Recognizing ADD Symptoms in Adults
Do you find yourself unable to remember appointments or tasks at work? You may interrupt people when they are talking or slam into rooms without knocking. These actions may be ADHD symptoms when they cause you to be in conflict with your daily life.
Adults with ADHD often have comorbid mental health conditions like anxiety and mood disorders. The routine questions that are asked during the clinical interview can reveal the symptoms of ADHD.
Symptoms
A person with ADD might have trouble coordinating activities paying attention to particulars or keeping commitments. He or she makes impulsive mistakes at school or work, is unable to remember important details like appointments and bills, and has difficulty staying focused on conversations and leisure activities. A person with this type struggles to control their emotions and is easily distracted by others.
For a person to be diagnosed with ADD they must have experienced inattentive symptoms for at least six months prior to. The symptoms must appear at least twice and impact the patient's school, social or work-related performance. A diagnosis of ADD requires feedback from parents and teachers in addition to clinical observation and a careful 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. It is a condition that can be diagnosed by primary care physicians.
Diagnosis
Although ADD is one of the most frequent mental health disorders, it's not always recognized until later in life. Family physicians play a key role in diagnosing ADD and referring adults to treatment, particularly those who have been dismissed from mental health services or don't have a diagnosis at all.
The diagnosis is based on a the clinical assessment of a patient, often supported by self-rating scales, interview and observation of the patient in various situations (eg at work, at home and socially), complete medical background, including past problems and present difficulties and obtaining feedback from a school or employer. It is important to rule out any other possible causes for the person's symptoms, such as sleep problems or learning disabilities, alcohol and mood disorders or drug use since they could have similar presentations 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 can be diagnosed when a clinician observes six or more signs of inattention within two of the seven subcategories. These include: difficulty in staying focused or on task, disorganization or forgetfulness, inability to follow the rules or instructions, or difficulty 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.
Generally, in order to be considered to have ADD the symptoms must have been present for at least 6 months and be affecting functioning in two areas of a person's life. A majority of people who suffer from ADD have comorbid psychological and psychiatric disorders. These include mood disorders (depressions, bipolar affective disorders and dysthymia) as well as addictions, personality disorders and anxiety disorders.
The symptoms of ADD can be reversed, but the best method to manage it is by applying strategies to help people create structure in their life and change their behaviour. Setting goals, creating daily routines, and using lists and reminding people of their goals are all beneficial. It is crucial to teach people to manage their impulsive behavior as well as what causes them. Techniques such as waiting until acting or evaluating a scenario and figuring out alternative options are helpful. Sometimes medication is necessary however it is important to test one medication prior to adding another.
Treatment
Adults with inattention ADD may have difficulties at work, at school, or in their relationships. They are more likely to make mistakes, overlook important details, and are easily distracted. They are also more likely to be suffering from anxiety, depression or abuse. Fortunately, there are many treatment options for people with ADD/ADHD to aid them in leading more productive lives.
ADD/ADHD is one of the most commonly reported mental health conditions, yet it is often ignored in family practices. This could be due to the fact that family physicians are not familiar with the symptom presentation for adults or because those who have ADD/ADHD frequently have multiple disorders, including mood disorders (depression bipolar affective disorder dysthymia) and anxiety or substance use disorders.
A diagnosis of inattention ADD can be derived by a thorough assessment, 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 diagnose inattentive ADD children who are under 17 years of age must display at least six signs in the category of inattentive behavior. Adults must have at minimum five of the 11 inattentive behaviors.
Management
Family physicians must be aware of ADD in patients of all ages since the condition can be serious. Inattentional ADD in adults is more common than hyperactive impulsive ADHD however, family physicians still do not understand it well. Many patients are left undiagnosed. The inattentive version of ADD is misdiagnosed with mood disorders (depression bipolar affective disorder or addiction disorders). Treatment is based on education and support to help patients establish more discipline in their lives, and improving self-esteem and social interactions and promoting the healthy lifestyle and diet and taking medication when needed. About 60% of ADD sufferers get relief from treatment. add symptoms in women is not recommended for children.