Recognizing ADD Symptoms in Adults
Do you forget appointments or responsibilities? Maybe you barge into rooms without knocking, or interrupt people when they're speaking. These actions may be ADHD symptoms if they cause you to encounter conflict in your daily life.
Adults who suffer from ADHD often have comorbid mental disorders, such as anxiety and mood disorders. The signs of ADHD can be discovered through routine questions that are asked during the clinical interview.
Signs and symptoms
A person with ADD is unable to pay close focus on details, organising activities, or following through on commitments. He or she makes impulsive errors at school or at work, is unable to remember important details such as bills and appointments and has trouble staying focused on conversations and leisure activities. A person with this type struggles to control their emotions and is easily distracted by others.
To be diagnosed with ADD they must have experienced inattentive symptoms for at least six months prior to. Several of the symptoms must be present on two separate occasions, and the patient's problems are affecting social, school or work performance. A diagnosis of ADD requires feedback from parents and teachers and also clinical observation and a careful background. Some patients have a combination of symptoms in both the inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive categories. The symptoms of this type of ADD aren't as clear cut and can be difficult for family doctors to identify. It is a condition that can be diagnosed by primary care providers.
Diagnosis
ADD is a common mental disorder in children however, it's not always recognized when you turn an adult. Family physicians can play a key role in diagnosing ADD and refer adults to treatment, especially those who have been dismissed from mental health services or don't have a diagnosis.
The diagnosis is based on a clinical evaluation, which could include self-ratings, interviews and observation of patients in various situations (e.g. at home, work, or socially), as well as a detailed medical history that takes into account both current and past difficulties and the feedback from the employer or school. It is important to exclude other causes for a person's symptoms like sleep disorders, learning disabilities or 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 diagnosed when a clinician observes six or more signs of inattention in two of seven subcategories. These include difficulty paying attention or staying on track, disorganization or forgetfulness, inability to follow the rules or instructions, or difficulties in 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 adults with adhd symptoms to be diagnosed as having ADD symptoms must have been present in at least two different areas of a persons life for at least six months. In at least half of all people suffering from ADD it is associated with a variety of comorbid psychological or psychiatric problems such as mood disorders (depression bipolar affective disorder and dysthymia) and addictions, anxiety disorders, and personality disorders.
The signs of ADD are reversible, but the best way to treat it is to implement strategies that aid people organize their lives and make behavioral changes. Setting goals, routines for the day and using lists and reminders can be beneficial. It is also important to teach people about their triggers for impulsive behaviour and offer strategies for controlling them, including waiting before taking action, evaluating the situation and determining alternatives to take. Sometimes medication is necessary however it is important to test a medication prior to adding another.
Treatment
Adults with inattention ADD typically have trouble at school, at work or in their relationships with family and friends. They tend to miss important details, make impulsive mistakes, and are easily distracted. symptoms of adhd adults are more likely to be suffering from anxiety, depression or addiction to drugs. There are many adults who are able to find treatment options that help them live more productive lives with ADD/ADHD.
ADD/ADHD, one of the most frequent mental disorders, is frequently neglected by family physicians. This may be because family physicians are not familiar with the symptom manifestations in adults, or because those who suffer from ADD/ADHD are often suffering from co-occurring disorders, like mood disorders (depression bipolar affective disorder dysthymia) and anxiety or substance use disorders.
adults adhd symptoms of inattention ADD is dependent on an assessment that includes feedback from teachers or other professionals, clinical observation, and a thorough background. The symptoms have to be persistently difficult to manage and result in significant impairment in a variety of situations. Children younger than 17 years old need to show at least six signs of inattention in the category and adults need at minimum five of the 11 inattentive symptoms to be diagnosed of inattentive ADD.
Management
It is crucial that family physicians recognize ADD in adults because the symptoms can be serious. Inattentive ADD in adults is more prevalent than hyperactive impulsive ADHD, but family physicians still do not understand it well. Many patients remain undiagnosed. In many cases, the inattentive form of ADD is misdiagnosed as mood disorders (depression or bipolar affective disorder) or anxiety, or substance use disorders. The treatment is based on education and support, assisting patients develop more structure in the lives they lead by enhancing their self-esteem and social skills, and encouraging healthy lifestyles and eating habits and taking medication, if necessary. Treatment is beneficial for up to 60 percent of ADD patients. It should not be used in children because it is not safe for them.