12 Facts About Symptoms Of ADD And ADHD In Adults To Refresh Your Eyes At The Water Cooler
Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Attention deficit disorder in adults can be difficult to recognize and manage. Therapists can help by analyzing the symptoms and their root causes, and then teaching the patient how to add structure, make behavioural modifications and offer medication if necessary.
People suffering from ADD/ADHD experience issues with hyperactivity, inattention, and the tendency to be impulsive. Symptoms may include problems with forgetfulness, trouble waiting for their turn and difficulties concentrating on tasks or playing games.
Signs of Inattentive Type
This subtype of ADHD is characterized by high distractibility, and a difficulty in paying attention to the smallest details. Adults who have inattention ADHD typically have difficulty to complete tasks or tasks that require a sustained mental effort, like writing, reading or doing homework. They may have difficulty remembering appointments or paying bills, and are prone to making careless mistakes in their work or 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. This means that their issues can persist throughout their adult lives and cause problems with relationships as well as school performance and career advancement.
Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms include fidgeting, having trouble engaging in leisure activities, issues waiting for their turn, and blurting answers before the questions are finished. They are also often late to meetings or classes and struggle to stay organized. Inattentive ADHD sufferers often have a hard time staying focused at school or at work. They dislike boring meetings and often chew gum or drink coffee to get them through.
A health care provider will evaluate the person for potential mental health issues or medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms. Then, they will analyze their behavior history to identify if they have ADD. You can ask to see the person's behavior in different situations by speaking to their family, teachers, and co-workers. The health care provider might also inquire about the person's mood and medical history.
Psychostimulants are used to boost alertness and streamline brain signals. Adderall, Ritalin, Concerta and methylphenidates, such as Strattera (atomoxetine), Qelbree and Ritalin are just a few examples of these medications. Antidepressants that affect neurotransmitters within the brain are sometimes prescribed to people with inattentive ADHD in order to improve their mood and focus. They can include Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). Other medications 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 symptom makes it difficult to focus on work or school assignments and can lead to careless mistakes. Additionally, they frequently have trouble following instructions or performing complex tasks. They also have trouble staying focused when playing games or engaging in leisure activities. They are often disruptive and interrupt other players during games, discussions or other activities. They may fiddle with their hands or feet or even squirm their seat, or pace while they're 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 often be on the go and unable to stop or slow down, even if they are at events that are organized like fairs or theme parks. They may struggle with organizing tasks, working on projects for a long period of time, or working on routine tasks or assignments.
They lack a sense of accountability and often have a difficult time forming and maintaining friendships. They may also have difficulty managing their emotions, which could lead to mood swings and severe depression. They may also have trouble managing their finances and time and can make them more susceptible to financial scams or other frauds.
Many people who suffer from ADHD do not receive a diagnosis until the age of adulthood, when their problems become more evident. Teachers or other adults may have missed their symptoms throughout their childhood. They could have reacted to their problems in a safe environment and flourished until they were confronted with the stress of pursuing an occupation or raising a child which is when their issues became evident. In the early years, the male-to-female* ADHD ratio is higher. However it is more even as they grow older.
Certain supplements in the diet can help reduce the irritability of people suffering from ADHD. These include GABA as well as taurine. GABA fish oil and Brain Vitale. They can also benefit from stress management strategies that include regular exercises and deep breathing. They must discuss with their physician all options for treatment, including stimulants (Strattera) as well as 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 have difficulty staying focused on tasks that require a lot of mental effort for a long time or making things stick in their heads like schoolwork, chores, homework or work. They tend to make impulsive mistakes in school, at work and even in their personal life. These problems with attention and impulse control can lead to an abundance of stress and trouble in relationships.
The symptoms of this disorder are varied in severity and can manifest at different times in life. They can be characterized by daydreaming and being easily distracted from their thoughts, which can lead to forgetfulness; a tendency to lose things, such as keys or homework; and difficulties following through on their tasks. They also struggle to sit still and may interfere with or even take over games or other activities.
It's important to evaluate the effects of each medication carefully if you have a mixed presentation. Adults who have had this presentation since they were teens should have their treatment evaluated every six months, particularly if there are any changes in their lifestyle that could affect the amount of medication needed.
It is crucial to remember that ADD or ADHD doesn't affect race or ethnicity, nor gender, but it does seem to be more prevalent in those who are assigned male at birth (AMAB). Adults who exhibit several symptoms and cannot explain them are typically diagnosed.
There are a variety of 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 boost concentration by increasing levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Non-stimulants are also readily available and can be a good choice for adults who aren't keen on taking stimulants or need them at less of a dose.
The symptoms of Combined Type
For people with combined type ADHD, the symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity appear together. symptoms of ADHD in an adult of inattention may be apparent in the form of difficulty sitting still, forgetfulness or trouble finishing tasks and impulsivity, hyperactivity can manifest as fidgeting, restlessness and squirming. They may also be able to blurt out answers without waiting for a complete answer. They often find it difficult to wait in line or to follow instructions, leading to frustration and behavior that is contrary to the rules.
Adults with a mix of ADHD symptoms often also experience difficulties reading situational social boundaries and can be seen to intrude on conversations or activities without considering how others might feel about it. They are more likely to have a hard working with organizational strategies and tend to be overwhelmed by large-scale projects. Many people with this ADHD also have a history of depression or mood disorders.
Making sure you have a clear diagnosis of ADHD is crucial to determining the most effective treatment strategy. Although many adults with ADHD struggle to seek help, receiving a diagnosis can be an inspiring experience that provides them with the tools they require to manage their symptoms and live productive, satisfying 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 continue for a minimum of six months to be considered ADHD. The symptoms must be severe enough to impact the performance of a child at the workplace, at school or at home.
Experts don't fully understand the reasons ADHD occurs, but they know that it can be genetic and that certain genes increase a person's risk of developing the disorder. They also recognize that differences in brain structure and brain chemistry play a part in the development of ADHD, and that some people get the disorder on their own, 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. In many instances, these treatments can be more effective than medication.