Recognizing ADD Symptoms in Adults
Do you have a tendency to forget important dates or tasks at work? Maybe you barge into rooms without knocking or interrupt others when they are speaking. If these behaviors cause conflict in your life, they may be signs of ADHD.
Adults often experience comorbid mental disorders, such as mood and anxiety disorders with their ADHD. Signs of ADHD can be elicited by routine questions in the interview.
Signs and symptoms
A person with ADD isn't able to pay attention to the details, arranging activities, or executing on commitments. They often make careless mistakes at school or work, or forgets important details such as bills and appointments and is unable to stay focused on conversations and leisure activities. In addition, a person with this kind of ADD struggles to keep his or her emotions in check and may be easily distracted by people around them.
To be diagnosed with ADD those over 7 must have been affected by inattention symptoms for at least six months. The symptoms must manifest on two separate occasions and affect the patient's social, educational, or work functioning. Parents and teachers must provide feedback, in addition to an examination of the patient's clinical condition and a thorough medical history. Some patients have a combination of symptoms in both the inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive categories. The symptoms of ADD combined aren't as obvious and can be difficult to recognize by family doctors. This is a condition that can be identified by primary care doctors.
Diagnosis
Although ADD is one of the most frequent mental health conditions however, it is not always recognized until later in life. Family physicians are an excellent resource to diagnose ADD for adults, especially those who haven't been diagnosed or have been discharged.
Diagnosis is based upon clinical assessment often assisted by self-rating scales, interviews and observation of the patient in different situations (eg at home, at work and socially) as well as complete medical history, taking into account previous issues and current difficulties, and obtaining feedback from a school or the employer. It is important to rule out other reasons for the symptoms of a person that could be related to sleep issues or learning disabilities, alcohol or drug use or mood disorders, as these may have similar symptoms to ADD.
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 doctor is satisfied that there are at least six inattentive criteria in two of the following seven subcategories: difficulty in paying attention and difficulty staying focused, disorganization, failing to follow instructions or rules, and being 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.
Generally, in order to be able to identify ADD, the symptoms must be present for at least six months and be affecting functioning in two different areas of one's life. In the majority of people suffering from ADD it is associated with a variety of comorbid mental or psychiatric disorders that include mood disorders (depression, bipolar affective disorder and dysthymia) and addictions, anxiety disorders, and personality disorders.
The symptoms of ADD can be reversed but the best method to treat it is applying strategies to help people create structure in their life and alter their behavior. Goal setting, daily routines and making lists and reminders are helpful. It is essential to teach people to manage their impulsive behavior and what triggers them. Techniques such as waiting before making a decision or evaluating the situation and working out alternatives are beneficial. The use of medication is sometimes required, but a test of one drug should be administered prior to adding another to ensure that it's effective.
Treatment
Adults with inattentive ADD might have trouble working, at school, or in their relationships. They tend to miss important details, make careless mistakes and get distracted easily. They are more likely to be suffering from anxiety, depression or addiction issues. There are a variety of treatment options for people with ADD/ADHD to assist them in living more productive lives.
ADD/ADHD, one of the most prevalent mental disorders, is frequently overlooked 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 a large number of people with ADD/ADHD also suffer from other disorders, like mood disorders or anxiety.
A diagnosis of inattention ADD is dependent on an assessment that includes feedback from teachers or other professionals, as well as clinical observation, and a thorough medical background. The symptoms have to be problematic in multiple settings on an ongoing basis and cause significant impairment. To diagnose inattentive ADD children who are under 17 years old must show at least six symptoms that are indicative of inattentive behavior. Adults need at least five of the eleven inattentional behaviors.
Management
It is crucial that family physicians recognize ADD in adults as the symptoms can be grave. Inattentional ADD in adults is more prevalent than hyperactive impulsive ADHD however, family physicians aren't aware of it. adhd symptoms women 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, improving their self-esteem and social skills, and encouraging healthy eating and lifestyles, and medication, should it be required. Medication is helpful in up to 60% of ADD patients. It is not recommended for children.