Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Adults with attention deficit disorder can be difficult to diagnose and treat. Therapists can assist by examining the symptoms and their causes, teaching patients ways to create structure and change their behavior and provide medication if needed.
People suffering from ADD/ADHD may have difficulties with inattention, hyperactivity, and an impulsiveness. ADHD symptoms female adults could include forgetfulness, difficulty 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 degree of distraction and difficulty paying attention to tiny details. Adults with inattention ADHD are unable to complete tasks or projects that require constant mental effort, like writing and reading. They may have difficulty remembering appointments or paying bills and are more prone to making naive 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 may cause issues with relationships, school performance and career advancement.
ADHD symptoms female adults include fidgeting, difficulty playing quietly or participating in leisure activities, issues waiting for their turn, and blurting answers before the questions are finished. They also struggle to stay organized at home and work and often arrive late for classes or meetings. Inattentive ADHD sufferers often have trouble staying focused at school or at work. They don't like boring meetings and often chew gum or drink coffee to help them through.
A health care provider will examine a person to determine if there are any medical or mental conditions that could trigger similar symptoms. Then, they will examine their behavior history to determine if the patient has ADD. This can involve talking to the person's family members, teachers and colleagues and asking about their behavior in different situations. The health professional may also inquire about the individual's mood and medical history.
The most common medications for inattention ADHD are psychostimulants which improve the brain's signals and increase alertness. Adderall, Ritalin, Concerta and methylphenidates like Strattera (atomoxetine), Qelbree and Ritalin are all examples of these medicines. Antidepressants that affect neurotransmitters in the brain, are often prescribed to people suffering from inattention ADHD to help improve their mood and concentration. Wellbutrin (bupropion), and Effexor, (venlafaxine) are two examples. 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 makes it difficult to focus on their work or schoolwork and can lead to careless mistakes. They also have difficulty following directions or completing complex tasks. They also have trouble staying on track when playing games or in activities of leisure with others. They can be disruptive and interrupt other players during games, discussions or other activities. They might fiddle with their hands or feet, squirm in 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 have trouble with self-control, and often be on the go, unable to stop or slow down, even when they are at events that are organized such as fairs or theme parks. They may have difficulty with organizing tasks, completing projects for a long period of time, or working on routine tasks or assignments.
They usually have a weak sense of personal responsibility and have difficulties creating and maintaining relationships. They may also have difficulty regulating their emotions which can lead them to mood swings or depression. They may also have trouble managing their finances and time and can make them more prone to financial scams or other fraudulent activities.
Many people who suffer from ADHD are not diagnosed until adulthood when their symptoms become more evident. Teachers and other adults could have missed their symptoms throughout the early years of their lives. They may have learned to cope with their symptoms and thrived in a nurturing environment until they faced the stresses of working or having a family when their problems were more evident. In the early years, the male-to-female* ADHD ratio is higher. However, it becomes more equal when they reach adulthood.
Certain nutritional supplements can help reduce irritability in people with ADHD. These include GABA, taurine, GABA fish oil and Brain Vitale. They may also benefit from techniques for managing stress that include regular exercises and deep breathing. They should talk to their doctor about all options for treatment, including stimulants (Strattera) and non-stimulants (Viloxazine) (Qelbree), and antidepressants (Wellbutrin).
Signs 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 activities or recalling important things, like chores, schoolwork, homework or work. They also make a lot of mistakes at school, in the workplace and in their private lives. These issues with attention and impulse can cause a lot stress and lead to difficulties in relationships.
The signs of this condition can be varied in severity and manifest at different times in life. They may include daydreaming and becoming easily distracted by their own thoughts, which can cause the tendency to lose things, like homework or keys; and difficulties following through on their tasks. They also struggle to sit still and may interfere with or even take over games or other activities.
It is crucial to analyze the effects of each medication carefully in the event of mixed presentation. Adults who have experienced this presentation since they were teens should have their treatment evaluated every six months, especially when there are any lifestyle changes that could impact the amount of medication required.
It is important to remember that ADD or ADHD is not a problem of race, ethnicity, or gender, although it may be more prevalent in those who are assigned males at birth (AMAB). Adults who present with a number of symptoms but are unable to explain them are usually diagnosed.
There are many ways to deal with 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 increase concentration by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. There are also non-stimulants available and can be an ideal choice for those who aren't keen on taking stimulants or require lower doses.
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 staying still. Hyperactivity and impulsivity can manifest as a lack of concentration, fidgeting or squirming. They often have a difficult time to stand in line or to follow directions, which can lead to frustration and rule-breaking behavior.
Adults with a combination of ADHD symptoms also have difficulty recognizing social boundaries in a situation and can be seen to intrude on activities or conversations without thinking about how others think about it. They are more likely to have a difficult time with organizational strategies and tend to get overwhelmed by complicated projects. Many people with this ADHD also have a previous history of mood disorders or depression.
A proper diagnosis of ADHD is crucial to determining the most effective treatment plan. While many people with ADHD struggle to seek assistance, obtaining a 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 before the age of 12 and continue for a minimum of six months to qualify as ADHD. The symptoms must be severe enough to affect the student's performance at the workplace, at school or at home.
Experts aren't entirely sure the reason ADHD occurs. However, they do know that it is genetic and certain genes increase the chance of someone becoming affected. They also recognize that brain chemistry and differences in brain structure are a factor and that some people get the disorder without any 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 prescription medications.