Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
Dr. Amen was concerned that a married woman of 43 years old might have ADD. She was having trouble staying on top of household chores and schoolwork. She was disorganized and frequently lost her keys or wallet.
She often missed appointments and was unable to keep the track of time. She was also moody and had chronic sadness not related to depression or depression, but a negative outlook on life and low self-esteem.
Inattentive ADD
People with inattentive ADHD are unable to pay attention to the details and are prone to making mistakes. They have trouble remembering information they've heard and could forget to complete homework assignments or even a project. They often misplace keys, wallets, and other things they require to live. They often miss appointments or have difficulty keeping the track of their bills and messages.
Children with inattentive ADD are not as obvious because they don't display any obvious behavioral issues. Children who have this type of ADD are more likely to be females than boys and a lot of teachers don't recognize their symptoms because they don't fit into the stereotype of a "bad child."
Adults with inattention ADHD frequently have difficulty following instructions at home as well as at work. They also have a tendency to put off or delegate tasks that require constant mental effort. They may also have difficulty with lectures or conversations, and they can easily be distracted by irrelevant media such as the internet or television. The signs of inattention ADHD can be misinterpreted as laziness or apathy. A lot of adults feel frustrated when they are constantly reminded of missed deadlines by loved ones or coworkers.
It's important that you understand that inattentive ADD can be triggered by stress, other mental or physical illnesses. To confirm the symptoms and determine if treatment is required, a comprehensive assessment by an expert in mental health or health care provider is needed. They will request a detailed medical background, perform a physical examination and review your lifestyle in order to determine any other issues that could contribute to your symptoms.
Overfocused ADD
Those afflicted with over-focused ADD are unable to shift their focus and are often focused on a specific task. They can also be extremely organized, which can cause confusion to some people and lead to incorrect diagnosis. These people are often treated by standard ADHD medications, which boost serotonin and/or dopamine. This can actually aggravate their ADD symptoms.
They may feel like they are suffocating because they aren't able to clear their minds, leading to anxiety and depression. They are also prone to getting stuck in negative thoughts and behavior patterns that are difficult to get rid of without intervention. Cognitive-behavioral therapy that identifies and change negative patterns, mindfulness exercises to lessen rumination, as well as the development of skills have demonstrated positive results for adults suffering from Overfocused ADD.
If someone is diagnosed with overfocused ADD the brain's anterior cingulate gyrus is hyperactive, which could lead to hyper-focus and moodiness. Stimulant ADD medications can stimulate this area of the brain too much and can cause a rise in symptoms and irritability. This is why a balanced diet and other non-medicated therapies have been proven helpful for these people.
People with over-focused ADD tend to "stick" in negative cycles. This can cause stress and stress relationships. Some of their symptoms can be eased by establishing a routine by using an electronic planner, and joining communities that support. Couples coaching for ADD can be helpful in establishing clear roles and expectations for both partners. This can help improve communication and help both individuals to lead more well-balanced lives. The most effective treatment for ADD/ADHD is working with an Occupational or Medical Doctor to determine the best program to manage and minimize the symptoms.
Anxious ADD
ADD patients often also suffer from anxiety. This can be annoying, troublesome bouts of worry or full-fledged anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder or social anxiety disorder panic disorder or phobias that are specific to. Regardless of whether it's just an occasional anxiety attack or a more chronic, serious anxiety, it can significantly interfere 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 common co-occurring diagnosis.
Anxious ADD is one of the "7 types" of ADD is defined by a feeling of anxiety and nervousness as well as inattention. It is caused by dysregulated brain. In this instance it is evident that qEEG mapping reveals that certain brain regions are overactive or out-of-balance. These include the limbic system and prefrontal cortex.
People who suffer from this kind of ADD have a high sensitivity to external stimuli such as noise, light and touch. They are prone to overreacting and have a short temper. They are prone towards repetitive negative thoughts and behaviors and are often involved in self-sabotage. They are also more likely to have an impulsive argumentative and oppositional personality.
The treatment for this kind is to balance GABA with dopamine, and promoting relaxation. This kind of ADD requires that patients have enough sleep and are active, and eat healthy. They should avoid processed foods and sugar. If possible, they should keep the same routine throughout the day for waking up and sleeping. It is also recommended to integrate physical activity into their professional or academic tasks. For example when they work at a desk job and they are sitting, they should stand or walk around at least once per hour.
Ring of Fire ADD
This theoretical type of ADD is characterised by an overactive in the Cerebral Cortex and also increased activity in the left and right Parietal Lobes, and the left and right Temporal Lobes. The people who suffer from Ring of Fire ADD are likely to experience all of the typical symptoms of ADHD that include difficulty staying focused and impulsive behavior. They may also display high levels of anxiety and rapid thoughts. They may be overwhelmed by sensory stimuli and are usually inflexible and argumentative.
Ring of Fire ADD is often misdiagnosed as Bipolar Disorder because the symptoms are remarkably similar. The difference is that people who have Bipolar Disorder cycle through periods of mania or depression as those suffering from Ring of Fire ADD experience their symptoms in a constant manner.
Ring of Fire ADD is more difficult to treat than other forms of ADHD. The symptoms are usually linked to an imbalance in brain chemicals. Treatment usually aims towards resolving this imbalance. The positive side is that by applying the right strategies, people can manage their Ring of Fire ADHD symptoms and lead a healthy and productive life.
If you're suffering from Ring of Fire ADHD symptoms, it's important to seek assistance from a trained medical professional. Dr. Daniel Amen has some valid points despite the fact that his work is seen with suspicion in the medical field. You can get the help that you need by identifying the different types of ADHD. Consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and begin on the path to a happy and healthy life.
Classic ADD
Classic ADD is what most people think about when they hear ADHD. what are the symptoms of adult adhd exhibits all the signs of inattentive ADD however it also has hyperactivity and an impulsive nature. Those with this form of ADD have difficulty organizing, prioritizing tasks, managing time, and focusing on themselves. They are easily distracted and do not have the mental strength to finish tasks they do not like. These people are typically not classified as "hyperactive," but they are unable to follow instructions and are often late for appointments. They have a low level of dopamine levels and a reduced flow of blood in the prefrontal cortex.
This form of ADD is characterised by emotional issues and a struggle to cope with anxiety, stress and depression. They might have experienced trauma or abuse in their family or have been through difficult separation. People suffering from limbic ADD show reduced activity in the prefrontal cortex and irregularities in their temporal lobes which control mood. Treatment for this type of ADD revolves around supplements and antidepressants that regulate the neuronal activity.
Dr. Zlatin Ivanov specializes in diagnosing and treating all types of adult ADD. His unique test method identifies the causes of the patient's symptoms and determines the appropriate treatment. Contact Psychiatry NYC today to schedule an appointment for individualized ADHD care.