ADD in adults

definition

The term "ADS" refers to the so-called. Attention deficit disorder, a Subtype of ADHD.
It expresses itself differently than the typical ADHD, but has the same origin.

It is also known as "ADHD of the predominantly inattentive type" where not the typical hyperactivity and impulsiveness are in the foreground, but the Concentration and attention disorders. However, these show up rather than mental absence and social reluctance, are therefore less noticeable than with the hyperactive type.

Often this form of ADHD persists into Adulthood.

root cause

The exact Cause of ADD is still not clear. There are Risk factors, associated genes and other ADHD triggers are well known, but why they cause symptoms in some people and not others seems to depend on other as yet unknown factors.
It is also not finally clear why some develop a quiet, inattentive type and others an impulsive, hyperactive type. According to the current state of science, ADHD and its subtypes are so-called multifactorial diseases. It means that several factors are involved in the development of the disease.

Especially the genetic predisposition, but also that social environment and other external influences play a role in this. ADD / ADHD can so inherited but it doesn't have to be. Symptoms are often found in several members of the same family.
However, there is no such thing as an “ADHD gene”; rather, the interplay of various genetic variations in connection with the environment causes the very variable symptoms. Factors such as the education, the development, the social contacts and many others affect the disease.

In some patients this also shows up structural changes in the brain. Those affected seem to be restricted in transmitting signals via messenger substances in different areas of the brain. However, these processes have not yet been clearly clarified and are not equally pronounced in every patient.

Diagnosis in adults

The diagnosis will clinical, so based on symptoms posed. Since these are often less noticeable in the ADS subtype and easily associated with e.g. one depression can be confused, the diagnosis is often made late or not at all. There are no laboratory tests or the like.

If there is a suspicion of an illness, the diagnosis is made after assessment by an experienced doctor. This asks extensively Patient talk specifically the core symptoms, typical behavior patterns and more. There are also various Personality and behavior tests available to substantiate the suspicion and determine the extent.

Test to diagnose ADD

There are many to be able to diagnose ADD (Self) tests, also designed by the WHO (World Health Organization), which are based on the key symptoms of general ADHD. Some of these questionnaires can also identify hidden or compensated symptoms in adults. Especially patients of the ADD subtype without hyperactivity and impulsivity fall through the grid even in such tests, which is why the confirmation through a experienced doctor is absolutely necessary after extensive examination.

Symptoms

The main symptom, as the name ADD suggests, is that Attention disorder, the since childhood consists. So that's a Poor concentration meant, in which those affected lack perseverance in thinking tasks.
Besides, they are easily distracted, Act disorganized and inattentive. They often yield poor school performance or on Workplace and are in many areas of their lives less successful, because they have difficulties with planning and structured action.

Your reluctance and introversion lead to it Problems in the social environment. They find it harder to make friends because it also hinders their attention disorder in listening and learning social norms.
In contrast to the hyperactive subtypes, ADD patients can be hypoactive, ie Underactivity, Suffer. Typical for this are one slow way of working and a Overtaxed in the professional, but also everyday social life. This also leads to a rapid exhaustion. Patients appear withdrawn, quiet, and may be socially isolated.

However, these symptoms are evident more inconspicuous than the hyperactive ADHD type. Lots Experienced therefore only as adults of their illness or are not diagnosed at all. The only thing they have in common with other ADHD types is inattention. Although this is usually less noticeable than with typical ADHD, it can still have a massive impact on the patient. Often e.g. lack of concentration and Distractibility, Carelessness and forgetfulness, poor organization, problems completing tasks and many more. ADD patients are less able to follow instructions, quickly lose interest and shy away from tasks that require high concentration.

Adults are mostly aware of the disease unaware, show compensation strategies and the typical symptoms are easy to overlook in comparison to children.

In many ADD patients it also occurs psychological problems on. These can be caused by the ADS itself, e.g. Mood swings or irritability, but also through the experiences that adults have already gained from childhood through their illness. These include Fears of failure, depression, anxiety disorders and similar. ADD is therefore a risk factor for many other psychiatric diseases in adults and should be treated.

Read more on the topic: ADD symptoms in adults

Treatment / therapy

ADS is supported by a Combination of different treatment approaches treated. Be there Doctors, psychologists and many other professional groups themselves are involved, but the patient must also actively participate.

You can do ADS not heal. In most cases, however, the therapy allows one normal life. Depending on the severity of the symptoms and individual factors of the person affected, are available from Behavior therapy to drug a variety of therapy options are available.
Each patient responds differently, so there has to be one for each individual individual therapy plan be created with which he can cope. Many patients already benefit from simple approaches such as adequate sleep, exercise, regulated daily routines etc., which make it easier for you to organize your daily life. Techniques for organizing thoughts such as meditation can also help.

Psychologists and psychiatrists also offer Psychotherapies and Behavioral training to help those affected to give up compulsive compensation strategies and learn to deal with their illness. The aim of these therapies is to promote the patient's potential and to develop social skills. This includes reducing the concentration problems and increasing the patient's self-esteem and self-management in order to make it easier for them to control and organize their everyday lives. In this way, those affected can compensate for their ADD-related weaknesses and avoid associated problems.

With more pronounced forms of ADD, there is a Pharmacotherapy, so drugs, in question. So-called stimulants come in particular here Methylphenidate (Trade name Ritalin, see below), are used. Since side effects can occur with any drug, consistent controls of the therapy and, if necessary, dose adjustments by an experienced doctor are necessary.

The greatest therapeutic success is achieved through a combination of the therapies mentioned. If the disease has a high genetic factor, so many family members suffer from similar symptoms, the same drugs are often effective for them. Compared to children, adults with ADD can participate much better in the treatment and the therapy is successful in most cases.

Read more about the topic here: Diet in ADD

ADD medication

In many cases, conservative psychotherapy is not sufficient and the combination with a drug is indicated that the Signal transmission in the brain increases via messenger substances. This is supposed to be the cognitive performance and thus Ability to concentrate increase.

In most patients this will result in a significant improvement the symptoms achieved. They are also well tolerated and can also be used over the long term. However, these drugs are relatives of the so-called Amphetamineswho have a certain risk of addiction. In ADD patients without hyperactivity, the same drugs are used as in typical ADHD, but the effect is somewhat weaker. A lower dosage is usually sufficient for them.

The means of choice is the so-called Methylphenidate, that under the name Ritalin ®or Medikinet is on the market. It blocks the resumption of messenger substances and increases the activation of the nerve cells in the brain. Side effects are e.g. Stomach discomfort and headache.

Other preparations such as Attentin and Elvanse also come from the amphetamine family and have similar mechanisms of action and tolerance.

forecast

Treated has ADS one very good prognosis. With proper therapy, understanding of the condition, and adequate exercise, patients can become one normal life to lead.

Because many of those affected have their illness however unaware is Suffer she suffered from the symptoms and comorbidities of ADD for many years. The quality of life therefore depends heavily on early diagnosis and treatment.

Which doctor should I contact?

At the child the diagnosis is from Pediatrician posed. Usually parents and teachers become aware of the symptoms and initiate the diagnosis.

At the Adult the symptoms are often confused with other psychiatric complaints, so that the patient is being treated for other problems and only the attending physician can find evidence of an ADD disease. This is mostly the Family doctor or Psychiatrist / psychologist. Then the diagnosis and treatment is done by one Psychiatrists or psychotherapists indexed.

Problems in the partnership

ADD patients often show one low social skills. The problems that they had in childhood difficult them as adults too building relationships.
Negative experiences and associated psychological problems lower self-esteem and strain relationships. Those affected are often overly sensitive, react inappropriately and can respond poorly to their partner. He cannot understand the problems of the ADD patient sufficiently. It comes so quickly in a partnership Misunderstandings, lack of communication, arguments and frustration.
The Divorce rate in ADD patients is significantly higher than in the normal population.

If there are problems in relationships, the psychotherapy a particularly high priority. Through behavioral therapy, they can learn how to interact socially and experiences of achievement increase their self-competence. The earlier the disease is diagnosed and appropriately treated, the fewer problems patients will have later.