Recognizing ADD Symptoms in Adults
Do you find yourself forgetting important dates or tasks at work? You may interrupt others when they are talking or slam into rooms without knocking. If these behaviors cause conflict in your life, they may be signs of ADHD.
Adults frequently suffer from comorbid psychiatric disorders such as anxiety and mood disorders as well as their ADHD. Routine questions asked during the clinical interview can reveal the symptoms of ADHD.
Symptoms
A person suffering from ADD has difficulty paying close focus on details, organising activities, or following through on commitments. He or she makes impulsive errors at school or at work, and forgets important things such as bills and appointments and has trouble staying focussed on conversations and leisure activities. Furthermore, a person who suffers from this type of ADD struggles to keep their emotions in check, and can be easily distracted by other people.
To be diagnosed with ADD, people over age 7 must have been affected by inattention symptoms for at least six months. The symptoms must manifest at least twice and interfere with the patient's social, school or work-related performance. A diagnosis of ADD requires feedback from teachers and parents, as well as 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 the combined type of ADD are not as distinct and may be difficult for family physicians to recognize. However it is an illness that can be diagnosed and treated by primary care providers.
Diagnosis
ADD is a typical childhood mental disorder however, it's not always recognized as an adult. Family physicians play a significant role in diagnosing ADD and sending adults to treatment, specifically those who have been dismissed from mental health services or do not have a diagnosis.
The diagnosis is based on a thorough clinical assessment, which can include self-ratings, interviews and observation of patients in different situations (e.g. at work, home, or socially) as well as an extensive medical history that considers the past and present challenges and feedback from the employer or school. It is essential to rule out any other possible causes for a person's symptoms like sleep issues or learning disabilities, alcohol or drug use or mood disorders since they could 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. Inattentional ADD can be identified when the clinician finds six or more symptoms of inattention in two of seven subcategories. These include difficulty paying attention or staying focused, disorganization, forgetfulness, failure to adhere to rules or instructions, and trouble 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 evident in at least two different areas of the person's life for a minimum of six months. At least half of people suffering from ADD have comorbid psychological and mental disorders. These include mood disorders (depressions, bipolar affective disorders and dysthymia) as well as personality disorders, addictions and anxiety disorders.
i thought about this of ADD are reversible, but the best way to treat it is to implement strategies that help people organize their lives and make behavioural changes. Goal setting, daily routines and making lists and reminders are beneficial. It is important to teach people how to manage their impulsive behavior as well as what causes them. Techniques like waiting before making a decision or evaluating the situation and coming up with alternatives are useful. Sometimes, medication is necessary however it is essential to test one medication before adding another.
Treatment
Adults with inattentive ADD often have trouble at work, school or in their personal relationships. They tend to make careless mistakes, forget important details and get easily distracted. They are also 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 is among the most common mental health conditions, yet it is often overlooked in family practice. This may be because family physicians are not familiar with the symptom manifestations in adults, or because those who have ADD/ADHD frequently have multiple disorders, including mood disorders (depression, bipolar affective disorder dysthymia) and anxiety, or addiction disorders.
A diagnosis of inattentive ADD is determined by an evaluation that includes feedback from teachers or other professionals, clinical observation and a detailed history. The symptoms must be consistently challenging and cause significant impairment in multiple settings. In order to diagnose inattention ADD, children under 17 years old must show at least six signs that are indicative of inattentional behavior. Adults must have at least five of the eleven inattentional behaviors.
Management
Family physicians must be aware of ADD in patients who are adults since the condition can be serious. Inattentive ADD in adults is more prevalent than hyperactive impulsive ADHD however, family physicians aren't aware of it. Many patients are left undiagnosed. Frequently, the inattentive type of ADD is misdiagnosed as mood disorders (depression or bipolar affective disorder) or anxiety addiction disorders. Treatment is based on education and support to help patients establish more structure in their lives, enhancing self-esteem and social interactions as well as encouraging an active lifestyle and healthy diet and taking medication when needed. Treatment is beneficial for up to 60 percent of ADD patients. It should not be used in children as it is not safe for them.