Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Attention deficit disorder in adults can be difficult to diagnose and treat. Therapists can assist by examining symptoms and causes, teaching patients ways to create structure and change their behavior and offer medication when required.
People with ADD/ADHD have problems with hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity. Some of the symptoms include forgetfulness, trouble waiting for their turn and difficulties concentrating on tasks or playing games.
Signs of Inattentive Type
The defining symptoms of this ADHD subtype include high distraction and difficulty paying attention particulars. Adults with inattentive ADHD have difficulty completing tasks or projects that require sustained mental effort, such as reading and writing. They may have trouble 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. In the end, the symptoms of inattentive ADHD can last throughout their adult lives and interfere with relationships as well as school performance and career advancement.
The signs of inattention ADHD include frequent fidgeting with hands or feet, difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly as well as difficulty waiting for their turn and blurting out answers before questions are finished. They also struggle to stay organized at home and work and often arrive late for classes or meetings. Those with inattentive ADHD are often unable to stay focused at school or work dislike boring meetings and require chewing gum or drink coffee to make it through them.
A health professional will evaluate a patient to determine if they have any mental health or medical conditions which could cause similar symptoms. Then, they'll examine their behavior history to determine if the person is suffering from ADD. This can involve talking to the person's parents, colleagues and teachers and asking to see their behavior in different situations. The health care provider will also ask about the person's mood and recent medical history.
The most commonly prescribed medications for inattention ADHD are psychostimulants that improve signals sent to the brain and improve alertness. These include amphetamines such as Adderall, Ritalin and Concerta and methylphenidates such as Strattera (atomoxetine) and Qelbree (viloxazine). Antidepressants that alter neurotransmitters inside the brain are sometimes prescribed to those with inattentive ADHD to help improve their mood and concentration. They can include Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). Other drugs that are not 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 makes it difficult to focus on work or school assignments and may result in careless errors. In addition, they typically have trouble following instructions or completing complex tasks. They also have difficulty staying focused when playing games or in leisure activities with other people. They often interrupt or intrude on conversations or games and can't wait for their turn. They might play with their hands or feet or squirm in their seats 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 struggle to control themselves and be constantly moving and are unable to slow down or stop, even during events such as fairs or a theme park. They may struggle with organizing tasks, working on projects over a long period of time or applying themselves to routine tasks or assignments.
They often have a poor sense of their personal responsibility and experience trouble creating and maintaining relationships. They may also have trouble managing their emotions, which can cause mood swings and severe depression. They may also have trouble managing their finances and time which could make it easier for them to fall victim to financial scams.
Many people with ADHD are not diagnosed until they reach adulthood, when their symptoms become more evident. Teachers or other adults may have missed their symptoms throughout their childhood. They may have compensated for their symptoms in a supportive atmosphere and thrived until they were confronted with the stress of pursuing the job of their dreams or raising a child, when their issues became apparent. In the early years, the male-to-female* ADHD ratio is higher. However it becomes more equal in adulthood.
Certain dietary supplements can reduce irritability for people suffering from ADHD. These include GABA and taurine, GABA fish oil, and Brain Vitale. They can also benefit from techniques for managing stress that include regular exercises and deep breathing. They should discuss all options for treatment with their health care provider including non-stimulants and 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 remembering things like schoolwork, homework, chores or work. They tend to make careless errors at school, work, and in personal life. These issues with attention and impulse can create a lot of stress and lead to relationship difficulties.
Symptoms of this presentation often occur at different times in life and can range from mild to severe. They include daydreaming and being easily distracted from their thoughts, which can lead to the tendency to lose things, such as keys or homework and having trouble focusing on their tasks. They might also have trouble sitting still and interrupt or take over the activities of leisure or games.
Someone who has a mixed manifestation of ADHD may find that some medications are helpful while others don't. It's recommended to test one at an time and then evaluate the outcomes carefully. Adults who have experienced this condition since they were teens should have their treatment evaluated every six months, particularly when there are any lifestyle changes that could impact the amount of medication needed.
It is crucial to remember that ADD or ADHD is not a problem of race, ethnicity, or gender, but it does seem to be more prevalent in those who are assigned males at birth (AMAB). The diagnosis is typically identified when adults exhibit several of the typical symptoms in various aspects of their lives but can't explain them satisfactorily.
There are a variety of ways to manage ADD among adults, including medications, 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 assist in increasing concentration by increasing the supply of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. Non-stimulants are also readily available and are an ideal choice for those who do not want to take stimulants or require a lower dose.
Signs and symptoms of Combined Type
For people with combined type ADHD, the symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity appear together. Inattention symptoms may include forgetfulness, difficulty finishing tasks or having difficulty sitting still. Hyperactivity and impulsivity may manifest as restlessness, fidgeting or squirming. They may find it difficult to stand in line or follow instructions, leading to frustration and a tendency to break the rules.
Adults who suffer from a combination of ADHD symptoms also often have difficulties reading situational social boundaries which can lead them to encroach on activities or conversations without thinking about how others feel about it. They are more likely to have a hard to organize their lives and tend to be overwhelmed by complicated projects. Many people who suffer from this ADHD also have a history of mood disorders or depression.
A clear diagnosis is crucial for determining the best treatment plan. Although many adults with ADHD struggle to seek assistance, getting the diagnosis can be an positive experience that provides them with the tools needed 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 have been present prior to the age of 12 and last for at least six months to be considered ADHD. The symptoms must be severe enough to impact a person's performance in school, at work or at home.
Experts aren't sure why ADHD is a problem but they know that it can be hereditary and that certain genes can increase the risk of developing the disorder. They also recognize that differences in brain structure and the brain's chemical makeup play a role in the development of ADHD, 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 Iam Psychiatry , these therapies can be more effective than medication.