Recognizing ADD Symptoms in Adults
Do you have a tendency to forget appointments or tasks at work? Maybe you barge into rooms without knocking or interrupt others when they speak. These behaviors could be ADHD symptoms if they cause you to have conflict in your everyday life.
Adults frequently suffer from comorbid psychiatric disorders such as anxiety and mood disorders as well as their ADHD. Questions that are routinely asked during a clinical interview may reveal the signs of ADHD.
Symptoms
A person suffering from ADD is unable to pay close focus on details, organising activities, or following through on commitments. They make impulsive errors at school or at work, is unable to remember important details like appointments and bills and is unable to stay focused on conversations and leisure activities. A person who is this type struggles to control their emotions and is easily distracted by other people.
In order to be diagnosed with ADD individuals over the age of 7 must have been afflicted by inattentive symptoms for at minimum six months. Several of the symptoms must be present on two different occasions, and the patient's problems must interfere with school, social or work performance. A diagnosis of ADD requires feedback from parents and teachers and also 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 the combined type of ADD aren't always evident and can be difficult for family doctors to identify. However, it is a condition that is diagnosed and treated by primary care doctors.
Diagnosis
Although ADD is among the most common childhood mental health conditions, it's not always recognized until later in life. Family physicians are a great source for diagnosing ADD for adults, especially those who haven't been diagnosed or have been dismissed.
symptoms of add is based on clinical assessment, which is often aided by self-rating scales, interview and observation of the patient in different situations (eg at home, at work and socially) and an extensive medical background, including past problems and present difficulties and getting feedback from school or employer. It is crucial to rule out other causes of a person's symptoms such as 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. Inattentional ADD can be identified when a doctor observes six or more signs of inattention within two of the seven subcategories. This includes: difficulty paying attention or staying focused, disorganization, forgetfulness, failure to follow guidelines or rules, and difficulties in staying organized. 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 different areas of a person's life for at least six months. At least half of people who suffer from ADD have a history of comorbid psychological or mental disorders. These include mood disorders (depressions and bipolar affective disorders and dysthymia), personality disorders, addictions and anxiety disorders.
The symptoms of ADD can be reversed but the best way to treat it is by applying strategies to help people establish a structure in their lives and change their behaviour. Setting goals, creating daily routines, and using lists and reminding people of their goals are all beneficial. It is also important to help people understand their triggers for impulsive behavior and provide techniques for controlling them, like waiting before making a decision, evaluating a situation and determining alternatives to take. The use of medication is sometimes required, but a trial of one medication must be administered prior to adding another to make sure it is effective.
Treatment
Adults with inattention ADD can have difficulty at work, at the classroom or in their relationships. They are more likely to overlook important details, make careless mistakes and become easily distracted. They are more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety or addiction to drugs. Fortunately, there are many treatment options available to adults with ADD/ADHD that can aid them in leading more productive lives.
ADD/ADHD, which is among the most common mental disorders, is frequently neglected by family physicians. This is likely due to the fact that family physicians are not familiar with the symptoms that manifest for adults or because those with ADD/ADHD often have multiple disorders, including mood disorders (depression bipolar affective disorder, dysthymia) and anxiety or alcohol-related disorders.
A diagnosis of inattentive ADD is based on an evaluation that includes feedback from teachers or other professionals, a clinical observation and a detailed background. The symptoms must be problematic in multiple settings on an ongoing basis and cause significant impairment. To be able to identify inattention ADD children who are under 17 years of age must display at least six symptoms in the category of inattentional behavior. Adults must have at minimum five of the 11 inattention-related behaviors.
Management
Family physicians must recognize ADD in patients of all ages because the problem can be serious. Inattentive ADD in adults is more common than hyperactive impulsive ADHD, but doctors of the family do not understand it well. A lot of patients are undiagnosed. 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 and helps patients create more structure in their lives, and improving self-esteem and social interactions, encouraging the healthy lifestyle and diet and, if necessary, medication. Treatment is beneficial for up to 60 percent of ADD patients. It is not recommended to use in children because it is not safe for children.