Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
A 43-year-old married woman visited Dr. Amen concerned she may be suffering from ADD (predominantly inattentional type). adhd in adults signs was having trouble keeping up with her school work and household chores. She was unorganized and frequently lost her wallet or keys.
She frequently forgot appointments and lost track of time. She was also moody and had persistent sadness that was not caused by depression, a negative outlook on life and low self-esteem.
Inattentional ADD
People who have inattention ADHD have difficulty paying attention to details and are prone to making mistakes. They may struggle to remember what they've heard, or fail to complete a project or homework assignment. They frequently lose keys, wallets, and other items they require to live. They often miss appointments or have trouble keeping track of bills and messages.
Children who have inattention ADD are not as obvious because they don't display any obvious behavioral issues. This subtype of ADD is more common in girls than in boys. Teachers are often unaware of their symptoms, as they don't fit into the stereotype of a 'bad child''.
Adults with inattentive 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 a sustained mental effort. They may also have difficulty follow conversations or lectures and can be easily distracted by distractions like unrelated thoughts or the internet or television. Symptoms of inattentive ADHD can be misinterpreted as laziness or apathy. A lot of adults feel frustrated when they are constantly reminded of missed deadlines by family members or colleagues.
It is important to recognize that inattentive ADD symptoms could be caused by other causes such as stress, other mental health issues, or physical ailments. A thorough examination by a medical professional or mental health professional is needed to confirm the presence of symptoms and determine if treatment is required. They will take a detailed medical history, perform physical examinations and talk about your life style to help pinpoint any other issues that may cause your symptoms.
Overfocused ADD
People with People with ADD are incapable of shifting their focus, and instead are focused on a specific task. They might also be highly organized, which could cause confusion to some people and result in a misdiagnosis. They are usually treated by standard ADHD medications, which boost serotonin and/or dopamine. However, this treatment may actually cause ADD symptoms worse.
They may feel overwhelmed because they aren't able to clear their thoughts, leading to depression and anxiety. Additionally, they are susceptible to become stuck in negative thought patterns and behaviours that are difficult to get rid of without intervention. Cognitive-behavioral therapy that identifies and alter negative patterns, mindfulness exercises to reduce rumination, and skill training have shown positive results for adults with Overfocused ADD.
When a person has hyper-focused ADD, their brain's anterior cortex gyrus is hyperactive, which could result in hyper-focus and a mood swing. The stimulant ADD medications can stimulate this region of the brain to much, which can exacerbate symptoms and irritability. This is the reason why a healthy diet and other non-medical therapies have been proven helpful for these individuals.
People with Overfocused ADD have a tendency to get "stuck" in negative cycles that can cause tension in relationships and increase stress. Setting up a routine, using a digital planner, and engaging in community-based support can help ease some of their symptoms. Couples coaching for ADD can also be very beneficial in creating clear roles and expectations for both partners. This can improve communication and assist both people to live more well-balanced lives. The most effective method of treating ADD/ADHD is to work with a Naturopathic or Medical Doctor to discover a treatment plan to help you manage and minimize your symptoms.
Anxious ADD
Often people who have ADD also suffer from anxiety. It could be a recurring anxiety, tense periods of worry or more serious anxiety disorders like generalized anxiety disorder or social anxiety disorder, panic disorder or phobias that are specific to. It doesn't matter if it's an occasional feeling of anxiety or a more persistent anxiety is a significant issue with life and work functioning. About 80% of people who suffer from ADHD also have a different diagnosis. Anxiety is the most prevalent.
Anxious ADD is one of the theorized "7 kinds of ADD." This type is characterized by a heightened anxiety and a feeling of nervousness as well as inattention. It is caused by a dysregulated brain. In this instance it is evident that qEEG mapping reveals that certain brain regions are hyperactive or out of balance. These include the limbic system and the prefrontal cortex.
People who suffer from this kind of ADD have a high sensitivity to external stimuli such as noise, light and touch. They tend to react too quickly and have short fuses. They are prone towards repetitive negative thoughts and behavior and frequently engage in self-sabotage. They tend to be impulsive, arguing, and have an oppositional personality.
Treatment for this kind of ADD involves balancing GABA and dopamine as well as encouraging relaxation. People suffering from this type of ADD need to get enough rest and exercise, as well as eating a healthy diet. They should also avoid processed foods and sugar. If possible they should follow the same routine for sleeping and getting up and adhere to it every day. It is also recommended to integrate physical activity into their educational or professional activities. If they work at desks then they must get up and move every hour.
Ring of Fire ADD
This type of ADD is characterised by an overactive in the Cerebral Cortex, as well as increased activity in the right and left Parietal Lobes, and the left and right Temporal Lobes. People with Ring of Fire ADD are likely to suffer from all the classic symptoms of ADHD and have trouble staying focused and having impulsive behavior. They may also show high levels of anxiety, rapid thinking, and irritability. They may be overwhelmed by sensory stimuli, and are frequently inflexible and argumentative.
People who have Ring of Fire ADD are often misdiagnosed with Bipolar Disorder, because their symptoms appear to be similar. The distinction is that people suffering from Bipolar Disorder go through periods of depression or mania and those suffering from Ring of Fire ADD experience their symptoms continuously.
Ring of Fire ADD can be more difficult to treat as compared to other forms of ADHD. The symptoms are usually related to an imbalance of brain chemicals. Treatment usually aims at resolving this imbalance. By implementing expert strategies, individuals can manage their Ring of Fire ADHD and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
If you are experiencing symptoms of Ring of Fire ADHD, it is crucial to seek medical advice from a qualified professional. Although Dr. Daniel Amen's research has been met with skepticism by a large portion of the medical world however, he does have valid points. By recognizing the various types of ADHD and knowing what to look for, you can receive the help you require. Contact a professional today to receive a valid diagnosis and start on the path to a happy and healthy life.
Classic ADD
Classic ADD is what most people think about when they hear the word ADHD. It is characterized by all the signs of inattention ADD but also hyperactivity and the tendency to be impulsive. People with this type of ADD are unable to organize tasks, prioritizing their priorities, managing time, and focusing on themselves. They are easily distracted, and do not have the mental strength to complete tasks they do not like. They are not typically categorized as "hyperactive," yet they struggle to follow instructions and often miss appointments. They have a reduced flow of blood to the prefrontal cortex as well as low levels of dopamine.
People with this form of ADD struggle with their emotions and exhibit difficulty in dealing with anxiety, stress and depression. They could have a family history of abuse or trauma, or have gone through an emotional divorce. People suffering from limbic ADD have less activity in their prefrontal cortex as well as irregularities in the temporal lobes that regulate mood. Treatment for this form of ADD revolves around supplements and antidepressants to regulate neuronal activity.
Dr. Zlatin Ivanov specializes in diagnosing and treating various forms of adult ADD. His unique testing process identifies and determines the appropriate treatment for each patient's needs. Call Psychiatry NYC to schedule an appointment today to receive a personalized ADHD treatment.