Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Attention deficit disorder in adults can be challenging to identify and manage. Therapists can assist by analyzing the signs and causes, educating the patient on how to build structure and behavioural changes, and offering medication if necessary.
People suffering from ADD/ADHD experience issues with hyperactivity, inattention, and the tendency to be impulsive. The symptoms could include memory loss, trouble waiting for their turn, and trouble concentrating on work or playing games.
Symptoms of Inattentive Type
This type of ADHD is characterized by a high level of distraction, and a lack of focus on tiny details. Adults who are inattentive ADHD are unable to complete tasks or projects that require continuous mental efforts, such as writing and reading. They may have trouble remembering appointments or paying their bills and are more likely to make careless errors in work or at home.
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 their problems may persist throughout their adult lives and cause problems with relationships as well as 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 answers before the questions are completed. They also are often late to meetings or classes and have difficulty staying organized. People with inattention ADHD are often unable to stay focused at school or at work, despise boring meetings and require chewing gum or sip coffee to make it through them.
A health care provider will evaluate the person for potential mental health issues or medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms and then use their behavioral history to determine if they suffer from ADD. This may involve speaking with the person's parents, colleagues and teachers and asking to see their behavior in different settings. The health care provider will also ask about the person's mood as well as recent medical history.
The most frequently prescribed drugs for inattentive ADHD are psychostimulants which improve signals sent to the brain and improve alertness. Adderall, Ritalin, Concerta and methylphenidates like Strattera (atomoxetine), Qelbree and Ritalin are all examples of these medications. Antidepressants, which affect neurotransmitters in the brain, are also sometimes prescribed for people with inattentive ADHD to help improve their mood and concentration. They may include Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). Other drugs 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 makes it difficult for them to concentrate on their work or schoolwork and could lead to unintentional errors. In addition, they typically have trouble following instructions or performing complex tasks. They also have trouble staying focused when playing games or participating in leisure activities. They often interrupt or intrude on others during conversations, games or other activities and are eagerly waiting for their turn. They might squirm or fiddle with their hands or feet, squirm or pace in their seats or pacing as they talk or listen.
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 be constantly on the move, unable even to slow down or stop during events such as fairs or a theme parks. They may have difficulties managing tasks, finishing long-term tasks or committing to schoolwork or other structured activities.
They typically have a low sense of personal responsibility and have difficulty making and keeping friends. They may also have difficulty controlling their emotions, which could result in mood swings or depression. They may also have difficulty managing their finances and time and can make them more susceptible to financial scams or other frauds.
Many people with ADHD don't receive a diagnosis until adulthood, when their issues become more evident. Teachers or other adults might have missed their symptoms during the early years of their lives. They may have adapted to manage their symptoms and thrived in a nurturing environment until they encountered the pressures of pursuing a career or raising a family, which is when their issues became more apparent. In childhood, the male-to-female* ADHD ratio is higher. However, it becomes more equal in adulthood.
Certain nutritional supplements can help reduce irritability for people suffering from ADHD. These include GABA as well as taurine. GABA fish oil and Brain Vitale. Stress management techniques like deep breathing and regular exercise can be beneficial. They should discuss all treatment options with their doctor, including stimulants and non-stimulants such as 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 are unable to focus on long-term mental tasks or remembering things, such as schoolwork, homework, chores or work. They tend to make careless mistakes at work, school and even in their personal life. These issues with attention and impulse can create a lot of stress and cause problems in relationships.
The symptoms of this condition can vary in severity and manifest at different times in life. Daydreaming, being easily distracted and forgetfulness are just a few signs. They also have the tendency to lose items like keys or homework and a difficulty in keeping track of tasks. They also struggle to sit still and may interfere with or even take over games or other activities.
A person with a mixed presentation of ADHD may find that some medications are helpful while others don't, so it's wise to try one at an time and then evaluate the results carefully. Adults who have experienced this presentation since the time they were teenagers should be re-evaluated every six months, particularly if there are any lifestyle changes that may impact the amount of medication required.
It is important to remember that ADD and ADHD do not impact race, gender, ethnicity or age. However, it does appear to affect more people who were assigned male at birth. Adults who exhibit several symptoms that are not explained are typically diagnosed.
There are many 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 levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Non-stimulants are also used by adults who do not wish 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 difficulty finishing tasks, while hyperactivity and impulsivity can manifest as restlessness, fidgeting, squirming or blurting out answers without waiting for the complete answer. They have a difficult time learning to stand in line or follow directions. This can lead to frustration and behavior that is contrary to the rules.
Adults who suffer from an array of ADHD symptoms often also experience difficulty recognizing social boundaries in a situation which can lead them to encroach into conversations or activities without considering how others might be feeling about it. They are more likely to have a difficult working with organizational strategies and tend to get overwhelmed by complicated projects. Many people suffering from this ADHD also have a past history of depression or mood disorders.
A clear diagnosis is crucial for determining the best treatment plan. Many adults with ADHD are reluctant to seek assistance. However the diagnosis can empower them and give them the tools needed 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 before the age of 12 and continue for at least six months to be considered ADHD. In addition the symptoms have to be severe enough to affect the performance of a child at school, work or home.
Experts aren't sure why ADHD occurs however they are aware that it could be genetic and that certain genes can increase a person's risk of developing the condition. sneak a peek at this web-site recognize that differences in brain structure and the brain's chemical makeup play a role in the development of the disorder, and that some individuals get the disorder on their own, 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. These treatments are often more effective than medication.