Recognizing ADD Symptoms in Adults
You don't remember appointments or tasks? You may interrupt people when they're talking or sneak into rooms without knocking. These actions may be ADHD symptoms when they cause you to be in conflict with your everyday life.
Adults who suffer from ADHD frequently suffer from mental disorders, such as anxiety and mood disorders. The routine questions that are asked during the clinical interview can reveal the symptoms of ADHD.
Signs and symptoms
A person suffering from ADD has difficulty paying close attention to details, organizing activities, or executing on commitments. The person with ADD often makes errors at school or work, or 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 has trouble keeping their 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 month prior. The symptoms should manifest at least twice and interfere with the patient's school, social or work-related performance. Parents and teachers must provide feedback, in addition to an examination of the patient's clinical condition and a thorough assessment. Some patients have a combination of symptoms in both the inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive categories. The symptoms of the combined type of ADD aren't as evident and can be difficult for family physicians to identify. It is a condition which can be identified by primary care doctors.
Diagnosis
Although ADD is one of the most common childhood mental health issues however, it is not always recognized when you reach adulthood. Family physicians are an excellent source of information to diagnose ADD for adults, especially those who have not been diagnosed or have been discharged.
Diagnosis is based upon clinical assessment, which is often aided by self-rating scales, interviews and observation of the patient in different situations (eg at work, at home or socially), a thorough medical history, taking into account previous issues and current difficulties and obtaining feedback from school or employer. It is essential to rule out other reasons for the symptoms of a person, like sleep disorders and 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 is diagnosed when the clinician is satisfied that there are at least six inattentive symptoms within two of the following seven subcategories: difficulty paying attention or staying focused or in a state of disorganization, failure to follow instructions 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 general, to be diagnosed with ADD the symptoms must be present for at least six months and be affecting functioning in two areas of a person's daily life. About half of those suffering from ADD have comorbid psychological and psychiatric disorders. These include mood disorders (depressions bipolar affective disorder and dysthymia) and addictions, personality disorders and anxiety disorders.
The signs of ADD are reversible, however the best way to treat it is to implement strategies that help people put structure in their lives and make behavioral changes. Goal setting, daily routines and making lists and reminders are helpful. It is also essential to teach people about their triggers for impulsive behavior and to provide methods for reducing them, such as waiting before taking action, evaluating the situation and determining 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 often struggle at school, work or in their personal relationships. They tend to make impulsive mistakes, overlook important details and get easily distracted. They are also more likely to be suffering from anxiety, depression or substance abuse. There are symptoms of adhd adult who find treatment options that can assist them in living more productive lives with ADHD or ADD.
ADD/ADHD is among the most prevalent mental health disorders, but it is often not considered in family practice. This could be due to the fact that family doctors are unfamiliar with adult ADD/ADHD symptoms or because many people with ADD/ADHD suffer from comorbid disorders, such as anxiety or mood disorders.
A diagnosis of inattention ADD is based on an evaluation that includes feedback from teachers or other professionals, as well as clinical observation, and a thorough background. The symptoms must be a problem in various settings on a continuous basis, and cause significant impairment. To be able to identify inattentive ADD children who are under 17 years old must show at least six symptoms in the category of inattentive behavior. Adults should have at least five of the 11 inattention-related behaviors.
Management
Family physicians need to recognize ADD in adult patients since the condition can be serious. Inattentional ADD in adults is more prevalent than hyperactive impulsive ADHD, but doctors of the family aren't aware of it. A lot of patients are undiagnosed. Frequently, the inattentive type of ADD is misdiagnosed as mood disorders (depression or bipolar affective disorder), anxiety, or substance use disorders. The treatment is based on education and support, which helps patients to establish more structure in the lives they lead and improve their self-esteem as well as social skills, encouraging healthy eating and lifestyles, and medication, if necessary. The use of medication can help up to 60 percent of ADD patients. It is not recommended for children.