Attention deficit disorders are developmental-neurological disorders that usually involve kids, but nowadays, we know understand that these disorders can last into adult life and influence different aspects of our lives even as adults.
Attention deficit disorders are characterized by a lasting moment of lack of attention, hyperactivity and impulsivity.
While the symptoms are more significant at childhood, they can often last and influence people in their adult life, when the estimation is that about 2-5% of adults around the world have attention deficit disorders, in a variety of levels and expressions, and can sense these disturbances in their day-to-day life.
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Attention deficit disorders symptoms for adults
The symptoms for adults are classified into 2 main categories: inattention and hyperactivity or impulsivity.
It is worth noting that not all adults with ADD present both symptoms, some may feel only one of the categories, and some can feel both.
Symptoms of inattention:
Maintaining attention: adults with ADD may often find it hard to concentrate in tasks, their -opinion will get easily distracted and will usually “jump” from different activities without finishing them.
Lacking organization and time management: adults with ADD can struggle with organization in their workspace or personal space, which usually lead to a large workload and difficulty in time management.
Forgetfulness: people with ADD can often forger appointments, lose valuable objects or find it hard to remember tiny and important details.
Lack of focus: finding it hard to maintain focus while performing tasks or conversing, and therefore will struggle with ongoing debate or long-term tasks.
Symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity
Restlessness: adults with ADD may feel a constant restlessness, which can be expressed in trimmers or legs jumping, a need to constantly move and a difficulty to sit for long time, an inner feeling or “sizzling” and lack of calmness.
Impulsive behavior: adults with ADD can often act on an urge and not consider consequences to their actions, and therefore can wind up in situations of impulsive behavior and inability to correctly manage their financial state, make rash decisions or engaging in dangerous behavior.
A difficulty to self-control: adults with ADD will struggle to control their emotions, avoid unwanted comments or even waiting patiently.
Hyperactive behavior: while hyperactivity usually decreases at a late age, some can still feel it, mentally or physically.
How to diagnose ADD with adults?
Diagnosing attention deficit disorders with adults takes a detailed assessment by a certified professional.
Usually, the foundation of such diagnosis includes checking the patient’s medical history, self-reported symptoms or even comments from his surroundings.
Additionally, situations of anxiety, depression or bipolar disorders are begin examined, as they share similar symptoms, to rule them out and get to a conclusive decision.
How can you treat adult ADD?
Treating adult attention deficit disorders usually includes a combination of behavioral interference, psychologically and medically, that are costumed to the specific needs of the patient.
The main goal is to allow the patient to manage his life in a better way, reduce the symptoms and improve day to day life.
Having said that, now days, many realize that “uppers” medications such as Ritalin or Adderall include a not so simple side effects and cause a dependency of the drug. Therefore, it is possible to find a variety of alternative methods to treat ADD without medication that allow the patients to handle the symptoms without the side effects.
Treating attention deficit disorders without medication can include psychological therapy – behavioral and cognitive, or Neurofeedback therapy, that teaches the brain to regulate it’s brain waves and as a result, reduce the symptoms.
What is the best treatment plan?
There is no conclusive answer. Each person is different, and to each person a different plan will fit. And that is why it is important to turn to a professional diagnosis first, and then to try to find the best and most suitable ways for you.
It is always recommended to start for light before heavy, and start with natural treatments before going to the medication route.
