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 school work and household chores. She was unorganized and often lost her keys or wallet.
She was often prone to losing the track of time. She was also moody and had chronic sadness not related to depression and a negative view of life and low self-esteem.
Inattentive ADD
People who have inattention ADHD have trouble paying attention to the details and making rash mistakes. They may struggle to remember what they've heard or fail to complete a project or homework assignment. They frequently lose wallets, keys, and other things they require to live. This is why they are often late for appointments or struggle to keep track of their 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 among girls than in boys. Teachers are often unaware of their symptoms, since they don't conform to the stereotype of a "bad kid'.
Adults with inattentive ADHD frequently have difficulty following instructions at home as well as at work. They tend to delay or avoid tasks that require constant mental effort. They may also have difficulty with lectures or conversations and are easily distracted by unrelated stimuli such as the internet or television. Inattentive ADHD symptoms can be misinterpreted as lazyness or apathy. Many adults are upset when loved ones or colleagues continually remind them of their missed commitments.
It's important to note that inattention ADD symptoms can also be caused by other factors such as stress, mental health issues, or physical ailments. To determine the cause and determine if treatment is required an extensive examination by an expert in mental health or health professional is required. They will take a detailed medical history, perform physical examinations and talk about your lifestyle to help pinpoint any other issues that may cause your symptoms.
Overfocused ADD
People with Overfocused ADD are not able to shift their focus and instead, they become focused on specific tasks. They may also be extremely organized, which may cause confusion to some people and lead to confusion and misdiagnosis. Because they tend to lack dopamine and serotonin These individuals are typically treated with standard ADHD medications that increase dopamine and serotonin. However, this treatment may actually make their ADD symptoms worse.
They can feel suffocated because they are unable to divert their minds, which leads to anxiety and depression. They are also prone to get stuck in negative behaviors and patterns of thought which are difficult to break out of without intervention. adult adhd symptoms suffering from Overfocused ADD have seen positive results from cognitive-behavioral therapies to change negative thoughts patterns, mindfulness techniques which reduce rumination as well as training for skills.
When a person has hyper-focused ADD, their brain's anterior cortex gyrus is overactive, which can lead to hyper-focus and moodiness. The stimulant ADD medications can stimulate this area of the brain to a great extent which can cause a rise in symptoms and cause irritability. A healthy diet and non-medication therapies are 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 cause stress and stress relationships. Making a schedule or using a planner that is digital and interacting with supportive communities can help alleviate some of their symptoms. Couples coaching can be beneficial for those suffering from ADD as it can help to define roles and expectations between partners. This will improve communication and help develop a more balanced life for both individuals. As always, the most effective treatment for ADD/ADHD involves working with an Occupational or Medical Doctor to identify the best program that can help you manage and minimize the symptoms.
Anxious ADD
Often people who have ADD also have anxiety. This could be pesky anxious moments or full-fledged anxiety disorders like generalized anxiety disorder or social anxiety disorder panic disorder or specific phobias. Regardless of whether it's just an occasional anxiety attack or a longer-lasting anxiety that is serious, it can significantly interfere with the way you live and work. Almost 80% of people who suffer from ADHD have at least one additional diagnosis, and anxiety is the most frequently-cited co-occurring diagnosis.
Anxious ADD is one of the theorized "7 kinds of ADD." This kind is characterized by a heightened anxiety and a feeling of nervousness and inattention. It is caused by a dysregulated 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 prefrontal cortex and limbic system.
People who suffer from this kind of ADD are highly sensitive to external stimuli like noise, light and touch. They are susceptible to overreacting and have a short temper. They are prone negative thoughts or behaviors and often engage in self-sabotage. They are more likely to be impulsive and argumentative and have an atypical personality.
Treatment for this kind of ADD involves the balancing of GABA and dopamine, while also encouraging relaxation. This kind of ADD requires that individuals get enough rest, are active and consume healthy food. They should also avoid sugar and processed foods. If they can they should follow the same routine for sleeping and waking up and follow it daily. Lastly, they should try to incorporate physical activities into educational or work-related tasks. If they work at an office and are not able to get up and move around every hour.
Ring of Fire ADD
This kind of ADD is known as having an overactive Cerebral cortex and increased activity on the left and rights Parietal Lobes and the left-right Temporal Lobes. Those with Ring of Fire ADD will likely exhibit all the typical ADHD symptoms, such as difficulties in staying focused and impulsive behaviors. They may also exhibit high levels of anxiety, erratic thoughts and anger. 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 difference is that people with Bipolar Disorder have periods of mania or depression, while those with Ring of Fire ADD experience their symptoms continuously.
Ring of Fire ADD is more difficult to treat than other forms of ADHD. The symptoms are usually related to an imbalance of brain chemical. Treatment is usually aimed at correcting this imbalance. With the help of expert strategies, individuals can manage their Ring of Fire ADHD and live a healthy and balanced life.
If you're experiencing signs of Ring of Fire ADHD, it is important to seek medical advice from a qualified doctor. Dr. Daniel Amen has some good points, even though his work is often viewed with skepticism in the medical community. You can get the help you require by identifying the various types of ADHD. Contact a specialist today to get a reliable diagnosis and start on the path to a happy and healthy life.
Classic ADD
Classic ADD is the kind that most people imagine when they hear the term ADHD. It exhibits all the signs of inattention ADD, but also includes hyperactivity and the tendency to be impulsive. add symptoms adults with this type of ADD are unable to organize tasks, prioritizing their priorities, managing time, and focusing on themselves. They are easily distracted and lack the mental endurance to complete tasks that aren't their preferred ones. These individuals are usually not classified as "hyperactive," but they are troubled in following instructions and often miss appointments. They are low in dopamine and reduced blood flow in the prefrontal cortex.
This form of ADD is marked by emotional issues and difficulty in dealing with stress, anxiety, and depression. They may have experienced trauma or abuse in their family or suffered an emotional separation. People with limbic ADD have reduced activity in their prefrontal cortex as well as disturbances in the temporal lobes, which control moods. Treatment for this type of ADD is based on supplements and antidepressants that regulate neuronal activity.
Dr. Zlatin Ivanov specializes in diagnosing and treating all forms of adult ADD. His unique testing process identifies and determines the appropriate treatment for each patient's specific symptoms. Contact Psychiatry NYC today to schedule an appointment to receive individualized ADHD treatment.