Recognizing ADD Symptoms in Adults
Do you have a tendency to forget appointments or tasks at work? Maybe you barge into rooms without knocking or interrupt others when they are speaking. If these actions cause conflicts in your life, they could be symptoms of ADHD.
Adults are often diagnosed with disorders of the psyche, including mood and anxiety disorders with their ADHD. Questions that are routinely asked during a clinical interview can reveal the symptoms of ADHD.
Signs and symptoms
A person with ADD has difficulty paying close attention to the details, arranging tasks, or executing on commitments. They often make careless mistakes at school or work, forgets important things such as bills and appointments and is unable to stay focused on conversations and leisure activities. Additionally, someone who suffers from this type of ADD is unable to keep his or her emotions in check and can be easily distracted by other people.
To be diagnosed with ADD they must have been afflicted with inattention at least six months prior. The symptoms should manifest on two separate occasions and affect the patient's social, educational, or work functioning. A diagnosis of ADD requires feedback from parents and teachers in addition to an examination of the patient's clinical condition and a thorough history. Some patients have a combination of symptoms in both the inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive categories. The symptoms of ADD combined are not as obvious and can be difficult to recognize by family doctors. It is a condition that can be identified by primary care doctors.
Diagnosis
Although ADD is one of the most prevalent mental health disorders, it's not always recognized until later in life. Family physicians are a good resource for diagnosing ADD in adults, especially those who haven't been diagnosed or discharged.
The diagnosis is based on a clinical assessment, which can include self-ratings and interviews, as well as observation of patients in various situations (e.g. at work, at home, or socially), as well as a thorough medical history that takes into account both current and past difficulties and feedback from the school or employer. It is essential to rule out other reasons for a person's symptoms such as sleep disorders or learning disabilities, as well as mood disorders.
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 can be identified when a clinician observes six or more signs of inattention within two of the seven subcategories. This includes: difficulties in paying attention or staying focused, disorganization, forgetfulness, failure to adhere to the rules or instructions, or trouble staying organized. 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.
In general, to be considered to have ADD the symptoms must be present for at least six months and have impaired functioning in two different areas of one's life. In the majority of people with ADD the disorder is associated with a variety of comorbid mental or psychiatric disorders such as mood disorders (depression, dysthymia and bipolar affective disorder) and addictions, anxiety disorders and personality disorders.
The symptoms of ADD are reversible, however the best approach is to implement strategies that help people organize their lives and make behavioural changes. Setting goals, routines for the day and using lists and reminders are useful. It is also essential to help people understand their own triggers for impulsive behavior and provide techniques for controlling them, like taking time before taking action, evaluating the situation and determining alternative courses of action. Sometimes, medication is required however it is essential to test one medication before adding another.
Treatment
Adults with inattentive ADD often find they struggle at work, school or in their personal relationships. add symptoms are more likely to overlook important details, make careless mistakes and get distracted easily. They are more likely to suffer from anxiety, depression or addiction to drugs. There are a variety of treatment options available to people with ADD/ADHD to help them lead more productive lives.
ADD/ADHD, one of the most frequent mental disorders, is often neglected by family physicians. This is likely due to the fact that family doctors are unfamiliar with the symptoms of ADD/ADHD in adults or because many people with ADD/ADHD also suffer from other disorders, like mood disorders or anxiety.
adhd signs in adults of inattention ADD is based on an evaluation that includes feedback from teachers or other professionals, a clinical observation and a detailed history. The symptoms have to be persistently challenging and cause significant impairment in a variety of situations. To be able to identify inattentive ADD, children under 17 years old must have at least six symptoms in the category of inattentive behavior. Adults should have at least five of the 11 inattention-related behaviors.
Management
It is crucial that family doctors recognize ADD in adults as the issues can be grave. Inattentive ADD is more commonly diagnosed 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. The inattentive version of ADD is mistakenly categorized as mood disorders (depression or bipolar affective disorders or substance abuse disorders). The treatment is based on education and support, which helps patients to develop more order in the lives they lead by enhancing their self-esteem and social skills, and encouraging healthy eating and lifestyles and taking medication, if necessary. Up to 60% of ADD sufferers benefit from treatment. It should not be used for children since it is not safe for children.