Recognizing ADD Symptoms in Adults
Do you find yourself forgetting the dates or tasks you have to complete at work? You may interrupt people when they are talking or slam into rooms without knocking. These behaviors could be ADHD symptoms if they cause you to encounter conflict in your daily life.
Adults frequently suffer from comorbid psychiatric disorders such as anxiety and mood disorders that are associated with their ADHD. The routine questions that are asked during the clinical interview can reveal the symptoms of ADHD.
Signs and symptoms
A person suffering from ADD may have difficulty organizing activities paying attention to specifics or committing to commitments. He or she often makes mistakes in school or at work, and forgets important details like appointments and bills and is unable to stay focused on conversations and leisure activities. In addition, a person with this kind of ADD struggles to keep their emotions in check, and can be easily distracted by other people.
To be diagnosed with ADD they must have experienced inattentive symptoms for at least six months prior to. The symptoms must be present on two distinct occasions and the patient's issues have to interfere with the school, social, or work performance. A diagnosis of ADD requires feedback from parents and teachers in addition to medical observation and a thorough 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 recognize. However, it is a condition that can be diagnosed and treated by primary care doctors.
Diagnosis
Although ADD is among the most frequent mental health disorders, it's not always recognized until later in life. Family physicians play a significant role in diagnosing ADD and referring adults to treatment, specifically those who have been dismissed from mental health services or do not have a diagnosis at all.
Diagnosis is based on the clinical assessment of a patient, often supported by self-rating scales, interview and observation of the patient's behavior in various situations (eg at home, at work, socially) as well as an extensive medical background, including the past and current issues and getting feedback from a school or employer. It is essential to rule out any other possible causes for the symptoms of a person that could be related to sleep issues or learning disabilities, alcohol or drug use or mood disorders because they may be similar 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 a doctor is satisfied that there are at least six inattentive symptoms within two of the following seven subcategories: difficulty paying attention and difficulty staying focused 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 general, to be diagnosed with ADD, the symptoms must have been present for at least six months and have impaired functioning in two different areas of a person's life. At least half of people suffering from ADD suffer from comorbid psychological and psychiatric disorders. These include mood disorders (depressions bipolar affective disorder and dysthymia) and addictions, personality disorders and anxiety disorders.
The symptoms of ADD can be reversed, but the best way to treat it is applying strategies to help people create structure in their life and alter their habits. Setting goals, routines for the day and using lists and reminders can be beneficial. It is important to teach people to control their impulsive behavior and what triggers them. Techniques such as waiting before making a decision or evaluating the situation and figuring out alternative options are helpful. Sometimes, medication is necessary, but it's important to test one medication prior to adding another.
Treatment
Adults with inattentive ADD might have trouble at work, in school or in their relationships. They tend to miss important details, make careless mistakes and get distracted easily. They are more likely to suffer from anxiety, depression or addiction to drugs. Many adults are able to find treatment options that can aid them in living more productive lives with ADD/ADHD.
ADD/ADHD is among the most common mental health disorders, but it is often ignored in family practices. This is likely due to the fact that doctors in the family are not familiar with the symptoms of ADD/ADHD in adults or because many people with ADD/ADHD have comorbid disorders, including anxiety or mood disorders.
inattentive adhd symptoms of inattention ADD can be derived through a thorough evaluation which includes feedback from teachers and other professionals, as well as clinical observation. The symptoms must be a problem in multiple settings on an ongoing basis, and cause significant impairment. To be able to identify inattention ADD children younger than 17 years old must have at least six symptomatic signs in the category of inattentional behavior. Adults should have at least five of the eleven inattentive behaviors.
Management
Family physicians need to recognize ADD in patients who are adults because the issue could be serious. Inattentional ADD in adults is more common than hyperactive impulsive ADHD, but doctors of the family aren't aware of it. A lot of patients are undiagnosed. In many cases, the inattentive form of ADD is mistakenly identified as mood disorders (depression or bipolar affective disorder) or anxiety addiction disorders. The treatment is based on education and support, helping patients to establish more structure in the lives they lead, improving their self-esteem and social skills, promoting healthy lifestyles and eating habits and taking medication if necessary. As high as 60 percent of ADD sufferers get relief from medication. It is not recommended for children.