Don't Stop! 15 Things About Symptoms Of ADD And ADHD In Adults We're Overheard
Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Adults with attention deficit disorder are difficult to diagnose and treat. Therapists can help by analyzing the symptoms and their causes, teaching the patient how to add structure, make behavioural modifications, and offering medication if needed.
People with ADD/ADHD may have issues with hyperactivity, inattention, and the tendency to be impulsive. Symptoms may include problems with forgetfulness, difficulty waiting for their turn, and difficulty concentrating on tasks or playing games.
The Signs of Inattention Type
This type of ADHD is characterized by high distractibility, and a lack of focus on the smallest details. Adults with inattention ADHD struggle to complete tasks or projects that require constant mental efforts, such as reading and writing. They may have difficulty remembering appointments or paying their bills and are susceptible to making impulsive mistakes at 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. As a result, their problems may persist throughout their adult lives, and may cause issues with relationships, school performance, and career advancement.
The signs of inattention ADHD include frequent fidgeting with hands and feet, having difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly, trouble waiting for their turn, and answering questions before they are completed. They also are often late to meetings or classes and are unable to stay organized. Those with inattentive ADHD are often unable to stay focused during work or school, despise boring meetings and have to chew gum or drink coffee to get through them.
A medical professional will assess the patient for any possible mental health issues or medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms and then analyze their behavior history to identify if they have 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 streamline signals sent to the brain and improve alertness. They include amphetamines, such as Adderall, Ritalin and Concerta and methylphenidates, such as Strattera (atomoxetine) and Qelbree (viloxazine). Antidepressants that affect neurotransmitters within the brain, are sometimes prescribed to those suffering from inattention ADHD to help improve their mood and concentration. They may include Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). Non-stimulant medications can 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 can make it difficult for people to concentrate on their studies or work tasks, and can result in a number of mistakes made by careless people. They also have trouble following instructions or completing complicated tasks. They also have difficulty staying focused when playing games or engaging in leisure activities with others. They often disrupt and disrupt other players during games, discussions or other activities. They may fiddle or squirm with their feet or hands or squirm in their chairs or pacing while they listen or talk.
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 may frequently be in a hurry and unable to stop or slow down, even when they're at organized events such as fairs or theme parks. They may have difficulty organizing tasks, completing long-term projects, or committing themselves to homework or other structured activities.
They typically have a low sense of personal responsibility and may have difficulty creating and maintaining relationships. They may also have difficulty regulating their emotions, which could cause mood swings and depression. They may also have trouble managing their finances and time which could make them more vulnerable to financial scams and other fraudulent activities.
Many people suffering from ADHD do not receive a diagnosis until the age of adulthood, when their problems become more apparent. In their early years, they could 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 supportive environment until they faced the stresses of pursuing a career or raising a family, as their issues became more apparent. The male-to-female ratio of diagnosed ADHD is significantly higher in the early years, but the rate becomes more similar as they reach adulthood.
Certain nutritional supplements can help reduce irritability for people suffering from ADHD. These include GABA as well as taurine. GABA fish oil and Brain Vitale. Stress management techniques such as deep breathing and regular exercise can be beneficial. They should discuss all treatments with their doctor including non-stimulants and stimulants like Atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) and antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin).
Symptoms of Mixed Type
People with combined type ADHD exhibit symptoms of both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive presentations. ADHD symptoms in adults females have trouble staying focused on tasks that require a lot of mental effort for long periods of time or making things stick in their mind, such as schoolwork or homework, chores or work. They are prone to making careless errors at school, work as well as in their personal lives. The issues with attention and impulse control can lead to an abundance of stress and difficulty in relationships.
Symptoms of this presentation often occur at different times in life, and they may vary from mild to severe. They may include daydreaming and becoming easily distracted by their own thoughts, which can cause forgetfulness; a tendency to lose things like homework or keys and difficulty focusing on their tasks. They may also have a difficult time being still, and can interfere with leisure activities or games.
It is important to assess the results of each medication carefully if you have mixed presentation. Adults who have had this condition since they were teenagers should be re-evaluated every six months, especially if there are any changes in their lifestyle that could impact the amount of medication needed.
It is crucial to remember that ADD or ADHD is not a problem of race or ethnicity, nor gender, but it may affect more people who are assigned a male at birth (AMAB). The diagnosis is typically given when people are suffering from several of the typical symptoms in several aspects of their lives but cannot explain them clearly.
There are several methods to treat ADD in adults, which include lifestyle changes, medication 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. Non-stimulants can also be used by adults who do not wish to take stimulants, or only require them in a small dosage.
The symptoms of Combined Type
For people with combined type ADHD, the symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity appear together. Symptoms of inattention may be apparent as a struggle to sit still, forgetfulness or difficulty finishing tasks, while hyperactivity and impulsivity can manifest as a lack of concentration, fidgeting and squirming. They may also be able to blurt out answers without waiting for a full question. They have a difficult time learning to stand in line or follow instructions. This leads to frustration and rule-breaking behaviors.
Adults who suffer from a mix of ADHD symptoms also often have difficulty recognizing social boundaries in a situation which can lead them to encroach on conversations or activities without thinking about how others be feeling about it. severe ADHD symptoms adults have trouble with organizing strategies and get overwhelmed by complex projects. In many cases, people who exhibit this ADHD presentation also have a history of depression or other mood disorders.
A proper diagnosis is essential to determine the most effective treatment plan. Many adults suffering from ADHD are reluctant to seek help. However an accurate diagnosis can empower them and provide 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 have been present prior to the age of 12 and last for at least six month to qualify as ADHD. The symptoms must also be severe enough to affect the student's performance at the workplace, at school or at home.
Experts don't fully understand the reasons ADHD is a problem but they know that it can be inherited and that certain genes can increase a person's risk of developing the disorder. They also know that brain structure and the brain's chemical makeup play a role, and that some people 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 therapies are usually more effective than prescription medications.