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 causes, teaching patients ways to structure their lives and alter their behaviour and provide medication if required.
People suffering from ADD/ADHD experience issues with hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity. It is evident by the lack of memory and difficulty waiting for their turn, or difficulties concentrating on games or tasks.
The Signs of Inattention Type
The most prominent symptoms of this ADHD subtype are high distractibility and trouble paying attention to the small details. Adults with inattention ADHD are unable to complete tasks or projects that require sustained mental efforts, such as writing and reading. They may have trouble remembering appointments or paying bills and are prone to making careless mistakes at work or in their 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 into adulthood and affect their relationships, school performance, and career advancement.
The signs of inattention ADHD include the habit of fidgeting with your hands or feet, difficulties playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly and unable to wait for their turn and blurting out answers before questions are completed. They also tend to be late to classes or meetings and are unable to stay organized. Those with inattentive ADHD often have trouble staying focused during work or school, despise boring meetings and need to chew gum or drink coffee to pass the time.
A health care provider will examine the person for potential mental health issues or medical conditions that may cause similar symptoms. They will then examine their behavior to identify if they have ADD. You can inquire about the person's behavior in different situations by speaking to their parents as well as teachers and colleagues. The health care provider might also inquire about the individual's mood and medical history.
The most common medications for inattentive ADHD are psychostimulants that improve signals sent to the brain and boost alertness. They include amphetamines, such as Adderall, Ritalin and Concerta and methylphenidates like Strattera (atomoxetine) and Qelbree (viloxazine). Antidepressants, which affect neurotransmitters in the brain, are sometimes prescribed for people with inattention ADHD to help improve their mood and focus. They can include Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). Other medications that aren't stimulants can 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 focus on their studies or work tasks, and may lead to careless mistakes. Additionally, they frequently struggle to follow instructions or completing complicated tasks. They also have trouble staying focused when playing games or engaging in leisure activities. They frequently interrupt or interfere on conversations, games or other activities and can't wait for their turn. They might play with their hands or feet or even squirm 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 may struggle to control themselves and are constantly on the move and unable to slow down or stop, even during events such as fairs or a theme park. They may have difficulty with managing tasks, completing projects over a long time, or focusing on routine tasks or assignments.
They often have a poor sense of their personal responsibility and experience trouble making and maintaining friendships. They may also have issues managing their emotions, which can result in mood swings and extreme depression. They may also have trouble managing their finances and time and can make them more susceptible to financial scams or other frauds.
Many people suffering from ADHD do not get a diagnosis until they reach adulthood, when their issues become more apparent. During ADHD in adults symptoms uk , they may be overlooked by teachers or other adults who were unaware of their issues. They might have learned to compensate for their symptoms and thrived in a supportive environment until they had to face the stress of pursuing a career or raising a family, as their issues were more evident. The ratio of males to females in diagnosed ADHD is higher in the early years, but the proportions become more similar in adulthood.
Certain nutritional supplements can help reduce irritability for people suffering from ADHD. These include GABA and taurine, GABA fish oil, and Brain Vitale. They may also benefit from techniques for managing stress, such as regular exercises and deep breathing. They should discuss with their doctor all options for treatment that include stimulants (Strattera) as well as 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 trouble focusing on long-term mental tasks or recalling important things, like chores, schoolwork, homework or work. They tend to make careless errors at school, work and even in their personal life. These issues with attention and impulse can cause a lot stress and can lead to relationship difficulties.
The symptoms of this condition are varied in severity and can manifest at various stages of life. They include daydreaming and being easily distracted by their own thoughts, which may lead to the tendency to lose things, like keys or homework and difficulty focusing on their tasks. They also struggle to sit still, and they may disrupt or take over games or other activities.
Someone who has a mixed manifestation of ADHD may find that some medications are helpful while others don't, so it's recommended to test one at a time and evaluate the outcomes carefully. Adults who have experienced this type of presentation since they were teenagers should have their treatment reviewed every six months, and especially if there are any lifestyle changes that may affect the amount of medication required.
It is important to note that ADD and ADHD do not impact race or gender, ethnicity, or age. However it does appear to affect more people who were assigned male at birth. Adults who exhibit a number of symptoms and cannot explain them are usually diagnosed.
There are many ways to manage 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 improve concentration by increasing levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Non-stimulants can also be used by adults who do not want to take stimulants, or only require them in a small dose.
The symptoms of Combined Type
For people with combined type ADHD, the symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity appear together. Inattention symptoms can include forgetfulness, difficulties completing tasks, or having trouble staying still. Hyperactivity and impulsivity may manifest as restlessness, fidgeting, or squirming. They often find it difficult to stand in line or to follow instructions, leading to frustration and rule-breaking behavior.
Adults who have a combination of ADHD symptoms are often having trouble understanding social boundaries in the context of a particular situation, which can lead them to disrupt conversations or activities. They do this without thinking about what others might think. 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 history of mood disorders or depression.
Making sure you have a clear diagnosis of ADHD is essential to determine the most effective treatment plan. While many adults who have ADHD struggle to reach out for assistance, getting the diagnosis can be an empowering experience that gives them the tools they need to manage their symptoms and lead 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 be present prior to the age of 12 and last for at least six months to qualify as 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 entirely sure why ADHD is a common occurrence. However, they are aware that it is inherited and certain genes increase the risk of someone being diagnosed with the disorder. They also know that brain structure and the brain's chemical makeup play a role, and that some people 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. In many cases, these treatments are more effective than medication.