Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Adults with attention deficit disorder may be difficult to diagnose and treat. Therapists can assist by examining the symptoms and their causes, teaching patients ways to add structure and change their behavior and offer medication when needed.
People with ADD/ADHD may have issues with hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity. ADHD symptom test for adults may include problems with forgetfulness, trouble waiting for their turn and trouble concentrating on work or playing games.
The Signs of Inattention Type
This subtype of ADHD is characterized by a high degree of distraction and a lack of focus on the smallest details. Adults with inattentive ADHD are unable to complete tasks or projects that require continuous mental effort, such as reading and writing. They may struggle to remember appointments or paying their bills, and are more likely to make careless 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. As a result, their issues can persist throughout their adult lives and interfere with relationships as well as school performance and career advancement.
The symptoms of inattention ADHD include the habit of fidgeting with your hands or feet, difficulty engaging in leisure activities at a relaxed pace as well as difficulty waiting for their turn and answering questions before they are answered. They also tend to be late to classes or meetings and have difficulty staying organized. Those with inattentive ADHD often have trouble staying focused during work or school dislike boring meetings and need to chew gum or drink coffee to pass the time.
A health care provider will examine the person for potential mental health issues or medical conditions that may cause similar symptoms. Then, they will analyze their behavior history to determine if they suffer from ADD. This can involve talking to the person's parents, colleagues and teachers and asking to see their behavior in different settings. The health care provider will also ask about the person's mood as well as recent medical history.
The most common medications for inattentive ADHD are psychostimulants that streamline the brain's signals and improve alertness. Adderall, Ritalin, Concerta and methylphenidates such as Strattera (atomoxetine), Qelbree and Ritalin are a few examples of these medications. Antidepressants that affect neurotransmitters within the brain, are also sometimes prescribed for people with inattentive ADHD to improve their mood and focus. They could include Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). Other drugs 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 is a problem to focus on their work or schoolwork and can lead to careless mistakes. In addition, they typically have trouble following instructions or completing complex tasks. They also struggle to stay on task when playing games or in leisure activities with other people. They frequently interrupt or interfere on conversations or games and are eagerly waiting for their turn. They may fiddle or squirm with their hands or feet or squirm or move in their chairs or pacing while they talk or listen.
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 struggle with self-control and can often be constantly on the move and unable to stop or slow down, even when they're attending organized events like fairs or theme parks. They may struggle with organizing tasks, working on projects for a long period of time, or focusing on routine tasks or assignments.
They often have a poor sense of personal responsibility and have trouble making and maintaining friendships. They may also have issues managing their emotions, which can cause mood swings and extreme depression. They may also have trouble managing their finances and time and this can make it easier for them to fall victim to financial scams.
Many people suffering from ADHD do not be diagnosed until the age of adulthood, when their problems become more evident. During childhood, they may have been overlooked by teachers or other adults who weren't aware of their problems. They might have learned to cope with their symptoms and thrived in a supportive environment until they had to face the pressures of working or raising a family, as their issues became more evident. In childhood, the male-to-female* ADHD ratio is higher. However it becomes more equal in adulthood.
People suffering from ADHD frequently find that certain nutritional supplements, such as multiple vitamin, NeurOmega fish oil, GABA or taurine, and Brain Vitale or NeuroMemory can reduce irritability and improve memory. They can also benefit from stress management strategies that include regular exercises and deep breathing. They must discuss with their physician all treatments options 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 remembering things, such as schoolwork, homework, chores or work. They also tend to make mistakes in school, at work, and in their personal lives. Attention and impulse control can result in lots of stress and difficulty in relationships.
The symptoms of this condition typically appear at various times throughout the day and range from mild to severe. They can be characterized by daydreaming and being easily distracted from their thoughts, which can cause forgetfulness; a tendency to lose things, such as homework or keys and difficulty focusing on tasks. They also have a difficult time sitting still, and they can disrupt or take over games or other leisure activities.
A person with a mixed presentation of ADHD might find that certain medications help and others don't. It's recommended to test one at each time and analyze the outcomes carefully. Adults with this type of presentation who have been taking medication since the age of a teenager should get a review of their treatment every six months, and particularly after any changes in lifestyle that might affect the amount of medication required.
It is important to know that ADD and ADHD do not affect race, gender, ethnicity or age. However it does appear to be more prevalent in those who were categorized as male at birth. Adults who show a number of symptoms that are not explained are usually diagnosed.
There are a variety of 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 increase concentration by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. There are also non-stimulants available and are an ideal choice for those who aren't keen on taking stimulants or require less of a dose.
The 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 trouble being still. Hyperactivity and impulsivity can manifest as restlessness, fidgeting, or squirming. They may find it difficult to stay in line or to follow directions, which can lead to frustration and a tendency to break the rules.
Adults with a combination of ADHD symptoms often also experience difficulty recognizing social boundaries in a situation and can be seen to intrude on conversations or activities without thinking about how others think about it. symptoms of inattentive ADHD in adults tend to have difficulty organizing their thoughts and are overwhelmed by complex projects. In many cases, people with this ADHD display are also prone to depression or other mood disorders.
A clear diagnosis is crucial to determine the most effective treatment plan. Many adults with ADHD are reluctant to seek help. However, a 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 be 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 the student's performance at school, at work or at home.
Experts aren't entirely sure the reason ADHD occurs. However, they know that it is hereditary and certain genes increase the chance of a person developing the condition. They also are aware that brain chemistry as well as differences in brain structure are a factor, and that some people have the disorder despite not having 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 therapies are usually more effective than prescription medications.