Recognizing ADD Symptoms in Adults
Do you have a tendency to forget appointments or tasks at work? You may interrupt others when they are talking or slam into rooms without knocking. These actions may be ADHD symptoms if they cause you to encounter conflict in your everyday life.
Adults suffering from ADHD typically suffer from mental disorders, such as anxiety and mood disorders. Questions that are routinely asked during a clinical interview may reveal the signs of ADHD.
Symptoms
A person with ADD might have trouble organizing activities, paying attention to specifics or committing to commitments. The person with ADD often makes errors at school or work, forgets important things such as appointments and bills and is unable to stay focused on conversations and leisure activities. In addition, a person with this type of ADD is unable to keep his or her emotions in check, and may be easily distracted by others.
To be diagnosed with ADD, people over age 7 must be afflicted by inattentive symptoms for at least six months. The symptoms must manifest on two separate occasions and impact the patient's social, school or work performance. Teachers and parents should provide feedback, as well as medical observation and a thorough history. Some patients have a combination of symptoms in both the inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive categories. The symptoms of ADD combined aren't always apparent and may be difficult to diagnose by family doctors. It is a condition that can be identified by primary care doctors.
Diagnosis
Although ADD is among the most prevalent mental health issues however, it is not always recognized when you reach adulthood. Family physicians are an excellent source for diagnosing ADD in adults, particularly those who have not been diagnosed or have been discharged.
The diagnosis is based on a the clinical assessment of a patient, often supported by self-rating scales, interview and observation of the patient in different situations (eg at home, at work or socially) and complete medical history, incorporating previous issues and current difficulties and obtaining feedback from a school or the employer. It is essential to rule out any other possible causes for the person's symptoms like sleep issues or learning disabilities, alcohol or mood disorders or drug use since they could be similar to ADD.
The earliest definition of ADD included only inattentive problems, but recent studies have shown that people with ADD are equally likely to present with hyperactive-impulsive or combined presentations, and they can have both types of symptoms at different times. Inattentive ADD is diagnosed when the clinician is satisfied that there are six or more inattentive symptoms in two of the following seven subcategories: difficulty focusing or staying focused and disorganization, inability to follow instructions or rules, apathy and being easily distracted. Hyperactive-impulsive ADD is diagnosed when the clinician is satisfied there are six or more symptoms in four of the following six categories: fidgeting, excessive talking or interrupting others, being restless, unable to wait for their turn or impulsively leaving their seat.
To be recognized as having ADD, symptoms must be present in at least two different areas of a persons life for at least six months. what are the symptoms of adhd in adults of people who suffer from ADD have comorbid psychological and psychiatric disorders. These include mood disorders (depressions bipolar affective disorder and dysthymia) and personality disorders, addictions, and anxiety disorders.
Symptoms of ADD are reversible. However, the best treatment is to implement strategies that help people organize their lives and implement behavioural changes. Goal setting, daily routines and using lists and reminders are useful. It is important to teach people to control their impulsive behavior as well as what causes them. Techniques such as waiting until making a decision or evaluating the situation and working out alternatives are beneficial. Sometimes, medication is necessary, but it's important to test one medication before adding another.
Treatment
Adults with inattentive ADD typically have trouble at school, work or in their personal relationships. They are more likely to overlook important details, make careless mistakes and get distracted easily. They are also more likely to be suffering from depression, anxiety or substance abuse. Fortunately, many adults find treatment options that can assist them in living more productive lives with ADD/ADHD.
ADD/ADHD is among the most prevalent mental health disorders, yet it is often not considered in family practice. This could be due to the fact that doctors in the family are not familiar with the symptoms of ADD/ADHD in adults or because a large number of people with ADD/ADHD also suffer from other disorders, including mood disorders or anxiety.
A diagnosis of inattention ADD can be made through a thorough evaluation that includes feedback from teachers and other professionals as in addition to clinical observations. The symptoms must be consistently difficult to manage and result in significant impairment in multiple situations. To diagnose inattention ADD, children under 17 years old must show at least six symptomatic signs in the category of inattentive behavior. Adults should have at minimum five of the 11 inattentive behaviors.
Management
It is vital that family physicians recognize ADD in adults, as the problems can be quite serious. Inattentive ADD is more commonly acknowledged in the adult population than the hyperactive impulsive type of ADHD but it is not well-understood by family physicians and many patients are left undiagnosed. Often, the inattentive form of ADD is misdiagnosed with mood disorders (depression bipolar affective disorder or addiction disorders). The treatment is based on education and support, assisting patients develop more structure in their lives, improving their self-esteem and social skills, and encouraging healthy lifestyles and eating habits, and medication, when needed. Up to 60% of ADD sufferers get relief from medication. It should not be used in children as it is not safe for children.