Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Adults with attention deficit disorder are difficult to diagnose and treat. A therapist can help by examining the symptoms and their root causes, educating patients on how to add structure and change their behavior and provide medication if needed.
People with ADD/ADHD may have issues with hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity. The symptoms include forgetfulness and difficulty waiting for their turn, or difficulty working on tasks or games.
Inattention Type symptoms
The most prominent symptoms of this ADHD subtype are high distractibility and difficulty paying attention details. Adults with inattention ADHD often find it hard to complete tasks or projects that require sustained concentration, such as writing, reading or doing homework. They may have difficulty remembering appointments or paying their bills and are susceptible to making impulsive mistakes at 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. Their problems can persist throughout their adulthood and impact their relationships, school performance and career advancement.
The signs of inattention ADHD include frequent fidgeting with hands or feet, having difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly and unable to wait for their turn, and answering questions before they are finished. They also tend to be 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 have to chew gum or drink coffee to make it through them.
A health care provider will examine the person for possible mental health or medical conditions that may cause similar symptoms. Then, they will analyze their behavior history to identify if they have ADD. This can involve talking to the person's family members, teachers and colleagues and asking about their behavior in various settings. The health care provider may also ask about the person’s mood and recent medical history.
Most commonly, psychostimulants are used to boost alertness and improve brain signals. Adderall, Ritalin, Concerta and methylphenidates like Strattera (atomoxetine), Qelbree and Ritalin are a few examples of these medications. Antidepressants that affect neurotransmitters in the brain, are also often prescribed to people suffering from inattention ADHD to help improve their mood and focus. They could 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 makes it difficult to focus on schoolwork or work tasks and can lead to careless errors. In addition, they typically struggle to follow instructions or completing complicated tasks. They also struggle to stay focused when playing games or engaging in activities of leisure with others. They can be disruptive and disrupt other people during games, conversations or other activities. They might play with their feet or hands, squirm in their seat 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 have difficulty controlling their own behavior and be constantly on the move and are unable to slow down or stop during events such as fairs or a theme park. They may have difficulties managing tasks, completing long-term tasks or committing to homework or other planned activities.
They lack a sense of responsibility and frequently have difficulty making and keeping friendships. They may also have difficulty controlling their emotions, which could lead them to mood swings or depression. They may also have trouble managing their time and finances which could make them more susceptible to financial scams and other frauds.
ADHD in adults symptoms women suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed until adulthood, when their symptoms become more apparent. As children, they might be overlooked by teachers or other adults who were unaware of their issues. They may have sought to alleviate their problems in a safe environment and thrived until they had to face the pressure of pursuing an occupation or raising a child, when their problems became apparent. The male-to-female* ratio of diagnosed ADHD is higher in the early years, but the rate becomes more similar as they reach adulthood.
Certain supplements in the diet can help reduce irritability in people with ADHD. These include GABA, taurine, GABA fish oil, and Brain Vitale. They can also benefit from techniques for managing stress like regular exercises and deep breathing. They must discuss with their physician all treatment options including stimulants (Strattera) as well as non-stimulants (Viloxazine) (Qelbree), and antidepressants (Wellbutrin).
The symptoms of mixed type
People with combined type ADHD exhibit symptoms of both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive presentations. They have difficulty focusing on long-term mental tasks, or remembering things, such as homework, schoolwork, chores or work. They also tend to make careless mistakes at school, at work and in their private lives. Attention and impulse control can lead to lots of stress and tension in relationships.
The symptoms of this disorder are varied in severity and can manifest at different stages of life. Being easily distracted, daydreaming and forgetfulness are a few symptoms. They also include the tendency to lose items like keys or homework and a difficulty in keeping track of tasks. They might also have trouble staying still and may interfere with the activities of leisure or games.
It's important to evaluate the effects of each medication carefully when you have mixed presentation. Adults with this presentation who have been taking medication since the age of a teenager should get a review of their treatment every 6 months, and especially after any changes in lifestyle that may affect the amount of medication needed.
It is important to remember that ADD and ADHD do not impact race or gender, ethnicity, or age. However it does appear to affect people who were assigned male at birth. Adults who exhibit a number of symptoms but are unable to explain them are typically diagnosed.
There are several ways to deal with 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 boost concentration by increasing levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Non-stimulants are also readily available, and these can be an excellent option for adults who do not want to take stimulants or require a lower dose.
Symptoms of Combined Type
For people with combined type ADHD, the symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity appear together. Inattention symptoms include forgetfulness, difficulty completing tasks or difficulties staying still. Impulsivity and hyperactivity can manifest as a lack of concentration, fidgeting or squirming. They find it hard to stay in line or follow directions. This can lead to frustration and a tendency to break the rules.
Adults who suffer from a combination of ADHD symptoms often have difficulty understanding social boundaries in a given situation which could cause them to interrupt conversations or activities. They do this without considering what others might think. They are more likely to have a difficult time with organizational strategies and tend to be overwhelmed easily by complex projects. In many cases, those with this ADHD presentation also have a history of depression or other mood disorders.
Making sure you have a clear diagnosis of ADHD is key to identifying the most effective treatment strategy. Many people suffering from ADHD are reluctant to seek help. However the 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 before the age of 12 and continue for at least six months to be considered ADHD. Additionally the symptoms must be severe enough to reduce a person's performance at school, work or at home.
Experts aren't sure the reason ADHD is a common occurrence. However, they do know that it is inherited and certain genes increase the chance of being diagnosed with the disorder. They also know that brain structure and brain chemistry play a part in the development of ADHD, and that some people are born with the disorder and have 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 instances, these treatments can be more effective than medications.