Recognizing ADD Symptoms in Adults
Do you find yourself forgetting important dates or tasks at work? Perhaps you enter rooms without knocking or interrupting others when they are speaking. If these actions cause conflicts in your life, they could be symptoms of ADHD.
Adults with ADHD frequently suffer from psychiatric conditions such as anxiety and mood disorders. Routine questions asked during the clinical interview can reveal signs of ADHD.
Symptoms
A person with ADD may have difficulty organizing activities and paying attention to the particulars or keeping commitments. They make impulsive errors at school or at work, and forgets important things like appointments and bills and is unable to stay focussed on conversations and leisure activities. Furthermore, a person who suffers from this type of ADD is unable to keep his or her emotions in check and may be easily distracted by other people.
To be diagnosed with ADD they must have had inattention symptoms for at least six months prior. A number of symptoms have to be present on two separate occasions and the patient's issues have to interfere with school, social or work performance. A diagnosis of ADD requires feedback from teachers and parents, as well as 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 as distinct and may be difficult for family doctors to identify. It is a condition that can be diagnosed by primary care physicians.
Diagnosis
Although ADD is one of the most frequent mental health disorders but it's not always acknowledged when you reach adulthood. Family physicians are an excellent source of information for diagnosing ADD for adults, especially those who have not been diagnosed or have been dismissed.
Diagnosis is based on clinical assessment often assisted by self-rating scales, interviews and observation of the patient in various situations (eg at work, at home and socially) and complete medical history, taking into account past problems and present difficulties, and obtaining feedback from a school or employer. It is crucial to rule out other causes for a person's symptoms such as 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 doctor is satisfied that there are six or more indicators of inattention in two of the following seven subcategories: difficulty paying attention or staying focused, disorganization, failing to follow instructions or rules, apathy 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.
In adhd adult symptoms to be diagnosed as having ADD symptoms must have been evident in at least two aspects of the person's life for a minimum of six months. A majority of people who suffer from ADD have comorbid psychological and psychiatric disorders. These include mood disorders (depressions, bipolar affective disorders and dysthymia), personality disorders, addictions and anxiety disorders.
The symptoms of ADD can be reversed, however the best way to treat it is by applying strategies to help people establish a structure in their lives and alter their behavior. Setting goals, making daily routines and using lists as well as reminding people are all helpful. It is crucial to teach people to control their impulsive behavior and to understand what causes them. Techniques such as waiting until acting or evaluating a scenario and working out alternatives are useful. Sometimes, medication is required however it is important to test one medication before adding another.
Treatment
Adults who aren't attentive ADD typically have trouble at school, at work or in their relationships with family and friends. They are more likely to make mistakes, forget crucial details and become easily distracted. symptoms of adult attention deficit disorder are more likely to be suffering from depression, anxiety, or substance abuse. 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 frequent mental disorders, is often overlooked by family physicians. This may be because family physicians are unfamiliar with the symptom presentation in adults or because people with ADD/ADHD often have co-occurring disorders, like mood disorders (depression, bipolar affective disorder dysthymia) and anxiety, or addiction disorders.
A diagnosis of inattention ADD is determined by an evaluation that includes feedback from teachers or other professionals, a clinical observation and a detailed history. The symptoms have to be persistently challenging and cause significant impairment in a variety of environments. Children younger than 17 years old need to have at minimum 6 symptoms in the inattentive category, while adults require at minimum 5 of the 11 inattentive symptoms to be diagnosed of inattentive ADD.
Management
Family physicians need to recognize ADD in patients of all ages because the issue could be serious. Inattentional ADD is more frequently diagnosed in the adult population than the hyperactive impulsive form of ADHD but it is not well-understood by family physicians and many patients are left undiagnosed. The inattentive kind 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, which helps patients develop more order in the lives they lead by enhancing their self-esteem and social skills, encouraging healthy eating and lifestyles and taking medication should it be required. The use of medication can help up to 60 percent of ADD patients. It is not recommended for children.