Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults

Attention deficit disorder in adults can be difficult to recognize and manage. Therapists can help by examining the symptoms and their root causes, and then teaching the patient how to build structure and behavioural changes and provide medication if needed.

People suffering from ADD/ADHD may have difficulties with hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity. Symptoms may include problems with memory loss, trouble waiting for their turn and trouble concentrating on work or playing games.

Inattentive Type symptoms

The defining symptoms of this ADHD subtype are high distractibility and difficulty paying attention to the small details. Adults with inattention ADHD frequently find it difficult to complete tasks or projects that require sustained mental effort, like writing, reading or doing homework. They may have difficulty remembering appointments or paying their bills and are susceptible to making impulsive errors in 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. This means that the symptoms of inattentive ADHD can last throughout their adult lives and cause problems with relationships, school performance, and career advancement.

Symptoms of inattentive ADHD include the habit of fidgeting with your hands or feet, having difficulty engaging in leisure activities at a relaxed pace, trouble waiting for their turn and answering questions in a hurry before they are completed. They also are often late to meetings or classes and have difficulty staying organized. Inattentive ADHD sufferers often have trouble staying focused at work or school. They dislike boring meetings and prefer to chew gum or drink coffee to help them through.

A health professional will assess a person to determine if there are any medical or mental illnesses that may cause similar symptoms. Then, they’ll use their behavioral history to determine if the person is suffering from ADD. This can involve talking to the person’s family members, colleagues and teachers and asking them to observe their behavior in different situations. The health professional may also inquire about the individual’s mood and recent medical history.

Psychostimulants are used to enhance alertness and streamline brain signals. Adderall, Ritalin, Concerta and methylphenidates such as Strattera (atomoxetine), Qelbree and Ritalin are just a few examples of these medications. Antidepressants that affect neurotransmitters within the brain can be prescribed to people suffering from inattention ADHD to help enhance their mood and improve their concentration. They can include Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). Other medications that aren’t stimulants are also available. 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 can make it difficult for people to focus on their schoolwork or job tasks, and may lead to careless mistakes. They also have difficulty following instructions or completing difficult tasks. They also have trouble staying on task when playing games or engaging in activities of leisure with others. They often interrupt or intrude on other people during conversations, games or other activities and can’t wait for their turn. They might play 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 may have difficulty controlling themselves and be constantly on the move, unable even to slow down or stop during events such as fairs or a theme park. They may have trouble with managing tasks, completing long-term projects or applying themselves to schoolwork or other structured activities.

They usually have a weak sense of personal responsibility and may have difficulty making and keeping friends. They may also have difficulty regulating their emotions, which can cause mood swings and extreme depression. They might also have issues managing their time and finances, which can make them more susceptible to financial scams or other frauds.

Many people who suffer from ADHD do not get a diagnosis until they reach adulthood, when their issues become more obvious. In their early years, they could have been overlooked by teachers or other adults who were unaware of their issues. They may have compensated for their symptoms in a supportive atmosphere and thrived until they had to face the stress of pursuing the job of their dreams or raising a child, when their problems became apparent. In the beginning, the male-to female* ADHD ratio is higher. However it is more even in adulthood.

Certain supplements in the diet can help reduce irritability for people suffering from ADHD. These include GABA and taurine, GABA fish oil and Brain Vitale. They may also benefit from stress management strategies that include regular exercises and deep breathing. They should discuss with their doctor all options for treatment including stimulants (Strattera), non-stimulants (Viloxazine) (Qelbree), and antidepressants (Wellbutrin).

Mixed Type Signs and symptoms

People with combined type ADHD exhibit symptoms of both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive presentations. They have trouble focusing on long-term mental tasks, or recalling important things, like homework, schoolwork, chores or work. They are prone to making careless mistakes in school, at work as well as in their personal lives. These problems with attention and control of impulses can cause an abundance of stress and tension in relationships.

severe ADHD symptoms in adults of this condition can vary in severity and appear at various stages of life. The ability to be easily distracted, daydreaming, and forgetfulness are all symptoms. They also include a tendency to misplace things like keys or homework, and having difficulty keeping track of tasks. They also struggle to stay still, and they may interfere with or even take over games or other activities.

Someone who has a mixed manifestation of ADHD may find that certain medication helps while others don’t. It’s wise to try one at a time and evaluate the outcomes carefully. Adults who have had this type of presentation since the time they were teenagers should be re-evaluated every six months, especially when there are any changes in their lifestyle that could impact the amount of medication needed.

It is important to note that ADD and ADHD do not impact race gender, ethnicity, gender or age. However it is believed that it will affect more people who were assigned male at birth. The diagnosis is usually identified when adults exhibit many of the common symptoms across a variety of areas of their lives and are unable to explain them in a satisfactory manner.

There are many methods to manage and treat ADD in adults, such as lifestyle modification, behavior therapy, and medication. 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 can also be used by adults who don’t want to take stimulants, or only require them in a small dose.

Symptoms of Combined Type

For people with combined type ADHD, the symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity appear together. Inattention symptoms may include forgetfulness, difficulties completing tasks or having difficulty being still. Hyperactivity and impulsivity may manifest as a lack of concentration, fidgeting or squirming. They often have a difficult time to wait in line or to follow instructions, leading to frustration and behavior that is contrary to the rules.

Adults who have a combination of ADHD symptoms also have difficulties reading situational social boundaries, leading them to intrude on activities or conversations without considering how others might feel about it. They are more likely to have a difficult working with organizational strategies and tend to get overwhelmed by large-scale projects. In a lot of cases, people with this ADHD appearance also have a history of depression or other mood disorders.

A clear diagnosis is crucial to determine the most effective treatment plan. Although many adults with ADHD struggle to reach out for assistance, obtaining a diagnosis can be an inspiring experience that provides them with the tools needed to manage their symptoms and live productive, satisfying 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 prior to the age of 12 and persist for a minimum of six months to qualify as ADHD. In addition the symptoms have to be severe enough to hinder the performance of a child at work, school or at home.

Experts do not fully understand why ADHD is a common occurrence. However, they are aware that it is inherited and certain genes increase the likelihood of a person developing the condition. They also recognize 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. These treatments are often more effective than medication.