Recognizing ADD Symptoms in Adults
Do you find yourself unable to remember the dates or tasks you have to complete at work? You might be a nuisance in rooms without knocking, or interrupt people when they're speaking. If these actions cause conflict in your life, they could be signs of ADHD.
Adults are often diagnosed with psychiatric disorders such as anxiety and mood disorders as well as their ADHD. Questions that are routinely asked during a clinical interview can reveal the symptoms of ADHD.
Symptoms
A person suffering from ADD has difficulty paying close attention to the details, arranging tasks, or executing on commitments. He or she makes careless mistakes at school or work, is unable to remember important details like appointments and bills and is unable to stay focused on conversations and leisure activities. A person with this type has difficulty controlling their emotions and is easily distracted by others.
For a person to be diagnosed with ADD they must have had inattention symptoms at least six month prior to. The symptoms must appear at least twice and interfere with the patient's social, school or work performance. Teachers and parents should provide feedback, along with medical observation and a thorough medical history. 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. This is a condition that can be identified by primary care doctors.
Diagnosis
ADD is a typical mental disorder in children however it's often not recognized when you turn an adult. Family physicians are a great source for diagnosing ADD in adults, particularly those who haven't been diagnosed or have been discharged.
Diagnosis is based on the clinical assessment of a patient, often supported by self-rating scales, interview and observation of the patient in different situations (eg at work, at home, socially), an extensive medical history, taking into account the past and current issues, and obtaining feedback from school or the employer. It is crucial to rule out other causes for a person's symptoms like 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. symptoms of adult add is diagnosed when the doctor is satisfied that there are at least six inattentive symptoms within two of the following seven subcategories: difficulty in paying attention, trouble staying on task and disorganization, inability to follow directions or rules, forgetfulness and 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.
In order to be diagnosed as having ADD symptoms must have been present in at least two areas of the person's life for at least six months. A majority of people suffering 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.
The symptoms of ADD are reversible, but the best approach is to implement strategies that aid people to organize their lives and make behavioural changes. Setting goals, routines for the day and making lists and reminders are useful. It is also important to educate people about their own triggers for impulsive behaviour and to provide methods for reducing them, including waiting before acting, evaluating a situation and working out alternatives to take. The use of medication is sometimes required, but a trial of one medication should be given before adding another one to ensure it's effective.
Treatment
Adults with inattentive ADD often find they struggle at school, work or in their personal relationships. add symptoms in adults are more likely to overlook important details, make careless mistakes and become easily distracted. They are also more likely to be suffering from anxiety, depression or substance abuse. There are a variety of treatment options for adults with ADD/ADHD that can aid them in leading more productive lives.
ADD/ADHD is among the most commonly reported mental health conditions, yet it is often overlooked in family practice. This is likely due to the fact that family physicians are unfamiliar with the symptom presentation in adults, or because those who suffer from ADD/ADHD are often suffering from comorbid problems, such as mood disorders (depression bipolar affective disorder, dysthymia) and anxiety or addiction disorders.
A diagnosis of inattention ADD is dependent on an assessment that includes feedback from teachers or other professionals, clinical observation, and a thorough history. The symptoms must be a problem in multiple settings on an ongoing basis and result in significant impairment. Children under the age of 17 have to have at least six symptoms that fall into the inattentive category, and adults must have at minimum 5 of the 11 symptoms to qualify as a diagnosis of inattentive ADD.
Management
Family physicians must recognize ADD in adult patients because the problem can be serious. Inattentive ADD is more often acknowledged in the adult population than the hyperactive impulsive form of ADHD but it is not widely understood by family physicians and many patients are not diagnosed. In many cases, the inattentive type of ADD is misdiagnosed as mood disorders (depression or bipolar affective disorders or substance abuse disorders). The treatment is based on education and support, helping patients to develop more structure in the lives they lead by enhancing their self-esteem and social skills, promoting healthy lifestyles and eating habits, and medication, should it be required. Up to 60 percent of ADD sufferers benefit from medication. It should not be used in children as it is not safe for them.