Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Adults with attention deficit disorder are difficult to identify and treat. A therapist can help by examining the symptoms and their root causes, educating patients on how to add structure and make behavioural changes and offer medication when needed.
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.
Inattentive Type symptoms
This type of ADHD is characterized by high distractibility, and difficulty paying attention to the smallest details. Adults with inattentive ADHD typically have difficulty to complete tasks or projects that require sustained mental effort, like reading, writing and doing homework. They may have trouble remembering appointments or paying their bills, and are susceptible to making impulsive mistakes at the workplace 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. Their issues can continue into adulthood, affecting their relationships, school performance and career advancement.
Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms include fidgeting, difficulty playing quietly or participating in leisure activities, issues waiting for their turn, and blurting out answers before the questions are completed. They also struggle to stay organized at home and at work, and are often late for classes or meetings. Those with inattentive ADHD often have trouble staying focused during work or school, despise boring meetings and have to chew gum or drink coffee to pass the time.
A medical professional will assess the patient for potential mental health issues or medical conditions that may cause similar symptoms. Then, they will use their behavioral history to determine if they suffer from ADD. This could involve speaking to the person's family members, colleagues and teachers and asking to see their behavior in different situations. The health professional may also ask about the person’s mood and medical history.
Most commonly, psychostimulants are used to enhance alertness and streamline brain signals. They include amphetamines, such as Adderall, Ritalin and Concerta and methylphenidates such as Strattera (atomoxetine) and Qelbree (viloxazine). Antidepressants that affect neurotransmitters in the brain, are sometimes prescribed for people with inattentive ADHD to improve their mood and concentration. Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor, (venlafaxine) are two examples. 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 symptom makes it difficult to focus on their work or schoolwork and could lead to unintentional mistakes. They also have difficulty following instructions or completing difficult tasks. They also have trouble staying focused when playing games or taking part in leisure activities. They frequently interrupt or interfere on others during conversations or games and are eagerly waiting for their turn. They might fiddle or squirm using their hands or feet or squirm in their seats or pacing as they listen or talk.
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 are constantly on the move and are unable to slow down or stop, even during events such as fairs or a theme parks. They may have trouble with managing tasks, finishing long-term tasks or committing to homework or other planned activities.
They often have a poor sense of their personal responsibility and experience difficulties creating and maintaining relationships. They may also have difficulty controlling their emotions, which could result in mood swings or severe depression. They may also have difficulty managing their finances and time, which can make it easier for them to fall victim to financial scams.
Many people suffering from ADHD don't be diagnosed until the age of adulthood, when their issues become more evident. In their early years, they could have been missed by teachers or other adults who were unaware of their symptoms. They might have learned to compensate for their symptoms and thrived in a supportive environment until they faced the pressures of pursuing a career or raising a family, as their issues became more evident. The male-to-female* ratio of diagnosed ADHD is higher in childhood, however 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. Techniques for managing stress, such as deep breathing and regular exercise can be beneficial. They must discuss with their physician all options for treatment that include stimulants (Strattera) and non-stimulants (Viloxazine) (Qelbree), and antidepressants (Wellbutrin).
Mixed Type Symptoms
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 like homework, schoolwork, chores or work. They also tend to make mistakes in school, at work and in their private lives. Attention and control of impulses can cause lots of stress and trouble in relationships.
The symptoms of this condition typically occur at various times throughout the day, and they may vary from mild to severe. Daydreaming, being easily distracted and forgetfulness are a few symptoms. They also include a tendency to misplace things like homework or keys and a difficulty in following through with tasks. They might also have trouble sitting still and disrupt or take over the activities of leisure or games.
It is important to assess the effects of each medication carefully when you have mixed presentation. Adults who have experienced this type of presentation since they were teens should have their treatment evaluated every six months, particularly when there are any lifestyle changes that could affect the amount of medication needed.
It is crucial to remember that ADD or ADHD does not affect race or ethnicity or gender, though it is believed to affect more people who are assigned males at birth (AMAB). Adults who present with various symptoms that are not explained are usually diagnosed.
There are a variety of ways to manage ADD in adults, which include 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 improve concentration by increasing levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Non-stimulants are also used by adults who do not want to use stimulants, or who only 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 include forgetfulness, difficulty finishing tasks, or having trouble being still. symptoms of ADHD in adults and hyperactivity can manifest as restlessness, fidgeting, or squirming. They may find it difficult to wait in line or follow instructions, leading to frustration and behavior that is contrary to the rules.
Adults who have a combination of ADHD symptoms often also experience difficulty recognizing social boundaries in a situation which can lead them to encroach on conversations or activities without considering how others might be feeling about it. They are often struggling with organizing strategies and get overwhelmed by large-scale projects. Many people suffering from this ADHD also have a history of depression or mood disorders.
Making sure you have a clear diagnosis of ADHD is key to identifying the most effective treatment strategy. While many people with ADHD struggle to reach out for assistance, obtaining the diagnosis can be an positive experience that provides them with the tools they require 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 month to qualify as ADHD. Additionally, the symptoms must be severe enough to affect a person's performance at work, school or home.
Experts aren't sure why ADHD is a common occurrence. However, they know that it is genetic and certain genes increase the chance of a person developing the condition. They also know that differences in brain structure and brain chemistry 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. These therapies are usually more effective than medication.