13 Things You Should Know About Symptoms Of ADD And ADHD In Adults That You Might Never Have Known
Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Attention deficit disorder in adults can be challenging to identify and treat. A therapist can assist by analyzing the symptoms and their causes, educating the patient on how to add structure and behavioral changes and provide medication if needed.
People suffering from ADD/ADHD experience issues with hyperactivity, inattention, and the tendency to be impulsive. Symptoms include forgetfulness and difficulty waiting for their turn, or having difficulty concentrating on games or tasks.
Symptoms of Inattentive Type
This subtype of ADHD is characterized by a high level of distraction, and a lack of focus on the smallest details. Adults with inattentive ADHD often find it hard to finish tasks or complete projects that require constant mental effort, such as writing, reading and completing homework. They may struggle to remember appointments or paying bills and are prone to making careless 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. The issues they face can last into adulthood and affect their relationships, school performance and even their career development.
The symptoms of inattention ADHD include frequent fidgeting with hands and feet, having difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities at a relaxed pace and unable to wait for their turn and answering questions before they are completed. They also have trouble staying organized at home and work and are often late for classes or meetings. Inattentive ADHD sufferers often have difficulty staying focused at school or at work. They are not a fan of boring meetings and prefer to chew gum or drink coffee to help them through.
A health professional will examine a person to determine if there are any medical or mental conditions which could cause similar symptoms. Then, they will examine their behavior history to determine if a person has ADD. You can request to observe the person's behavior in various situations by speaking to their family or teachers as well as their coworkers. The health professional may also ask about the person’s mood and their recent medical history.
The most commonly prescribed medications for inattention ADHD are psychostimulants that improve signals sent to the brain and increase alertness. Adderall, Ritalin, Concerta and methylphenidates, such as Strattera (atomoxetine), Qelbree and Ritalin are a few examples of these medications. Antidepressants, which affect neurotransmitters in the brain, are also sometimes prescribed for people with inattentive ADHD to help improve their mood and focus. They could include Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). ADHD symptoms in adults quiz that aren't 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 symptom can make it difficult for people to focus on their studies or work tasks, and can cause mistakes due to negligence. In addition, they typically have trouble following instructions or completing complex tasks. They also have trouble staying on track when playing games or engaging in leisure activities with other people. They often disrupt and interrupt others during games, conversations or other activities. They might fiddle or squirm with their hands or feet, squirm or pace in their chairs or pacing as 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 have difficulty controlling their own behavior and be constantly on the move and are unable to slow down or stop, even at fairs or theme parks. They may have trouble organizing tasks, working on projects over a long period of time, or working on routine tasks or assignments.
They often have a poor sense of personal responsibility and may have difficulties making and maintaining friendships. They may also have trouble regulating their emotions, which can cause mood swings and severe depression. They may also be having difficulty managing their finances and time, which can make it easier for them to fall prey to frauds in the financial sector.
Many people suffering from ADHD do not receive a diagnosis until adulthood, when their issues become more evident. During childhood, they may be overlooked by teachers or other adults who weren't aware of their problems. They may have learned to manage their symptoms and thrived in a supportive environment until they had to face the stress of pursuing a career or raising a family, as their issues were more evident. The male-to-female* ratio of diagnosed ADHD is significantly higher in childhood, however the rate becomes more similar as they reach adulthood.
Certain nutritional supplements 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, such as regular exercise and deep breathing. They should discuss all options for treatment with their health care provider including non-stimulants and stimulants like Atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) and antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin).
Mixed Type Symptoms
People with combined type ADHD exhibit symptoms of both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive presentations. They have trouble staying focused on tasks that require mental effort for a long period of time or making things stick in their heads, such as schoolwork or homework, chores, or work. They tend to make impulsive mistakes in school, at work and even in their personal life. These attention and impulse problems can create a lot of stress and lead to relationship difficulties.
The symptoms of this condition typically appear at various times in the course of life and can range from mild to severe. The ability to be easily distracted, daydreaming and forgetfulness are a few symptoms. They also have the tendency to lose things like keys or homework, and having difficulty working through tasks. They also struggle to stay still, and they may interrupt or take over games or other leisure activities.
It is important to assess the results of each medication carefully in the event of mixed presentation. Adults who have experienced this type of presentation since they were teenagers should have their treatment evaluated every six months, especially when there are any lifestyle changes that may impact the amount of medication required.
It is important to know that ADD and ADHD do not affect race gender, ethnicity, gender or age. However, it does appear to affect people who were assigned male at birth. Adults who present with various symptoms that are not explained are usually diagnosed.
There are many ways to deal with ADD among adults, including 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 dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. Non-stimulants are also available and are a good choice for adults who don't want to take stimulants or require lower doses.
Symptoms of Combined Type
For people with combined type ADHD, the symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity appear together. Inattention symptoms include forgetfulness, difficulties completing tasks or having difficulty staying still. Impulsivity and hyperactivity can manifest as a lack of concentration, fidgeting or squirming. They are unable to stay in line or follow instructions. This can result in frustration and behavior that is contrary to the rules.
Adults who suffer from an array of ADHD symptoms often also experience difficulties recognizing social boundaries within their environment, leading them to intrude on activities or conversations without considering how others might feel about it. They are more likely to have a hard time with organizational strategies and tend to get overwhelmed by large-scale projects. In many cases, people with this ADHD appearance may also be suffering from depression or other mood disorders.
A clear diagnosis is crucial for determining the best treatment plan. Although many adults with ADHD struggle to reach out for help, receiving a diagnosis can be an empowering experience that gives them the tools they need to manage their symptoms and lead a 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 have been present prior to the age of 12 and persist for at least six month to be considered ADHD. Additionally, the symptoms must be severe enough to affect a person's performance at work, school or home.
Experts don't fully understand why ADHD is a problem however they know that it can be inherited and that certain genes increase the likelihood of developing the condition. They also recognize that brain chemistry and differences in brain structure can play a role, and that some people get the disorder without 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. In many instances, these therapies are more effective than medications.