Recognizing ADD Symptoms in Adults
Do you find yourself forgetting important dates or tasks at work? Maybe you barge into rooms without knocking or interrupt others when they are speaking. These actions may be ADHD symptoms when they cause you to have conflict in your daily life.
Adults frequently suffer from comorbid disorders of the psyche, including anxiety and mood disorders that are associated with their ADHD. Questions that are routinely asked during a clinical interview may reveal the signs of ADHD.
Signs and symptoms
A person suffering from ADD has difficulty paying close attention to the details, arranging tasks, or executing on commitments. The person with ADD often makes careless mistakes at school or work, and forgets important details like bills and appointments and is unable to stay focused on conversations and leisure activities. Furthermore, a person with this type of ADD is unable to keep their emotions in check, and may be easily distracted by others.
To be diagnosed with ADD they must have experienced inattentive symptoms at least six month prior. Several of the symptoms must be present on two different occasions, and the patient's problems must interfere with the school, social, or work-related functioning. A diagnosis of ADD requires feedback from teachers and parents and also 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 this type of ADD are not as clear cut and can be difficult for family physicians to recognize. This is a condition that can be identified by primary care doctors.
Diagnosis
ADD is a typical childhood mental disorder however it's often not recognized when you turn an adult. Family physicians can play a key role in identifying ADD and refer adults to treatment, particularly those who have been discharged from mental health services or don't have a diagnosis.
Diagnosis is based on the clinical assessment of a patient, often supported by self-rating scales and interviews and observation of the patient in various situations (eg at work, at home, socially) and complete medical history, taking into account past problems and present difficulties and getting feedback from the school or the employer. It is important to exclude other causes for the symptoms of a person, such as sleep disorders, learning disabilities or mood disorders.
adult adhd symptoms 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 doctor is satisfied that there are six or more indicators of inattention within two of the following seven subcategories: difficulty paying attention and difficulty staying focused and disorganization, inability to follow directions or rules, 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.
To be classified as having ADD, symptoms must have been present in at least two areas of a persons life for at least six months. In the majority of people suffering from ADD it is associated with comorbid mental or psychiatric issues that include mood disorders (depression, dysthymia and bipolar affective disorder) as well as addictions, anxiety disorders and personality disorders.
The signs of ADD are reversible, however the best approach is to implement strategies that aid people organize their lives and make behavioral changes. Goal setting, daily routines and using lists and reminders can be beneficial. It is also crucial to teach people about their own triggers for impulsive behavior and offer strategies for controlling them, like taking time before taking action, evaluating the situation and coming up with different options for action. Sometimes, medication is necessary however it is important to test one medication before adding another.
Treatment
Adults who aren't attentive ADD can have difficulty at work, in school, or in their relationships. They tend to forget important details, make careless mistakes and become easily distracted. They are also more likely to be suffering from depression, anxiety or substance abuse. There are many adults who are able to find treatment options that assist them in living more successful lives with ADD/ADHD.
ADD/ADHD, one of the most frequent mental disorders, is often ignored by family doctors. This is likely due to the fact that family physicians aren't familiar with the symptoms of ADD/ADHD in adults or because a lot of people suffering from ADD/ADHD have comorbid disorders, such as anxiety or mood disorders.
A diagnosis of inattentive ADD is by a thorough assessment that includes feedback from teachers and other professionals as well as clinical observation. The symptoms must be persistently problematic and cause significant impairment in a variety of settings. To be able to identify inattention ADD children who are under 17 years old must have at least six signs in the category of inattentional behavior. Adults must have at minimum five of the 11 inattentional behaviors.
Management
It is crucial that family physicians recognize ADD in adults as the symptoms can be grave. Inattentional ADD is more commonly recognized in the adult population than the hyperactive impulsive type of ADHD but it is not well-understood by family physicians, and a lot of patients are not diagnosed. The inattentive kind of ADD is mistakenly identified as mood disorders (depression or bipolar affective disorder) or anxiety, or addiction disorders. Treatment is focused on education and support to help patients establish more order in their lives, enhancing self-esteem and social skills and promoting the healthy lifestyle and diet, and medication if needed. Treatment is beneficial for up to 60 percent of ADD patients. It is not recommended for children.