Adult ADD Treatment

Between 4% and 5% of people aged 18 and older have adult attention-deficit disorder (ADD). Adult ADD, also known as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), can affect your relationships or job performance. At Advanced Psychiatric Care in Neptune, New Jersey and Toms River, New Jersey, adult psychiatrist Alexander Iofin, MD, specializes in evaluating and managing adult ADD. Call the office or request an appointment online today. Telemedicine appointments are also available.

How is ADD different from ADHD?

There are three subtypes of ADHD. The three types of ADHD are primarily hyperactive and impulsive, primarily inattentive, and combined. Inattentive ADHD, commonly known as ADD, accounts for about 33% of all ADHD in adults. It is more commonly seen in females than in males and many times is not identifed in childhood but later on in adulthood when compounded responsibilies at home and work can no longer be managed with the same tools and coping mechanism that may have allowed ones struggles in childhood (.ie. difficulty focusing or completing tasks) to go unnoticed.

Symptoms of ADD (Inattentive Type ADHD)

ADD, or inattentive ADHD, is characterised by difficulty focusing and attending to daily, mundane tasks, as well as, making careless mistakes and losing things that are needed to complete tasks. Having clarity on what specific subtype your ADHD falls under is imperative in getting the best treatment both pharmacological and non-pharmacological.

What is adult attention-deficit disorder (ADD)?

Put simply, the term ADD is technically an outdated term and it is no longer used by medical professionals. In the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), this condition is formally known as "attentional defecit/hyperactive disorder (ADHD), predominantely inattentive type".

Adult ADD is the original name for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The terms are often used interchangeably, but adult ADHD is the proper title. 

The symptoms of adult ADD start at an early age and continue into adulthood. Some people aren’t even diagnosed until they move out of their parent’s homes and start living independently.

What are the symptoms of adult ADD?

Symptoms of adult ADD include:

• Impulsiveness
• Disorganization
• Poor time management skills
• Trouble multitasking
• Poor planning
• Frequent mood swings
• Hot temper
• Trouble coping with stress

If you have adult ADD, you may frequently feel restless or tend to fidget.

Should I see a psychiatrist about adult ADD?

Make an appointment with Dr. Iofin if you have any symptoms of adult ADD and they cause ongoing problems at work or in your personal relationships. That’s particularly true if they occur alongside other issues, like depression or anxiety. Seeing a psychiatrist can help a person reduce or remove unwanted symptoms of ADD and help live a more fulfilling life. Don't wait, call today. 

How is adult ADD diagnosed?

Dr. Iofin reviews your health charts and gathers some basic information. He asks if you have any health problems, whether you take any prescription medications, and what symptoms you’re experiencing.

Next, Dr. Iofin completes a psychiatric assessment. Mental health disorders, like depression and anxiety, can present similar side effects, so Dr. Iofin checks for these and other conditions. After thoroghly looking at your overall history and utilizing his extensive experience in the field of mental health and psychiatry, he will formulate his diagnoses and recommend treatment options.

How is adult ADD treated?

There’s no cure for adult ADD, but various things can relieve uncomfortable symptoms and improve your quality of life. Dr. Iofin typically recommends a combination of prescription medication (medication management), education, and any complementary therapies that may be beneficial to the patient.

Several drugs are used to treat adult ADD, including stimulants and antidepressants. These medications increase the production of certain brain chemicals, helping you focus. 

Another avenue of treatment can be counseling where you can be taught lifestyle skills to help you manage your symptoms and be successful. This can:

• Boost your self-esteem
• Teach you how to improve interpersonal relationships
• Improve your time-management and organizational skills
• Help reduce compulsive behavior

Therapists can even recommend at-home practices to improve your focus. For example, they might recommend making a to-do list of tasks each day, keeping an appointment book, or following a routine.

Contact Advance Psychiatric Care to take the next step in receive treatment for adult ADD, or request an appointment online today.