Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults

Attention deficit disorder in adults can be challenging to identify and treat. Therapists can assist by examining symptoms and their root causes, educating patients on how to structure their lives and make behavioural changes and offer medication when necessary.

People suffering from ADD/ADHD experience issues with hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity. Symptoms may include problems with forgetfulness, difficulty waiting for their turn, and difficulties concentrating on tasks or playing games.

Inattentive Type symptoms

The most prominent symptoms of this ADHD subtype include high distraction and difficulty paying attention to the small details. Adults with inattentive ADHD are unable to complete tasks or projects that require constant mental efforts, such as reading and writing. They may struggle to remember appointments or paying their bills and are susceptible to making impulsive errors in the workplace 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 throughout their adulthood and impact their relationships, school performance and their career progression.

Inattention ADHD symptoms include fidgeting, difficulty engaging in leisure activities, difficulties waiting for their turn, and blurting out answers before the questions are finished. They also are often late to classes or meetings and struggle to stay organized. People with inattention ADHD frequently have difficulty staying focused during work or school, despise boring meetings and have to chew gum or drink coffee to make it through them.

A health care provider will assess the patient for any possible mental health issues or medical conditions that may cause similar symptoms. Then, they will analyze their behavior history to determine if they suffer from ADD. You can ask to see the person's behavior in various situations by talking to their parents as well as teachers and colleagues. The health care provider may also inquire about the individual's mood and their recent medical history.

The most commonly prescribed medications for inattention ADHD are psychostimulants that improve signals sent to the brain and boost alertness. These include amphetamines such as Adderall, Ritalin and Concerta and methylphenidates like Strattera (atomoxetine) and Qelbree (viloxazine). Antidepressants that affect neurotransmitters within the brain are often prescribed to people suffering from inattention ADHD in order to enhance their mood and improve their concentration. They may include Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). Other drugs 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 condition can make it difficult for people to focus on their studies or work tasks, and can lead to careless mistakes. Additionally, they frequently have trouble following instructions or performing complex tasks. They also struggle to stay focused while playing games or taking part in leisure activities. They can be disruptive and disrupt other people during games, conversations or other activities. They might 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. adult ADHD symptoms in men have trouble with self-control and may often be on the go and unable to stop or slow down, even when they're attending organized events like fairs or theme parks. They may have difficulty organizing tasks, completing long-term projects, or committing themselves to homework or other structured activities.

They lack a sense of accountability and often struggle to form and maintain friendships. They may also have difficulty regulating their emotions which can lead them to mood swings or severe depression. They may also have trouble managing their time and finances and can make them more vulnerable to financial scams or other fraudulent activities.

Many people who suffer from ADHD do not receive a diagnosis until adulthood, when their issues become more evident. Teachers or other adults might have missed their symptoms in the early years of their lives. They may have learned to manage their symptoms and thrived in a nurturing environment until they faced the pressures of pursuing a career or raising a family as their issues became more evident. In the early years, the male-to-female* ADHD ratio is higher. However it becomes more equal when they reach adulthood.

People suffering from ADHD typically find that certain dietary supplements, like multiple vitamin, NeurOmega fish oil, GABA or taurine, and Brain Vitale or NeuroMemory can reduce anxiety and improve memory. Stress management techniques like deep breathing and regular exercise can be beneficial. They must discuss with their physician all treatment options that include stimulants (Strattera) as well as non-stimulants (Viloxazine) (Qelbree), and antidepressants (Wellbutrin).

Symptoms of Mixed Type

People with combined type ADHD exhibit symptoms of both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive presentations. They have difficulty focusing on long-term mental tasks or recalling important things, like chores, schoolwork, homework or work. They tend to make impulsive errors at school, work, and in personal life. Attention and impulse control can result in lots of stress and difficulty in relationships.

The symptoms of this disorder can vary in severity and appear at various stages of life. They may include daydreaming and becoming easily distracted from their own thoughts, which can lead to forgetfulness; a tendency to lose things, like keys or homework and difficulty focusing on their tasks. They also struggle to sit still, and they can interfere with or even take over games or other leisure activities.

It's important to evaluate the results of each medication carefully when you have an unbalanced presentation. Adults who have this presentation and have been taking medications since the age of a teenager should get a review of their treatment every 6 months, and especially after any changes in lifestyle that may alter the dosage of medication needed.

It is important to know that ADD and ADHD do not affect race, gender, ethnicity or age. However, it does appear to affect more people who were deemed male at birth. The diagnosis is usually given when people are suffering from many of the common symptoms across a variety of areas of their lives and cannot explain them clearly.

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. There are also non-stimulants available and can be an excellent option for adults who do not want to take stimulants or require them at lower doses.

Signs and symptoms of Combined Type

For people with combined type ADHD, the symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity appear together. Symptoms of inattention may be apparent as a struggle to sit still, forgetfulness, or having trouble finishing tasks and impulsivity, hyperactivity may manifest as a lack of concentration, fidgeting or squirming, or blurting out answers without waiting for the complete question. They are unable to stand in line or follow instructions. This can result in frustration and behavior that is contrary to the rules.

Adults with an array of ADHD symptoms often also experience difficulties recognizing social boundaries within their environment, leading them to intrude into conversations or activities without considering how others might think about it. They are more likely to have a difficult time with organizational strategies and tend to be overwhelmed by complicated projects. In many cases, those who exhibit this ADHD display are also prone to depression or other mood disorders.

Making sure what are ADHD symptoms in adults have a clear diagnosis of ADHD is key to identifying the most effective treatment plan. While many adults who have ADHD struggle to reach out for help, receiving the diagnosis can be an empowering experience that gives them the tools they need 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 prior to the age of 12 and continue for at least six months to qualify as ADHD. In addition the symptoms must be severe enough to hinder a person's performance at school, work or at home.

Experts aren't entirely sure why ADHD occurs. However, they know that it is inherited and certain genes increase the chance of someone developing the condition. They also know 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 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 typically more effective than medications.