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 with attention deficit disorder are difficult to identify and treat. A therapist can help by examining symptoms and their root causes, educating patients on how to create structure and make behavioural changes and provide medication if required. People suffering from ADD/ADHD experience issues with hyperactivity, inattention, and an impulsive nature. The symptoms could include forgetfulness, trouble waiting for their turn, and difficulties concentrating on tasks or playing games. Signs of Inattentive Type The defining symptoms of this ADHD subtype are high distractibility and difficulty paying attention particulars. Adults with inattention ADHD frequently find it difficult to finish tasks or complete projects that require sustained mental effort, such as writing, reading or doing homework. They may have trouble remembering 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. In the end, their problems may persist throughout their adult lives and interfere with relationships as well as school performance and career advancement. The symptoms of inattention ADHD include frequent fidgeting with hands and feet, difficulties playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly, trouble waiting for their turn and answering questions before they are answered. They also have difficulty staying organized at home and at work, and are often late for classes or meetings. Inattentive ADHD sufferers often have difficulty staying focused at work or school. They don't like boring meetings and prefer to chew gum or drink coffee to help them through. A health care provider will assess the patient for possible mental health or medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms. They will then analyze their behavior history to determine if they suffer from ADD. You can ask to see the person's behavior in different situations by speaking to their parents as well as teachers and colleagues. The health care provider might also ask about the person’s mood and medical history. The most commonly prescribed medications for inattentive ADHD are psychostimulants that streamline signals sent to the brain and increase alertness. Adderall, Ritalin, Concerta and methylphenidates like Strattera (atomoxetine), Qelbree and Ritalin are all examples of these medicines. Antidepressants that affect neurotransmitters in the brain, are also sometimes prescribed to those suffering from inattention ADHD to improve their mood and focus. Wellbutrin (bupropion), and Effexor, (venlafaxine) are two examples. Other medications 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 is a problem for them to concentrate on schoolwork or work tasks and could lead to unintentional errors. They also have difficulty following instructions or completing difficult tasks. ADHD symptoms in women adults struggle to stay on track when playing games or engaging in leisure activities with other people. They often interrupt or intrude on others during conversations or games and are eagerly awaiting their turn. They may fiddle with their hands or feet or squirm in their seats or jog while 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 may struggle to control themselves and be constantly moving and are unable to slow down or stop during events such as fairs or a theme parks. They may struggle with organizing tasks, working on projects over a long period of time, or focusing on routine tasks or assignments. They lack a sense of responsibility and often have difficulty making and keeping friendships. They may also have difficulties managing their emotions, which can result in mood swings or severe depression. They may also have trouble managing their time and finances which could make them more vulnerable to financial scams or other fraudulent activities. Many people suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed until adulthood when their symptoms become more obvious. Teachers or other adults might have missed their symptoms in childhood. They could have reacted to their symptoms in a safe environment and thrived until they had to face the stress of pursuing an occupation or raising a child when their issues became apparent. The male-to-female ratio of diagnosed ADHD is higher in childhood, however the proportions become more similar as they reach adulthood. Certain supplements in the diet can help reduce irritability for people suffering from ADHD. These include GABA and 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 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 activities or remembering things like homework, schoolwork, chores or work. They tend to make impulsive mistakes at work, school, and in personal life. These problems with attention and impulse control can lead to an abundance of stress and difficulty in relationships. The signs of this disorder typically occur at various times in the course of life and can range from mild to severe. Daydreaming, being easily distracted and forgetfulness are just a few signs. They also include a tendency to misplace things like homework or keys and a difficult time following through with tasks. They might also have trouble being still, and can disrupt or take over the activities of leisure or games. Someone who has a mixed manifestation of ADHD might find that certain medication helps while others don't. Therefore, it's wise to try one at each time and analyze the outcomes carefully. Adults with this type of presentation who have been taking medication since the time they were teenagers should be able to review their treatment every 6 months, and particularly when they make any changes to their lifestyle that may alter the dosage of medication needed. It is important to keep in mind that ADD or ADHD is not a problem of race or ethnicity, nor gender, but it may be more prevalent in those who are assigned a male at birth (AMAB). The diagnosis is typically given when people are suffering from several of the typical symptoms in various areas of their lives and cannot explain them clearly. There are a variety of ways to manage and treat ADD in adults, such as lifestyle modification, behavior therapy and medications. 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 readily available, and these can be a good choice for adults who aren't keen on taking stimulants or need 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 trouble finishing tasks, while hyperactivity and impulsivity may manifest as a lack of concentration, fidgeting or squirming, or blurting out answers without waiting for a complete question. They often have a difficult time to stand in line or follow instructions, which can result in frustration and behavior that is contrary to the rules. Adults with a mix of ADHD symptoms often also experience difficulty recognizing social boundaries in a situation 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 time with organizational strategies and are often overwhelmed by large-scale projects. Many people with this ADHD also have a previous history of depression or mood disorders. A proper diagnosis of ADHD is essential to determine the most effective treatment strategy. While many adults who have ADHD struggle to reach out for help, receiving a diagnosis can be an inspiring experience that provides them with the tools they need 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 before age 12 and persist for at least six months in order to be considered an ADHD diagnosis. The symptoms must also be severe enough to affect the student's performance at school, at work or at home. Experts aren't sure the reason ADHD occurs. However, they do know that it is genetic and certain genes increase the likelihood of being diagnosed with the disorder. They also know that brain structure and brain chemistry play a role, and that some people develop the disorder spontaneously 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. These therapies are usually more effective than medication.