Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults

Adults suffering from attention deficit disorder are difficult to identify and treat. A therapist can help by examining symptoms and root causes, educating patients on how to create structure and change their behavior and provide medication if needed.

People suffering from ADD/ADHD experience issues with hyperactivity, inattention, and an impulsive nature. It is evident by the lack of memory, difficulty waiting for their turn, or difficulties concentrating on games or tasks.

Symptoms of Inattentive Type

This subtype of ADHD is distinguished by a high degree of distraction and a lack of focus on small details. Adults with inattention ADHD are unable to complete tasks or projects that require sustained mental effort, such as writing and reading. They may have difficulty remembering appointments or paying bills, and are more likely to make impulsive 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. The issues they face can last throughout their adulthood and impact their relationships, school performance and their career progression.

Inattentive ADHD symptoms include fidgeting, difficulty being quiet or engaging in leisure activities, problems waiting for their turn, and blurting out answers before the questions are completed. They also struggle to stay organized at home and at work and often arrive late for classes or meetings. Those with inattentive ADHD are often unable to stay focused during work or school dislike boring meetings and have to chew gum or sip coffee to make it through them.

find more info Links to an external site. will assess a person to determine if there are any medical or mental conditions that could trigger similar symptoms. Then, they will use their behavioral history in order to determine if the person has ADD. This may involve speaking with the person's family, teachers and colleagues, and asking them to observe their behavior in different situations. The health care provider will also ask about the person's mood as well as recent medical background.


The most commonly prescribed medications 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 within the brain, are often prescribed to people suffering from inattention ADHD to help improve their mood and concentration. 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 errors. In addition, they often have trouble following instructions or completing complex tasks. They also struggle to stay focused when playing games or participating in leisure activities. They often interrupt or interfere on conversations, games or other activities and can't wait for their turn. They might fiddle with their feet or hands or even squirm their seat, or pace while they're 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 have trouble with self-control and may often be on the go, unable to stop or slow down, even when they're attending organized events like fairs or theme parks. They may have trouble organizing tasks, working on projects over a long time or applying themselves to routine tasks or assignments.

They typically have a low sense of personal responsibility and may have trouble making and maintaining friendships. They may also have difficulties managing their emotions, which can lead them to mood swings or depression. They may also have difficulty managing their finances and time and can make them more susceptible to financial scams or other frauds.

Many people suffering from ADHD do not get a diagnosis until they reach the age of adulthood, when their problems become more evident. Teachers or other adults may have missed their symptoms throughout the early years of their lives. They may have learned to cope with their symptoms and thrived in a nurturing environment until they faced the stresses of working or raising a family as their issues were more evident. The male-to-female ratio of diagnosed ADHD is higher in the early years, but the proportions become more similar as they reach adulthood.

People with ADHD often discover that certain dietary supplements, such as multiple vitamin, NeurOmega fish oil, GABA or taurine, and Brain Vitale or NeuroMemory can reduce anxiety and improve memory. They can also benefit from stress management techniques that include regular exercise and deep breathing. They must discuss with their physician all treatments options that include stimulants (Strattera), non-stimulants (Viloxazine) (Qelbree), and antidepressants (Wellbutrin).

Mixed Type Signs and symptoms

People with combined type ADHD exhibit symptoms of both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive presentations. They have trouble focusing on long-term mental activities or recalling important things, like homework, schoolwork, chores or work. They are prone to making careless mistakes at work, school, and in personal life. Attention and impulse control can result in a lot of stress and tension in relationships.

The symptoms of this disorder can be varied in severity and can manifest at different times in life. Daydreaming, being easily distracted, and forgetfulness are all symptoms. They also include a tendency to misplace things like keys or homework and a difficult time following through with tasks. They may also have difficulty being still, and can interrupt or take over their leisure activities or games.

Someone with a mixed presentation of ADHD may find that certain medication helps while others don't, so it's best to try one each time and analyze the outcomes carefully. Adults with this type of presentation who have been taking medications since the age of a teenager should get a review of their treatment every 6 months, and in particular after any changes in lifestyle that could alter the dosage of medication needed.

It is important to keep in mind that ADD or ADHD does not affect race or ethnicity or gender, though it does seem to be more prevalent in those who are assigned a male at birth (AMAB). Adults who exhibit various symptoms but are unable to explain them are typically diagnosed.

There are many ways to manage and treat ADD in adults, including behavior therapy, lifestyle modifications, and medication. 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. Non-stimulants are also used by adults who do not wish to take stimulants, or need them in a low dosage.

Signs and symptoms of Combined Type

For people with combined type ADHD, the symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity appear together. Inattention symptoms include forgetfulness, difficulty completing tasks or having difficulty being still. Hyperactivity and impulsivity may manifest as restlessness, fidgeting, or squirming. They find it hard to wait in lines or follow directions. This can lead to frustration and rule-breaking behaviors.

Adults who suffer from an array of ADHD symptoms also have difficulties recognizing social boundaries within their environment and can be seen to intrude into conversations or activities without thinking about how others be feeling about it. They are more likely to have a hard working with organizational strategies and are often overwhelmed by complicated projects. Many people with this ADHD also have a past history of depression or mood disorders.

A clear diagnosis is crucial to determine the most effective treatment plan. Many adults suffering from ADHD are reluctant to seek help. However the diagnosis can empower them and provide 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. These symptoms must be present prior age 12 and persist for at least six months to be considered an ADHD diagnosis. Additionally the symptoms have to be severe enough to hinder the performance of a child at school, work or at home.

Experts aren't sure why ADHD is a common occurrence. However, related resource site Links to an external site. are aware that it is hereditary and certain genes increase the chance of a person being diagnosed with the disorder. They also know that differences in brain structure and brain chemistry play a role, 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 medication.