerta and methylphenidates, such as Strattera (atomoxetine), Qelbree and Ritalin are a few examples of these medications. Antidepressants that alter neurotransmitters inside the brain are sometimes prescribed to people suffering from inattention ADHD to help improve their mood and concentration. They can include Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). Non-stimulant drugs 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 could lead to careless mistakes. They also have trouble following instructions or completing difficult tasks. They also have trouble staying focused when playing games or engaging in activities of leisure with others. They often disrupt and interrupt other players during games, discussions or other activities. They might fiddle with their feet or hands, squirm in 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 be unable to control their own behavior and be constantly on the move and unable to slow down or stop at events like fairs or theme parks. They may struggle with organizing tasks, working on projects over a long period of time, or focusing on structured activities or homework.
They have a low sense of accountability and often have difficulty making and keeping friendships. They may also have difficulty managing their emotions, which can result in mood swings and depression. They may also have difficulty managing their finances and time which could make them more susceptible to financial scams or other frauds.
Many people with ADHD are not diagnosed until adulthood when their symptoms become more evident. Teachers or other adults might have missed their symptoms during childhood. They could have reacted to their symptoms in a supportive environment and thrived until they were faced with the pressure of finding an occupation or raising a child when their problems became apparent. In the beginning, the male-to female* ADHD ratio is higher. However, it becomes more equal as they grow older.
Certain supplements in the diet can help reduce the irritability of people suffering from ADHD. These include GABA and taurine, GABA fish oil, and Brain Vitale. Stress management techniques like deep breathing and regular exercise can be beneficial. They should discuss all options for treatment with their health care provider, including stimulants and non-stimulants like Atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) and antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin).
Mixed Type Signs and symptoms
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 schoolwork, homework, chores or work. They tend to make impulsive errors at school, work, and in personal life. These attention and impulse problems can create a lot of stress and lead to difficulties in relationships.
The signs of this condition can vary in severity and can manifest at different times in life. They can be characterized by daydreaming and being easily distracted from their own thoughts, which can lead to the tendency to lose things, like homework or keys; and difficulties following through on their tasks. They also struggle to stay still, and they may interfere with or even take over games or other activities.
It's important to evaluate the effects of each medication carefully when you have mixed presentation. Adults who have had this presentation since they were teenagers should have their treatment reviewed every six months, and especially if there are any lifestyle changes that could alter the dosage of medication required.
It is important to remember that ADD and ADHD do not affect race or gender, ethnicity, or age. However, it does appear to affect people who were assigned male at birth. The diagnosis is typically identified when adults exhibit various of the typical symptoms in several areas of their lives and can't explain them satisfactorily.
There are several ways to deal with ADD among adults, including medication, 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 increase concentration by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. Non-stimulants can also be used by adults who do not want to use stimulants, or who only need them in a low 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 as well as impulsivity and hyperactivity. may manifest as a lack of concentration, fidgeting, squirming or blurting out answers without waiting for the complete answer. They often find it difficult to stay in line or to follow directions, which can lead to frustration and behavior that is contrary to the rules.
Adults who have a mix of ADHD symptoms also have difficulty recognizing social boundaries in a situation which can lead them to encroach on conversations or activities without considering how others might be feeling about it. They are more likely to have a hard time with organizational strategies and tend to be overwhelmed by complicated projects. Many people with this ADHD also have a past history of depression or mood disorders.
A clear diagnosis is crucial to determine the best treatment plan. Many people suffering from ADHD are hesitant to seek help. However an accurate diagnosis can empower them and give them the tools to manage their symptoms.
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 age 12 and last for at least six months to be considered an ADHD diagnosis. Additionally, the symptoms must be severe enough to reduce the person's performance at school, work or home.
Experts aren't entirely sure why ADHD is a problem, but they are aware that it could be inherited and that certain genes can increase the likelihood of developing the condition. They also know that differences in brain structure and brain chemistry play a part in the development of the disorder, and that some individuals develop the disorder spontaneously 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. In many instances, these treatments can be more effective than medications.