11 Strategies To Refresh Your Symptoms Of ADD And ADHD In Adults
Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Adults with attention deficit disorder are difficult to diagnose and treat. A therapist can help by examining symptoms and their root causes, educating patients on how to create structure and make behavioural changes, and offering medication when required.
People with ADD/ADHD have problems with hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity. The symptoms could include forgetfulness, difficulty waiting for their turn and trouble concentrating on work or playing games.
Inattentive Type Signs
The most obvious signs of this ADHD subtype are high distractibility and difficulty paying attention to the small details. Adults who have inattention ADHD frequently find it difficult to finish tasks or complete tasks that require a sustained concentration, such as writing, reading and completing homework. They may struggle to remember appointments or paying bills, and are more likely to make impulsive mistakes at work or in their home 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. In the end, the symptoms of inattentive ADHD can last throughout their adult lives and interfere with relationships, school performance, and career advancement.
The signs of inattention ADHD include frequent fidgeting with hands or feet, difficulty engaging in leisure activities quietly, trouble waiting for their turn and blurting out answers before questions are completed. They also tend to be late to meetings or classes and have difficulty staying organized. People with inattention ADHD often have trouble staying focused at school or at work, despise boring meetings and need to chew gum or drink coffee to pass the time.
A health professional will examine the person for potential mental health issues or medical conditions that may cause similar symptoms. Then, they will examine their behavior to determine if they suffer from ADD. This may involve speaking with the person's family, colleagues and teachers and asking them to observe their behavior in various settings. The health professional will also inquire about the person's mood as well as recent medical history.
Most often, psychostimulants are used to increase alertness and improve brain signals. Adderall, Ritalin, Concerta and methylphenidates such as Strattera (atomoxetine), Qelbree and Ritalin are a few examples of these drugs. Antidepressants that affect neurotransmitters in the brain, are also often prescribed to people suffering from 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 can make it difficult for people to concentrate on their work or school tasks, and may cause mistakes due to negligence. In addition, they often struggle to follow instructions or completing complex tasks. They also struggle to stay focused when playing games or engaging in activities of leisure with others. They frequently interrupt or interfere on conversations or games and can't wait for their turn. They might fiddle or squirm with their hands or feet or squirm in their seats 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 may be unable to control themselves and be constantly on the move, unable even to slow down or stop during events such as fairs or a theme park. ADHD symptoms in adults males may have trouble managing tasks, completing projects over a long time or applying themselves to structured activities or homework.
ADHD symptoms in adults males have a low sense of personal responsibility and may have difficulties making and keeping friends. They may also have trouble controlling their emotions, which could cause mood swings or severe depression. They may also have difficulty managing their finances and time and can make them more prone to financial scams and other frauds.
Many people with ADHD don't receive a diagnosis until adulthood, when their problems become more evident. During childhood, they may have been missed by teachers or other adults who were unaware of their issues. They may have learned to cope with their symptoms and thrived in a nurturing environment until they encountered the stress of working or raising a family which is when their issues were more evident. In childhood, the male-to-female* ADHD ratio is higher. However, it becomes more equal as they grow older.
Certain dietary supplements can reduce the irritability of people suffering from ADHD. These include GABA, taurine, GABA fish oil and Brain Vitale. Stress management techniques such as deep breathing and regular exercise can be beneficial. They should talk to their doctor about all treatments options, including stimulants (Strattera), non-stimulants (Viloxazine) (Qelbree), and antidepressants (Wellbutrin).
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 activities or remembering things, such as schoolwork, homework, chores or work. They tend to make careless mistakes at work, school and even in their personal life. These issues with attention and impulse can create a lot of stress and cause relationship difficulties.
The signs of this condition can vary in severity and can manifest at various stages of life. Being easily distracted, daydreaming and forgetfulness are just a few signs. They also include a tendency to misplace items like keys or homework and a difficult time keeping track of tasks. They also have a difficult time sitting still, and they may interrupt or take over games or other leisure activities.
A person with a mixed presentation of ADHD may find that certain medications are helpful while others don't. It's best to try one each time and analyze the results carefully. Adults who have had this type of presentation since they were teens should have their treatment reviewed every six months, and especially when there are any changes in their lifestyle that could impact the amount of medication needed.
It is important to remember that ADD and ADHD do not affect race or gender, ethnicity, or age. However it is believed that it will be more prevalent in those who were categorized as male at birth. Adults who present with various symptoms and cannot explain them are typically diagnosed.
There are adult male ADHD symptoms to treat and manage ADD in adults, including 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 help to increase concentration by increasing the availability of dopamine and norepinephrine within the brain. Non-stimulants are also available, and these can be an excellent option for adults who do not want to take stimulants or require them at lower doses.
Signs and symptoms of Combined Type
For people with combined type ADHD, the symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity appear together. Inattention symptoms can include forgetfulness, difficulties completing tasks or having difficulty staying still. Hyperactivity and impulsivity can manifest as restlessness, fidgeting or squirming. They often find it difficult to stay in line or to follow instructions, which can result in frustration and a tendency to break the rules.
Adults with a mix of ADHD symptoms also have difficulty recognizing social boundaries in a situation which can lead them to encroach into conversations or activities without considering how others might feel about it. They are more likely to have a hard working with organizational strategies and are often overwhelmed by complicated projects. In many cases, those with this ADHD appearance also have a history of depression or other mood disorders.
A proper diagnosis is essential to determine the best treatment plan. While many people with ADHD struggle to reach out for assistance, getting the diagnosis can be an inspiring experience that provides them with the tools they need 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 be present before the age of 12 and persist for at least six months to be considered ADHD. The symptoms must also be severe enough to negatively impact the performance of a child at the workplace, at school or at home.
Experts aren't entirely sure why ADHD is a problem but they do know that it can be hereditary and that certain genes increase the likelihood of developing the disorder. They also know that brain structure and brain chemistry play a part in the development of the disorder, and that some individuals 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 prescription medications.