Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
A 43-year-old woman who was married came to Dr. Amen concerned she may have ADD (predominantly inattentional type). She was struggling to keep up with her school work and household chores. She was unorganized and often lost her wallet or keys.
She frequently missed appointments and was unable to keep the track of time. She was self-deprecating and a negative outlook. She also suffered from a chronic sadness that was not depression.
Inattentional ADD
People who have inattention ADHD have difficulty paying attention to the details and are prone to making mistakes. They may have trouble remembering what they've heard or forget to finish a task or homework assignment. They often misplace keys, wallets and other items they require to live with. They are usually late for appointments or have difficulty keeping the track of their bills and messages.
While children with hyperactive ADHD are easy to identify as they move around in their seats, fidget or talk all the time, children who have the inattentive form of ADD slip under the radar because they don't display overt behavioral issues. This subtype of ADD is more common in girls than in boys. Many teachers are unaware of their symptoms as they don't fit into the stereotype of a 'bad child''.
Adults who suffer from inattention ADHD frequently have difficulty following directions at home and at work. They also have a tendency to put off or delegate tasks that require sustained mental effort. They may also find it difficult to follow conversations or lectures and are easily distracted by extraneous stimuli like unrelated thoughts or the internet or television. Signs of inattention ADHD can be misinterpreted as laziness or apathy. A lot of adults feel frustrated when they are constantly reminded of their missed deadlines by their family or friends.
It's important that you understand that inattentive ADD can be caused by stress, mental disorders, or physical ailments. A thorough evaluation by a medical professional or mental health professional is necessary to confirm the presence of symptoms and determine whether treatment is necessary. adhd in adults signs will ask for an extensive medical history and a physical exam and discuss your life style to identify any other issues that could be contributing to your symptoms.
Overfocused ADD
People suffering from Overfocused ADD have difficulty shifting their focus and are often obsessed with certain activities. They may also be extremely organized, which may confuse some people and lead to misdiagnosis. Since they lack dopamine and serotonin they are usually treated with conventional ADHD medications that increase dopamine and serotonin. However, this treatment can actually cause ADD symptoms worse.
They may feel like they are suffocating because they aren't able to clear their thoughts, leading to anxiety and depression. They are also prone to get stuck in negative thinking patterns and behavior patterns that are hard to break free from without intervention. Adults suffering from Overfocused ADD have seen positive results from cognitive-behavioral therapy to change negative thinking patterns, mindfulness practices that help reduce rumination, and skill training.
If a person suffers from hyperfocus ADD, the anterior cingulate region of their brain is overactive. This can lead to hyperfocus and moodiness. Stimulant ADD medications can stimulate this part of the brain to an extent which can cause a rise in symptoms and cause irritability. A healthy diet and non-medication treatments have been proven to be helpful for those suffering from this condition.
People with Overfocused ADD tend to get "stuck" in negative cycles, which can strain relationships and increase stress. Some of their symptoms can be alleviated by creating a plan, using an electronic planner and joining supportive communities. Couples coaching can be beneficial for ADD as it assists to define roles and expectations between partners. This will improve communication and help to create a more balanced and healthy life for both of them. The most effective treatment for ADD/ADHD involves working with a Medical Doctor or Naturopathic Doctor to find the right program to manage and reduce the symptoms.
Anxious ADD
ADD patients often also suffer from anxiety. This can be annoying, troublesome bouts of worry or full-blown anxiety disorders like generalized anxiety disorder or social anxiety disorder, panic disorder or specific phobias. Regardless of whether it's just an occasional anxious feeling or a more chronic anxiety that is serious, it can significantly interfere with life and work functioning. Almost 80% of people who suffer from ADHD have at least one additional diagnosis, and anxiety is the most frequent co-occurring diagnosis.
Anxious ADD is one of the "7 kinds" of ADD, is characterized by a feeling of anxiety and nervousness, as well inattention. It is caused by a dysregulated brain. In this case the qEEG map shows that certain brain regions are hyperactive or out of balance. This includes the prefrontal cortex as well as the limbic system.
People with this type of ADD are highly sensitive to external stimuli such as noise, light and touch. They tend to overreact and have short fuses. They are prone towards repetitive negative thoughts and actions and frequently engage in self-sabotage. They are more likely to be impulsive, arguing and possess an antagonistic personality.
The treatment for this kind involves balancing GABA with dopamine and encouraging relaxation. This kind of ADD requires that individuals have enough sleep and exercise regularly, as well as consume a balanced diet. They should also stay away from processed and sugary foods. If possible, they should keep the same routine throughout the day for waking and sleeping. In addition, they should attempt to include physical activities in their educational or work-related tasks. For instance when they work at a desk job and they are sitting, they should stand or walk around at least every hour.
Ring of Fire ADD
This kind of ADD is described as having an overactive Cerebral cortex, as well as more activity in the left and rights Parietal Lobes and the left-right Temporal Lobes. The people with Ring of Fire ADD are likely to suffer from all the typical symptoms of ADHD that include difficulty staying focused and impulsive behaviour. They may also exhibit high levels of anxiety, rapid thinking and irritability. They can be overwhelmed by sensory stimulation, and are often highly inflexible and irritable.
People who have Ring of Fire ADD are frequently misdiagnosed with Bipolar Disorder, because their symptoms are similar. However, the difference is that those who suffer from Bipolar Disorder will cycle through periods of depression and mania; those with Ring of Fire ADD typically experience their symptoms on a regular basis.
Ring of Fire ADD is more difficult to treat than other types of ADHD. The symptoms are usually linked to a lack of brain chemicals. Treatment is usually aimed at correcting this imbalance. Through the use of effective strategies, individuals can manage their Ring of Fire ADHD and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
If you're suffering from Ring of Fire ADHD symptoms, it's important to seek assistance from a trained medical professional. While adhd signs in adults . Daniel Amen's work has been viewed with suspicion by a large portion of the medical field However, he has good points. By recognizing the various types of ADHD and knowing what to look for, you will be able to receive the help you require. Contact a professional today to get a reliable diagnosis and get on the path to a healthy and happy life.
Classic ADD
Classic ADD is the type that most people imagine when they hear the term ADHD. It includes all the symptoms of inattention ADD but also impulsivity and hyperactivity. Those who have this form of ADD struggle with planning, organization prioritizing, managing time and self-monitoring. They are easily distracted and do not have the mental strength to finish tasks that are not their favorite. They are not usually labeled "hyperactive," yet they have difficulty following instructions and often miss appointments. They have a low level of dopamine levels as well as a decreased flow of blood in the prefrontal cortex.
This type of ADD is characterized by emotional problems and difficulty in dealing with stress, anxiety, and depression. They may have experienced trauma or abuse within the family or have been through difficult separation. People suffering from limbic ADD exhibit decreased activity in the prefrontal cortex and abnormalities in their temporal lobes which control mood. Treatment for this kind of ADD is based on supplements and antidepressants that regulate neuronal activity.
Dr. Zlatin Ivanov specializes in diagnosing and treating various forms of adult ADD. His unique testing process identifies and determines the correct treatment for each patient's specific symptoms. Contact Psychiatry NYC today to schedule an appointment to receive individualized ADHD treatment.