Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults

Adults suffering from attention deficit disorder may be difficult to diagnose and treat. A therapist can assist by examining the symptoms and their causes, teaching the patient how to structure their lives and behavioral changes, and offering medication when needed.

People suffering from ADD/ADHD have issues with inattention, hyperactivity, and an impulsiveness. Some of the symptoms include forgetfulness, trouble waiting for their turn, and difficulty concentrating on tasks or playing games.

Inattention Type Signs

The most obvious signs of this ADHD subtype are high levels of distraction and trouble paying attention to details. Adults with inattention ADHD are unable to complete tasks or projects that require continuous mental effort, like reading and writing. They may struggle to remember appointments or paying bills, and are more likely to make impulsive mistakes in their daily or personal 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. This means that their problems may persist throughout their adult lives and cause problems with relationships, school performance, and career advancement.

Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms include fumbling, difficulty engaging in leisure activities, difficulties waiting for their turn, and blurting out answers when the questions are not finished. They also struggle to stay organized at home and at work and are often late for classes or meetings. Inattention ADHD sufferers often have difficulty 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 professional will examine the person for any possible mental health issues or medical conditions that may cause similar symptoms and then examine their behavior 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 different settings. The health care provider may also ask about the person’s mood and medical history.

The most common medications for inattentive ADHD are psychostimulants that streamline the brain's signals and boost alertness. These include amphetamines like Adderall, Ritalin and Concerta and methylphenidates like Strattera (atomoxetine) and Qelbree (viloxazine). Antidepressants, which affect neurotransmitters in the brain, are sometimes prescribed to those suffering from inattentive ADHD to help improve their mood and concentration. They can include Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). Non-stimulant drugs may 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 is a problem for them to concentrate on schoolwork or work tasks and may result in careless errors. In addition, they often have trouble following instructions or completing complex tasks. They also have trouble staying focused when playing games or engaging in leisure activities. They can be disruptive and interrupt other players during games, discussions or other activities. 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 struggle with self-control and can often be on the go, unable to stop or slow down, even if they are at events that are organized like fairs or theme parks. They may struggle with managing tasks, completing projects for a long period of time or applying themselves to routine tasks or assignments.

They lack a sense of responsibility and frequently have difficulty making and keeping friendships. They may also have difficulties regulating their emotions which can result in mood swings or depression. They may also have trouble managing their time and finances which could make them more prone to financial scams or other fraudulent activities.

Many people suffering from ADHD don't receive a diagnosis until adulthood, when their problems become more apparent. Teachers or other adults might have missed their symptoms throughout childhood. They may have adapted to manage their symptoms and thrived in a supportive environment until they faced the stresses of pursuing a career or having a family as their issues became more apparent. In childhood, the male-to-female* ADHD ratio is higher. However, it becomes more equal as they grow older.

Certain supplements in the diet can help reduce irritability in people with ADHD. These include GABA and taurine, GABA fish oil and Brain Vitale. They can also benefit from stress management techniques that include regular exercise and deep breathing. They should discuss all treatments with their health care provider, including stimulants and non-stimulants such as Atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) and antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin).

Signs 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 are prone to making careless mistakes in school, at work, and in personal life. The issues with attention and control of impulses can cause lots of stress and trouble in relationships.

Symptoms of this presentation often manifest at various times throughout the day, and they may vary from mild to severe. The ability to be easily distracted, daydreaming and forgetfulness are a few signs. They also include the tendency to lose items like keys or homework and a difficulty in keeping track of tasks. They also struggle to stay still and may interrupt or take over games or other leisure activities.

Someone who has a mixed manifestation of ADHD may find that certain medications are helpful while others don't, so it's wise to try one at an time and then evaluate the results carefully. Adults who have had this condition since they were teens should be re-evaluated every six months, especially when there are any lifestyle changes that could alter the dosage of medication required.

It is important to note that ADD and ADHD do not impact race gender, ethnicity, gender or age. However it does appear to affect more people who were deemed male at birth. The diagnosis is typically identified when adults exhibit various of the typical symptoms in various areas of their lives, but cannot explain them clearly.

There are many methods to manage and treat ADD in adults, including behavioral therapy, lifestyle changes, 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 help to increase concentration by increasing the availability of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Non-stimulants can also be used by adults who do not wish to take stimulants, or only require them in a lower dose.

Symptoms of Combined Type

For people with combined type ADHD, the symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity appear together. symptoms of high functioning adhd of inattention may be apparent as a struggle to sit still, forgetfulness, or having trouble finishing tasks, while hyperactivity and impulsivity can manifest as a lack of concentration, fidgeting, squirming or blurting out answers without waiting for a complete answer. They find it hard to wait in lines or follow directions. This can lead to frustration and a tendency to break the rules.

Adults with an array of ADHD symptoms often also experience difficulties recognizing social boundaries within their environment and can be seen to intrude into conversations or activities without thinking about how others think about it. They are more likely to have a difficult working with organizational strategies and tend to get overwhelmed by large-scale projects. In many cases, those who exhibit this ADHD appearance may also be suffering from depression or other mood disorders.

Making sure you have a clear diagnosis of ADHD is essential to determine the most effective treatment strategy. Many people suffering from ADHD are hesitant to seek assistance. However, a diagnosis can empower them and give them the tools needed to manage their symptoms.

To receive a diagnosis, doctors must identify at least six symptoms of adhd burnout of inattention and at least five symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity to a degree that interferes with daily functioning. The symptoms must be present before age 12 and last for at least six months to be considered an ADHD diagnosis. The symptoms must be severe enough to affect a person's performance in school, at work or at home.

Experts don't fully understand the reasons adhd symptoms in women is a problem however they do know that it can be genetic and that certain genes increase the likelihood of developing the condition. They also know that brain structure and the brain's chemical makeup play a role in the development of the disorder, and that some individuals 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. These treatments are typically more effective than medications.