Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults

Attention deficit disorder in adults can be difficult to recognize and manage. A therapist can help by examining the symptoms and their root causes, educating patients on how to structure their lives and make behavioural changes, and offering medication when necessary.

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

Inattention Type symptoms

This subtype of ADHD is distinguished by a high degree of distraction and a difficulty in paying attention to tiny details. ADHD symptoms female adults with inattentive ADHD struggle to complete tasks or projects that require continuous mental effort, like reading and writing. They may have trouble 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 throughout their adulthood and impact their relationships, school performance and even their career development.

Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms include fumbling, difficulty being quiet or engaging in leisure activities, problems waiting for their turn, and blurting out answers before the questions are completed. They also have trouble staying organized at home and work and often arrive late for classes or meetings. Inattentive ADHD sufferers often have trouble staying focused at work or school. They are not a fan of boring meetings and prefer to chew gum or drink coffee to help them through.

A health care provider will examine the person for possible mental health or medical conditions that may cause similar symptoms. Then, they will use their behavioral history to identify if they have ADD. This may involve speaking with the person's parents, teachers and colleagues and asking to see their behavior in various settings. The health care provider might also inquire about the person's mood and their recent medical history.


The most common medications for inattention 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 just a few examples of these medications. Antidepressants that affect neurotransmitters in the brain, are often prescribed to people suffering from inattention ADHD to help improve their mood and focus. Wellbutrin (bupropion), and Effexor, (venlafaxine) are two examples. Non-stimulant drugs may 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 symptom makes it difficult for them to concentrate on schoolwork or work tasks and can lead to careless mistakes. Additionally, they frequently have trouble following instructions or completing complex tasks. They also have trouble staying on task while playing games or participating in leisure activities. They often disrupt and interrupt others during games, conversations or other activities. They may fiddle with their feet or hands or even squirm their seat or walk around 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 struggle with self-control and may often be on the go and are unable to slow down or slow down, even when they're at organized events like fairs and theme parks. They may have difficulty managing tasks, completing long-term projects or applying themselves to homework or other structured activities.

They have a low sense of responsibility and frequently struggle to form and maintain friendships. They may also have difficulty regulating their emotions, which can cause mood swings and severe depression. They may also have difficulty managing their finances and time, which can make it easier for them to fall victim to scams in the financial industry.

Many people who suffer from ADHD are not diagnosed until they reach adulthood, when their symptoms become more evident. As children, they might be overlooked by teachers or other adults who were unaware of their issues. They might have learned to compensate for their symptoms and thrived in a supportive environment until they faced the pressures of working or having a family which is when their issues became more evident. In childhood, the male-to-female* ADHD ratio is higher. However it is more even as they grow older.

Certain nutritional supplements can help reduce irritability for people suffering from ADHD. These include GABA and taurine, GABA fish oil and Brain Vitale. They can also benefit from stress management techniques, such as regular exercises and deep breathing. They should discuss all options for treatment with their doctor including non-stimulants and stimulants like atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) and antidepressants, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin).

The 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 also make careless mistakes at school, in the workplace as well as in their personal lives. These issues with attention and impulse can create a lot of stress and lead to difficulties in relationships.

ADHD symptoms adult female of this condition are varied in severity and manifest at different stages of life. They may include daydreaming and becoming easily distracted from their thoughts, which can lead to forgetfulness; a tendency to lose things, such as keys or homework and difficulty focusing on tasks. They may also have difficulty staying still and may disrupt or take over leisure activities or games.

A person with a mixed presentation of ADHD might find that certain medications help and others don't. It's wise to try one at an time and then evaluate the outcomes carefully. Adults who have experienced this condition since the time they were teenagers should have their treatment reviewed every six months, especially if there are any lifestyle changes that may impact the amount of medication required.

It is important to know that ADD and ADHD do not affect race or gender, ethnicity, or age. However it does appear to affect people who were assigned male at birth. The diagnosis is typically identified when adults exhibit several of the typical symptoms in various aspects of their lives but cannot explain them clearly.

There are many methods to manage and treat ADD for adults, which includes behavioral therapy, lifestyle changes 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 aid in increasing concentration by increasing the supply of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Non-stimulants can also be utilized by adults who do not want to take stimulants, or require them in a small dose.

Signs and 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 sitting still. Hyperactivity and impulsivity can manifest as restlessness, fidgeting, or squirming. They may find it difficult to wait in line or follow instructions, leading to frustration and a tendency to break the rules.

Adults who suffer from an array of ADHD symptoms also often have difficulties recognizing social boundaries within their environment which can lead them to encroach on conversations or activities without thinking about how others feel about it. They are more likely to have a difficult working with organizational strategies and tend to be overwhelmed by complicated projects. In many cases, those with this ADHD display are also prone to depression or other mood disorders.

Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD is essential to determine the most effective treatment plan. While many people with ADHD struggle to seek help, receiving the diagnosis can be an positive experience that provides them with the tools needed to manage their symptoms and lead a 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 be present prior to the age of 12 and last for a minimum of six months to qualify as ADHD. The symptoms must also be severe enough to affect a person's performance in the workplace, at school or at home.

Experts aren't entirely sure why ADHD occurs, but they know that it can be inherited and that certain genes increase a person's risk of developing the disorder. They also know that brain chemistry and differences in brain structure are a factor, and that some people get the disorder without a 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 typically more effective than prescription medications.