Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Attention deficit disorder in adults can be difficult to recognize and treat. A therapist can assist by examining the symptoms and their causes, educating the patient on how to build structure and behavioural changes and offer medication if necessary.
People with ADD/ADHD may have issues with hyperactivity, inattention and the tendency to be impulsive. Symptoms may include problems with forgetfulness, difficulty waiting for their turn and difficulties concentrating on tasks or playing games.
Inattentive Type Symptoms
This subtype of ADHD is distinguished by a high level of distraction, and difficulty paying attention to the smallest details. Adults with inattentive ADHD frequently find it difficult to finish tasks or complete projects that require sustained mental effort, like writing, reading or doing homework. They may have difficulty remembering appointments or paying their bills and are prone making 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. The issues they face can last throughout their adulthood and impact their relationships, school performance, and even their career development.
The symptoms of inattention ADHD include frequent fidgeting with hands or feet, having difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities at a relaxed pace as well as difficulty waiting for their turn, and answering questions before they are completed. They are also often late to classes or meetings and have difficulty staying organized. People with inattention ADHD often have trouble staying focused during work or school, despise boring meetings and have to chew gum or sip coffee to get through them.
A health professional will examine a person to determine if there are any mental health or medical illnesses that may cause similar symptoms. Then, they will analyze their behavior to determine if a person has ADD. This could involve speaking to the person's family members, colleagues and teachers and asking about their behavior in various settings. The health care provider will also ask about the person's mood and recent medical background.
The most common medications for inattentive ADHD are psychostimulants that streamline signals sent to the brain and boost alertness. These include amphetamines like Adderall, Ritalin and Concerta and methylphenidates like Strattera (atomoxetine) and Qelbree (viloxazine). Antidepressants that affect neurotransmitters within the brain, are sometimes prescribed to those suffering from inattention ADHD to improve their mood and concentration. They may include Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). Non-stimulant drugs may also be utilized. 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 is a problem to focus on their work or schoolwork and could lead to unintentional errors. They also have difficulty following instructions or completing difficult tasks. They also have trouble staying on track when playing games or in leisure activities with others. They can be disruptive and disrupt other people during games, conversations or other activities. They may fiddle or squirm using their hands or feet or squirm or move in their seats or pacing while 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 struggle to control their own behavior and be constantly moving, unable even to slow down or stop, even at events like fairs or theme parks. They may have difficulty with managing tasks, completing projects over a long time or applying themselves to structured activities or homework.
They often have a poor sense of their personal responsibility and experience difficulties making and keeping friends. They may also have difficulty managing their emotions, which can result in mood swings and depression. They may also be having difficulty managing their time and finances, which can make it easier for them to fall victim to scams in the financial industry.
Many people suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed until they reach adulthood when their symptoms become more obvious. Teachers and other adults could have missed their symptoms throughout the early years of their lives. They may have adapted to cope with their symptoms and thrived in a nurturing environment until they encountered the pressures of working or raising a family when their problems became more evident. In childhood, the male-to-female* ADHD ratio is higher. However it is more even when they reach adulthood.
People suffering from ADHD frequently find that certain dietary supplements, such as multiple vitamin, NeurOmega fish oil, GABA or taurine, and Brain Vitale or NeuroMemory can reduce the irritability and improve memory. Techniques for managing stress, such as deep breathing and regular exercise can be beneficial. They should discuss all options for treatment with their doctor including non-stimulants and stimulants like Atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) and antidepressants, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin).
Mixed Type Symptoms
People with combined type ADHD exhibit symptoms of both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive presentations. They have trouble staying focused on tasks that require mental effort for long periods of time or causing things to stick in their minds for example, schoolwork homework, chores or even work. They also tend to make mistakes in school, in the workplace as well as in their personal lives. These issues with attention and impulse can create a lot of stress and can lead to problems in relationships.
The signs of this disorder typically occur at different times in life and range from mild to severe. They include daydreaming and being easily distracted from their thoughts, which may lead to an inability to remember things; a tendency lose things, like keys or homework; and difficulties following through on tasks. They also struggle to sit still, and they can interrupt or take over games or other activities.
ADHD symptoms adults I Am Psychiatry is important to assess the results of each drug carefully if you have mixed presentation. Adults who have this presentation and have been taking medication since the age of a teenager should get a review of their treatment every six months, and particularly after any lifestyle changes that might alter the amount of medication needed.
It is important to keep in mind that ADD or ADHD does not affect race or ethnicity or gender, although it may be more prevalent in those who are assigned a male at birth (AMAB). The diagnosis is usually given when people are suffering from many of the common symptoms in several areas of their lives and can't explain them satisfactorily.
There are a variety of methods to treat ADD in adults, which include 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 are also readily available and can be an excellent option for adults who aren't keen on taking stimulants or require less of a dose.
Symptoms of Combined Type
For people with combined type ADHD, the symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity appear together. Inattention symptoms can include forgetfulness, difficulty finishing tasks or difficulties sitting still. Hyperactivity and impulsivity may manifest as restlessness, fidgeting or squirming. They often find it difficult to wait in line or to follow instructions, leading to frustration and rule-breaking behavior.
Adults with a combination ADHD symptoms usually have trouble understanding social boundaries in an environment, which can lead them to interfere with conversations or activities. They do this without considering what others might think. They are often struggling organizing their thoughts and are overwhelmed by the complexity of projects. In a lot of cases, people with this ADHD display are also prone to depression or other mood disorders.
A proper diagnosis is essential to determine the most effective treatment plan. Many adults with ADHD are hesitant to seek assistance. 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 have been present prior to the age of 12 and persist for a minimum of six months to qualify as ADHD. The symptoms must be severe enough to negatively impact a person's performance in the workplace, at school or at home.
Experts do not fully understand why ADHD occurs. However, they do know that it is genetic and certain genes increase the likelihood of becoming affected. They also know that differences in brain structure and the brain's chemical makeup play a role, and that some people 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 cases, these treatments can be more effective than medications.