12 Facts About Symptoms Of ADD And ADHD In Adults That Will Get You Thinking About The Water Cooler
Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Attention deficit disorder in adults can be challenging to diagnose and manage. Therapists can assist by analyzing the symptoms and their causes, educating the patient on how to build structure and behavioral changes, and offering medication when needed.
People suffering from ADD/ADHD may have difficulties with hyperactivity, inattention and an impulsiveness. The symptoms could include forgetfulness, trouble waiting for their turn, and difficulties concentrating on tasks or playing games.
Inattentive Type Signs
This type of ADHD is characterized by high distractibility, and a difficulty in paying attention to tiny details. Adults with inattentive ADHD struggle to complete tasks or projects that require continuous mental efforts, such as writing and reading. They may struggle to remember appointments or paying bills, and are prone to making careless 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. Their problems can persist into adulthood, affecting their relationships, school performance, and even their career development.
Inattentive ADHD symptoms include fidgeting, difficulty playing quietly or participating in leisure activities, problems waiting for their turn, and blurting answers before the questions are completed. They also have difficulty staying organized at home and work and often arrive late for classes or meetings. Inattention ADHD sufferers often have trouble staying focused at school or at work. They are not a fan of boring meetings and often chew gum or drink coffee to help them through.
A health care provider will evaluate the person for any possible mental health issues or medical conditions that may cause similar symptoms. They will then use their behavioral history to determine if they suffer from ADD. You can request to observe the person's behavior in different situations by talking to their family as well as teachers and colleagues. The health professional may also ask about the person’s mood and their recent medical history.
Most commonly, psychostimulants are used to increase alertness and improve brain signals. These include amphetamines such as Adderall, Ritalin and Concerta and methylphenidates like Strattera (atomoxetine) and Qelbree (viloxazine). Antidepressants that alter neurotransmitters inside the brain can be prescribed to those with inattentive ADHD in order to improve their mood and focus. Wellbutrin (bupropion), and Effexor, (venlafaxine) are two examples. Non-stimulant medications can 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 studies or work tasks, and may lead to careless mistakes. In addition, they typically have trouble following instructions or completing complex tasks. They also have trouble staying on track when playing games or in leisure activities with other people. They often interrupt or intrude on conversations or games and are eagerly waiting for their turn. They may fiddle with their hands or feet, squirm in 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 have trouble with self-control and may often be on the go, unable to stop or slow down, even when they are at events that are organized like fairs and theme parks. They may have difficulties organizing tasks, completing long-term projects or applying themselves to schoolwork or other structured activities.
They lack a sense of responsibility and often have difficulty making and keeping friendships. They may also have trouble regulating their emotions which can lead them to mood swings and depression. They may also be having difficulty managing their time and finances and this can make it easier for them to fall victim to financial scams.
Many people suffering from ADHD don't receive a diagnosis until adulthood, when their problems become more obvious. Teachers or other adults might have missed their symptoms in childhood. They may have adapted to cope with their symptoms and thrived in a supportive environment until they encountered the pressures of working or raising a family as their issues became more evident. In childhood, the male-to-female* ADHD ratio is higher. However, it becomes more equal in adulthood.
Certain dietary supplements can reduce irritability for people suffering from ADHD. These include GABA, taurine, GABA fish oil, and Brain Vitale. They may also benefit from stress management techniques that include regular exercise and deep breathing. They must discuss with their physician all treatment options that include 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 mental effort for long periods of time or causing things to stick in their heads for example, schoolwork homework, chores or work. They are prone to making careless mistakes at work, school, and in personal life. These problems with attention and control of impulses can cause an abundance of stress and difficulty in relationships.
The symptoms of this condition typically manifest at different times in life and can range from mild to severe. The ability to be easily distracted, daydreaming, and forgetfulness are all signs. They also include a tendency to misplace things like homework or keys, and having difficulty following through with tasks. They also struggle to stay still and may interfere with or even take over games or other leisure activities.
It's important to evaluate the results of each drug carefully if you have a mixed presentation. Adults who have experienced this type of presentation since the time they were teenagers should have their treatment evaluated every six months, particularly in the event of any lifestyle changes that may affect the amount of medication needed.
It is important to remember that ADD and ADHD do not impact race gender, ethnicity, gender or age. However it is believed that it will affect people who were deemed male at birth. Adults who exhibit a number of symptoms but are unable to explain them are usually diagnosed.
There are many ways to deal with ADD among adults, including medications, 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 boost concentration by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. Non-stimulants are also readily available, and these can be an excellent option for adults who don't want to take stimulants or require them at a lower dose.
Symptoms of Combined Type
For people with combined type ADHD, the symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity appear together. Inattention symptoms can be evident as difficulty sitting still, forgetfulness, or having trouble finishing tasks and impulsivity, hyperactivity may manifest as restlessness, fidgeting and squirming. They may also be able to blurt out answers without waiting for a full answer. They often have a difficult time to stay in line or to follow directions, which can lead to frustration and a tendency to break the rules.
Adults who have a combination of ADHD symptoms often have difficulty reading social boundaries in the context of a particular situation and can cause them to disrupt conversations or activities. They do this without thinking about what others might think. They are more likely to have a hard to organize their lives and tend to get overwhelmed by complicated projects. Many people who suffer from this ADHD also have a history of depression or mood disorders.
A proper diagnosis of ADHD is key to identifying the most effective treatment strategy. While many adults who have ADHD struggle to reach out for assistance, getting an accurate diagnosis can be a positive experience that provides them with the tools needed 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. The symptoms must be present prior to the age of 12 and last for at least six months to qualify as an ADHD diagnosis. The symptoms must be severe enough to negatively impact the performance of a child at the workplace, at school or at home.
Experts do not fully understand the reason ADHD is a common occurrence. However, they know that it is inherited and certain genes increase the chance of someone becoming affected. They also recognize that brain chemistry and differences in brain structure play a part, and that some people have the disorder despite not having an ancestry history.
There are inattentive ADHD in adults symptoms 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 medication.