Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
A 43-year-old woman who was married came to Dr. Amen concerned she may have ADD (predominantly inattentive type). She was having difficulty keeping up with schoolwork and household chores. She was disorganized and frequently lost her wallet or keys.
She often was late for appointments and lost track of time. She was also moody with constant sadness that was not linked to depression, a negative outlook on life and low self-esteem.
Inattentive ADD
People with inattentive ADHD have trouble paying attention to details and making careless mistakes. They have trouble remembering the information they've heard, and might forget to finish homework assignments or work project. They often lose keys, wallets, and other objects they need to live. In the end, they are often late for appointments or struggle to keep 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 with the inattentive kind of ADD do not get noticed because they don't exhibit obvious behavior issues. Children who have this type of ADD tend to be females than males and teachers are often unable to acknowledge their symptoms since they don't conform to the stereotype of the "bad child."
Adults with inattentive ADHD are unable to follow instructions, both at home and at the workplace. They tend to delay tasks and avoid tasks that require sustained mental effort. They may also have difficulty follow conversations or lectures and can be easily distracted by distractions like unrelated thoughts or the television or internet. Symptoms of inattentive ADHD could be misinterpreted as laziness or apathy, and many adults are frustrated when they are constantly reminded of missed deadlines by family members or colleagues.
It's important to note that inattentive ADD symptoms may also be caused by other causes, including stress, mental health issues or physical ailments. To confirm the symptoms and determine if treatment is needed, a comprehensive evaluation by an expert in mental health or health care provider is required. They will take a detailed medical history, perform an examination of your body and discuss your life style to help pinpoint any other issues that could be contributing to your symptoms.
Overfocused ADD
Those afflicted with Overfocused ADD are unable to shift their focus and are often focused on a specific task. They can also be extremely organized, which may cause confusion to some people and result in a misdiagnosis. Because they are lacking dopamine and serotonin they are usually treated with the standard ADHD drugs that boost dopamine and serotonin. This treatment may actually worsen their ADD symptoms.
They may feel like they are suffocating because they are unable to divert their minds, which leads to anxiety and depression. Additionally, they are susceptible to become stuck in negative thoughts and behaviors that can be difficult to get rid of without intervention. Cognitive-behavioral therapy to recognize and alter negative patterns, mindfulness techniques to decrease rumination, and training in skills have produced positive results for people with over-focused ADD.
When someone suffers from hyper-focused ADD their brain's anterior cingulate gyrus is overactive, which can lead to hyper-focus and moodiness. The stimulant ADD medications can stimulate this part of the brain to a great extent which can cause a rise in symptoms and irritability. signs and symptoms of adhd in adults is the reason why a healthy diet and other non-medicated treatments have proven to be beneficial for those suffering from this condition.
People who suffer from over-focused ADD tend to "stick" in negative cycles. This can lead to stress and strain relationships. Developing a schedule, using a digital planner, and engaging in supportive communities can help alleviate some of their symptoms. Couples coaching for ADD can be helpful in establishing clear roles and expectations for both partners. This can help improve communication and create a more harmonious life for both of them. The most effective treatment of ADD/ADHD is to work with Medical or Naturopathic Doctors to discover a treatment plan to help you manage and minimize the symptoms.
Anxious ADD
Often people who have ADD also experience anxiety. This could be pesky anxiety, tense periods of worry or more serious anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder or social anxiety disorder, panic disorder or phobias that are specific to. It doesn't matter if it's an occasional anxiety attack or a more chronic anxiety is a significant issue with the way you live and work. Almost 80% of people suffering from ADHD have at least one additional diagnosis and anxiety is the most frequent comorbid diagnosis.
Anxious ADD is one of the theorized "7 types of ADD." This kind is characterized by a heightened feeling of nervousness and anxiety as well as inattention. It is caused by a dysfunctional brain. In this case it is evident that qEEG mapping reveals that certain brain regions are either overactive or out of balance. This includes the limbic system as well as the prefrontal cortex.
Individuals with this type of ADD are highly sensitive to external stimuli, such as light, noise and touch. They are more prone to reacting too quickly and have a short temper. They are susceptible to repetitive negative thoughts and actions, and often engage in self-sabotage. They are also more likely to have an impulsive, combative and antagonistic personality.
The treatment for this kind involves balancing GABA with dopamine and promoting relaxation. Patients suffering from this kind of ADD should get enough sleep and exercise, as well as eating a healthy diet. They should avoid processed foods and sugar. If possible, they should follow the same routine every day for waking up and sleeping. Lastly, they should try to include physical activities in their educational or work-related tasks. For example, if they have a desk job and they are sitting, they should stand or walk around at least once an hour.
Ring of Fire ADD
This type of ADD is characterized by overactivity in the Cerebral Cortex as well as an increase in activity in the right and left Parietal Lobes, and the left and right Temporal Lobes. Those who suffer from Ring of Fire ADD are likely to exhibit all the classic symptoms of ADHD that include difficulty staying focused and impulsive behaviour. They may also exhibit high levels of anxiety, erratic thoughts, and anger. They can be overwhelmed by sensory stimuli and are often inflexible and argumentative.
People with Ring of Fire ADD are often misdiagnosed with Bipolar Disorder, because their symptoms are similar. But the difference is that those who have Bipolar Disorder can experience periods of mania and depression while those who have Ring of Fire ADD typically suffer from their symptoms on a consistent basis.
Ring of Fire ADD can be more difficult to treat when compared to other forms of ADHD. The symptoms are usually related to an imbalance in brain chemicals and treatment usually focuses on correcting that imbalance. By implementing expert strategies, individuals can manage their Ring of Fire ADHD and live a healthy and balanced life.
If you're suffering from Ring of Fire ADHD symptoms It is essential to seek out help from a trained medical professional. While Dr. Daniel Amen's research has been viewed with suspicion by a lot of the medical world however, he does have valid points. By identifying the different types of ADHD and understanding what to look for, you will be able to receive the help you require. Contact a specialist today to receive a dependable diagnosis and start on the road to a healthy and happy life.
Classic ADD
Classic ADD is what most people think of when they hear ADHD. It has all the symptoms of inattention ADD but also hyperactivity and impulsivity. Those with this form of ADD have difficulty organizing and prioritizing tasks, balancing time, and focusing on themselves. They are easily distracted, and lack the mental stamina to finish tasks they do not like. These people are typically not classified as "hyperactive," but they are troubled in following instructions and are often late for appointments. They have reduced blood flow to the prefrontal cortex as well as low levels of dopamine.
This form of ADD is characterised by emotional issues and difficulty in dealing with anxiety, stress, and depression. They may have a family history of abuse or trauma or have experienced an emotional divorce. Individuals with limbic ADD exhibit decreased activity in the prefrontal cortex, and irregularities in their temporal lobes, which regulate mood. Treatment for this form of ADD revolves around supplements and antidepressants to regulate neuronal activity.
Dr. signs and symptoms of adhd in adults specializes in diagnosing the causes, treating and addressing all forms of adult ADD. His unique testing method is able to identify and determines the correct treatment for each patient's symptoms. Contact Psychiatry NYC today to schedule an appointment for individualized ADHD care.