10 Facts About Symptoms Of ADD And ADHD In Adults That Can Instantly Put You In A Good Mood
Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Adults suffering from attention deficit disorder may be difficult to identify and treat. Therapists can assist by examining the signs and causes, educating the patient on how to add structure and behavioral changes, and offering medication when needed.
People with ADD/ADHD experience difficulties with hyperactivity, inattention and an impulsiveness. Some of the symptoms include memory loss, trouble waiting for their turn, and trouble concentrating on work or playing games.
The Signs of Inattention Type
The defining symptoms of this ADHD subtype are high distractibility and difficulty paying attention to particulars. Adults who are inattentive ADHD have difficulty completing tasks or projects that require continuous mental efforts, such as reading and writing. They may have difficulty remembering appointments or paying their bills and are prone making careless mistakes at work 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. The issues they face can last into adulthood, affecting their relationships, school performance, and even their career development.
Symptoms of inattentive ADHD include frequent fidgeting with hands or feet, difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities at a relaxed pace, trouble waiting for their turn, and blurting out answers before questions are answered. They also struggle to stay well-organized at home and at work, and are often late for classes or meetings. People with inattention ADHD are often unable to stay focused at school or at work, despise boring meetings and have to chew gum or sip coffee to make it through them.
A health care provider will assess the patient for possible mental health or medical conditions that may cause similar symptoms and then use their behavioral history to determine if they suffer from ADD. This could involve speaking to the person's parents, teachers and colleagues and asking them to observe their behavior in different situations. The health care provider might also ask about the person’s mood and recent medical history.
Most often, psychostimulants are used to enhance alertness and improve brain signals. They include amphetamines, such as Adderall, Ritalin and Concerta and methylphenidates, such as Strattera (atomoxetine) and Qelbree (viloxazine). Antidepressants that affect neurotransmitters in the brain, are also often prescribed to people suffering from inattention ADHD to improve their mood and concentration. Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor, (venlafaxine) are two examples. 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 makes it difficult to focus on their work or schoolwork and can lead to careless mistakes. They also have trouble following directions or completing complex tasks. They also have difficulty staying on track when playing games or in leisure activities with others. They often disrupt and interrupt other players during games, discussions or other activities. They might squirm or fiddle with their feet or hands 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 have difficulty controlling themselves and be constantly on the move, unable even to slow down or stop, even at events like fairs or theme park. They may have difficulty managing tasks, completing long-term projects, or committing themselves to homework or other structured activities.
They lack a sense of responsibility and often struggle to form and maintain friendships. They may also have trouble controlling their emotions, which could lead them to mood swings and depression. They might also have issues managing their time and finances, which can make them more susceptible to financial scams and other frauds.
Many people with ADHD don't receive a diagnosis until adulthood, when their problems become more obvious. Teachers and other adults could have missed their symptoms during childhood. They may have learned to cope with their symptoms and thrived in a supportive environment until they faced the pressures of working or raising a family, as their issues became more apparent. The male-to-female ratio of diagnosed ADHD is much higher in childhood, but the proportions become more similar as they reach adulthood.
Certain nutritional supplements can help reduce irritability for people suffering from ADHD. These include GABA, taurine, GABA fish oil and Brain Vitale. Stress management techniques like deep breathing and regular exercise can be beneficial. They should discuss all options for treatment with their physician, including stimulants and non-stimulants such as Atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) and antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin).
Mixed Type symptoms
People with combined type ADHD exhibit symptoms of both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive presentations. They are unable to focus on long-term mental tasks, or remembering things like homework, schoolwork, chores or work. They tend to make impulsive mistakes at work, school as well as in their personal lives. These attention and impulse problems can cause stress and can lead to relationship difficulties.
The symptoms of this condition typically manifest at different times in life, and they may vary from mild to severe. Being easily distracted, daydreaming and forgetfulness are a few symptoms. They also include a tendency to misplace items like keys or homework and a difficulty in working through tasks. They might also have trouble being still, and can interrupt or take over leisure activities or games.
Someone with a mixed presentation of ADHD might find that certain medications are helpful while others don't. It's best to try one a time and evaluate the results carefully. Adults with this type of presentation who have been taking medications since the age of a teenager should be able to review their treatment every six months, and particularly after any lifestyle changes that could alter the dosage of medication required.
It is important to note that ADD and ADHD are not influenced by race gender, ethnicity, gender or age. However, it does appear to affect more people who were assigned male at birth. The diagnosis is typically made when adults present with many of the common symptoms in several aspects of their lives but cannot explain them clearly.
There are many ways to manage ADD among adults, including 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. There are also non-stimulants available and can be a good choice for adults who do not want to take stimulants or need them at lower doses.
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 trouble staying still. Hyperactivity and impulsivity may manifest as restlessness, fidgeting, or squirming. additional hints are unable to stay in line or follow instructions. This can result in frustration and rule-breaking behaviors.
Adults with a combination ADHD symptoms often have difficulty reading social boundaries in an environment and can cause them to interfere with conversations or activities. They do this without thinking about how others may feel. They often have trouble in organising their strategies and become overwhelmed by complex projects. In many cases, people who exhibit this ADHD appearance are also prone to depression or other mood disorders.
A clear diagnosis is crucial to determine the best treatment plan. Although many adults with ADHD struggle to seek assistance, obtaining the diagnosis can be an inspiring experience that provides them with the tools they require 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 have been present before the age of 12 and continue for at least six months to be considered ADHD. The symptoms must be severe enough to affect the student's performance at the workplace, at school or at home.
Experts aren't entirely sure why ADHD is a common occurrence. However, they know that it is inherited and certain genes increase the chance of a person developing the condition. They also know 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 medications.