Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
A 43-year-old married woman visited Dr. Amen concerned she may have ADD (predominantly inattentional type). She was struggling to keep up with her schoolwork and household chores. She was disorganized and frequently lost her wallet or keys.
She was often prone to forgetting appointments and losing track of time. She had a low self-esteem, a negative outlook and a chronic sadness that was not depression.
Inattentive ADD
People with inattentive ADHD are unable to pay attention to the details and are prone to making mistakes. They may struggle to remember the information they've heard or fail to complete a project or homework assignment. They often lose keys, wallets and other things they require to survive. As a result, they are often late for appointments or have difficulty keeping track of their bills and messages.
While children with hyperactive ADHD are easy to identify when they wiggle around in their seats, fidget or talk constantly, children with the inattentive kind of ADD do not get noticed since they don't show obvious behavior issues. This subtype of ADD is more common for girls than boys. Teachers are often unaware of their symptoms because they don't fit the stereotype of a "bad kid'.
Adults with inattention ADHD often have trouble following instructions at home as well as at work. They also make it a habit to put off or delegate tasks that require constant mental effort. They may also find it difficult to follow conversations or lectures and are easily distracted by other distractions such as thoughts that are not related or the television or internet. Signs of inattention ADHD can be misinterpreted as lazyness or apathy. A lot of adults are frustrated when they are constantly reminded of their missed deadlines by family members or colleagues.
It is important to understand that inattention ADD can be caused by stress, mental disorders, or physical ailments. A thorough examination by a health care provider or mental health professional is needed to determine the presence of symptoms and determine whether treatment is necessary. They will take a detailed medical history, perform physical examinations and talk about your lifestyle to help you pinpoint any other issues that might be contributing to your symptoms.
Overfocused ADD
Those afflicted with over-focused ADD have difficulty shifting their focus and become focused on a specific task. They might also be highly organized, which may cause confusion to some people and result in an incorrect diagnosis. Because they are lacking dopamine and serotonin, these individuals are often treated with the standard ADHD medication that increases serotonin and dopamine. This can actually aggravate their ADD symptoms.
They can feel suffocated because they are unable to divert their thoughts, leading to anxiety and depression. They are also prone to getting stuck in negative thoughts and behaviors that can be hard to break free from without intervention. Adults with overfocused ADD have observed positive results from cognitive behavioral therapies to recognize and alter negative thinking patterns, mindfulness practices which reduce rumination as well as skill training.
When someone suffers from overfocused ADD and has an anterior cingulate gyrus of the brain is hyperactive. This can cause hyperfocus and moodiness. The stimulant ADD medications can stimulate this area of the brain to much, which can exacerbate symptoms and irritability. A healthy diet and non-medication therapies are proven to be beneficial for these people.
People with Overfocused ADD tend to "stick" in negative cycles. This can lead to stress and strain relationships. Making a schedule, using a digital planner and interacting with community-based support can help ease some of their symptoms. Couples coaching can be beneficial for people with ADD as it assists to establish roles and expectations among partners. This can improve communication, and help both individuals to lead a more balanced lifestyle. The most effective treatment for ADD/ADHD is to work with a Medical Doctor or Naturopathic Doctor to determine the best program that will help manage and reduce your symptoms.
Anxious ADD
ADD patients often also suffer from anxiety. This can be annoying, troublesome bouts of worry or full-blown anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder or social anxiety disorder panic disorder, or specific phobias. Regardless of whether it's just an occasional feeling of anxiety or a more persistent, serious anxiety is a significant issue with the way you live and work. Around 80% of those with ADHD also have another diagnosis. Anxiety is the most frequent.
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 disordered brain. In this case it is evident that qEEG mapping reveals that certain brain regions are hyperactive or out-of-balance. This includes the limbic system and the prefrontal cortex.
Those with this kind of ADD have a high sensitivity to external stimuli such as light, noise and touch. They tend to react too quickly and have a short fuse. They are prone negative thoughts or actions and are often self-defeating. They tend to be impulsive, argumentative, and have an oppositional personality.
The treatment for this type involves balancing GABA with dopamine and encouraging relaxation. This kind of ADD requires that people get enough rest and exercise regularly, as well as consume healthy food. They should avoid processed and sugary foods. If they can they should follow the same routine for sleeping and waking up and adhere to it every day. Additionally, they should try to incorporate physical activities into their educational or work-related activities. For example for those who have a desk job and they are sitting, they should stand or walk around at least once per hour.
Ring of Fire ADD
This kind of ADD is known as having an overactive Cerebral cortex and an increased activity on the right and left Parietal Lobes and the left-right Temporal Lobes. People suffering from Ring of Fire ADD will likely suffer from all the classic ADHD symptoms, such as difficulties in staying focused and impulsive behavior. They may also exhibit high levels of anxiety, rapid thinking, and anger. They may be overwhelmed by sensory stimuli and are usually rigid and irritable.
Ring of Fire ADD is often misdiagnosed as Bipolar Disorder because the symptoms are similar. The distinction is that people suffering from Bipolar Disorder cycle through periods of mania or depression and those suffering from Ring of Fire ADD experience their symptoms in a constant manner.
Ring of Fire ADD can be more difficult to treat as compared to other forms of ADHD. The symptoms are usually linked to an imbalance in brain chemical. Treatment is usually aimed towards resolving this imbalance. The positive side is that by using a set of strategies that are well-established, people can manage their Ring of Fire ADHD symptoms and lead a balanced and productive life.
If you're dealing with Ring of Fire ADHD symptoms It's crucial to seek out help from a trained medical professional. While Dr. Daniel Amen's work has been met with skepticism by a lot of the medical world However, he has legitimate points. By identifying adult add symptoms of ADHD and knowing what to look for, you can get the help you need. Contact a professional today to receive a dependable diagnosis and get on the right path towards a happy and healthy life.
Classic ADD
Classic ADD is what the majority of people think about when they hear the word ADHD. It exhibits all the signs of inattentive ADD but also hyperactivity and impulsivity. 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 they do not enjoy. They are not usually classified as "hyperactive," but they have trouble following instructions and often miss appointments. They are low in dopamine and reduced blood flow in the prefrontal cortex.
This type of ADD is marked by emotional issues and difficulty in dealing with anxiety, stress, and depression. They might have experienced trauma or abuse within the family or suffered a difficult separation. People with limbic ADD are less active in their prefrontal cortex, as well as abnormalities in the temporal lobes which control moods. This type of ADD is treated with antidepressants as well as supplements to regulate the neuronal activity.
Dr. Zlatin Ivanov specializes in diagnosing and treating all types of adult ADD. His unique testing method is able to identify and determines the correct treatment for each patient's needs. Call Psychiatry NYC to schedule an appointment today to receive a personalized ADHD treatment.