5 Killer Quora Answers On Symptoms Of ADD And ADHD In Adults
Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults
Attention deficit disorder in adults can be difficult to identify and manage. Therapists can assist by examining the symptoms and their reasons, and educating patients on how to create structure and make behavioural changes and offer medication when necessary.
People with ADD/ADHD may have issues with hyperactivity, inattention, and the tendency to be impulsive. Some of the symptoms include memory loss, trouble waiting for their turn, and difficulties concentrating on tasks or playing games.
Inattention Type Signs
This type of ADHD is distinguished by a high degree of distraction and difficulty paying attention to tiny details. Adults with inattention ADHD frequently find it difficult to complete tasks or projects that require sustained mental effort, such as reading, writing and doing homework. They may have difficulty remembering appointments or paying their bills, and are more likely to make 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. Their problems can persist into adulthood, affecting their relationships, school performance, and even their career development.
Symptoms of inattentive ADHD include frequent fidgeting with hands and feet, difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly, trouble waiting for their turn, and answering questions before they are completed. They are also often late to meetings or classes and have difficulty staying organized. People with inattention ADHD often have trouble staying focused at school or at work dislike boring meetings and have to chew gum or sip coffee to pass the time.
A health professional will evaluate the person for potential mental health issues or medical conditions that may cause similar symptoms and then analyze their behavior history to identify if they have ADD. This can involve talking to the person's family members, teachers and colleagues and asking to see their behavior in different settings. The health professional will also ask about the person's mood and recent medical history.
The most frequently prescribed drugs for inattentive ADHD are psychostimulants that streamline signals sent to the brain and improve alertness. These 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 sometimes prescribed for people with inattention ADHD to help improve their mood and focus. Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor, (venlafaxine) are two examples. 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 is a problem to focus on their work or schoolwork and could lead to unintentional mistakes. In addition, they typically struggle to follow instructions or completing complicated tasks. They also have trouble staying on track when playing games or engaging in leisure activities with others. They are often disruptive and interrupt others during games, conversations or other activities. They might squirm or fiddle using their hands or feet or squirm or move in their chairs or pacing as 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 struggle with self-control and may often be on the go and are unable to slow down or slow down, even if they're at organized events like fairs or theme parks. They may have difficulty with organizing tasks, completing projects over a long period of time, or focusing on scheduled tasks or homework.
ADHD symptoms female adults have a low sense of accountability and often have a difficult time forming and maintaining friendships. They may also have trouble regulating their emotions, which can result in mood swings and depression. They may also have difficulty managing their time and finances, which can make it easier for them to fall prey to financial scams.
Many people suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed until adulthood when their symptoms become more obvious. As children, they might have been missed by teachers or other adults who weren't aware of their problems. They may have adapted to manage their symptoms and thrived in a supportive environment until they faced the pressures of pursuing a career or having a family as their issues became more evident. In the beginning, the male-to female* ADHD ratio is higher. However, it becomes more equal in 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. They can also benefit from techniques for managing stress like regular exercise and deep breathing. They should discuss with their doctor all options for treatment, including stimulants (Strattera) as well as non-stimulants (Viloxazine) (Qelbree), and antidepressants (Wellbutrin).
The symptoms of mixed type
People with combined type ADHD exhibit symptoms of both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive presentations. They are unable to focus on tasks that require a lot of mental effort for a long time or causing things to stay in their minds for example, schoolwork homework, chores or work. They also make careless mistakes at school, at work and in their private lives. Attention and impulse issues can cause stress and cause problems in relationships.
The symptoms of this disorder can vary in severity and manifest at different times in life. They can be characterized by daydreaming and being easily distracted by their own thoughts, which may lead to the tendency to lose things like homework or keys and difficulty focusing on their tasks. They might also have trouble staying still and may interfere with leisure activities or games.
A person with a mixed presentation of ADHD may find that certain medications help and others don't, so it's wise to try one at each time and analyze the results carefully. Adults with this presentation who have been taking medications since the age of a teenager should get a review of their treatment every six months, and in particular when they make any changes to their lifestyle that may alter the amount of medication needed.
It is important to know that ADD and ADHD do not affect race, gender, ethnicity or age. However it is believed that it will affect more people who were categorized as male at birth. Adults who show several symptoms but are unable to explain them are usually diagnosed.
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 help to increase concentration by increasing the supply of dopamine and norepinephrine within the brain. There are also non-stimulants available and can be an ideal choice for those who aren't keen on taking stimulants or require them at less of a dose.
Signs and symptoms of Combined Type
For people with combined type ADHD, the symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity appear together. Inattention symptoms may include forgetfulness, difficulty completing tasks, or having trouble staying still. Hyperactivity and impulsivity may manifest as restlessness, fidgeting, or squirming. They often have a difficult time to stand in line or follow instructions, leading to frustration and rule-breaking behavior.
Adults who suffer from a combination of ADHD symptoms often have difficulty understanding the social boundaries of a given situation which could cause them to interfere with conversations or activities. They do this without considering the feelings of others. They are more likely to have a hard working with organizational strategies and tend to be overwhelmed easily by complex projects. In many cases, people who exhibit this ADHD presentation are also prone to depression or other mood disorders.
Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD is essential to determine the most effective treatment strategy. Many people suffering from ADHD are reluctant to seek assistance. However an accurate diagnosis can empower them and give 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. The symptoms must be present prior to age 12 and last for at least six months to be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis. Additionally the symptoms must be severe enough to reduce the performance of a child at school, work or home.
Experts aren't entirely sure the reasons ADHD occurs, but they are aware that it could be hereditary and that certain genes can increase the risk of developing the disorder. They also know that differences in brain structure and brain chemistry play a role in the development of ADHD, 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 treatments are often more effective than prescription medications.