Recognizing ADD Symptoms in Adults
You don't remember appointments or tasks? You might be a nuisance in rooms without knocking or interrupting others when they are speaking. If these behaviors cause conflict in your life, they may be signs of ADHD.
Adults with ADHD typically suffer from mental health conditions like anxiety and mood disorders. The routine questions that are asked during the clinical interview may reveal the signs of ADHD.
Symptoms
A person suffering from ADD has difficulty paying close attention to details, organizing tasks, or executing on commitments. He or she makes careless mistakes at school or work, forgets important items like appointments and bills, and has difficulty staying focussed on conversations and leisure activities. Additionally, someone with this kind of ADD struggles to keep their emotions in check, and can be easily distracted by people around them.
In order to be diagnosed with ADD those over 7 must have been afflicted by inattentive symptoms for at least six months. A number of symptoms have to be present on two separate occasions and the patient's difficulties have to interfere with the school, social, or work functioning. Teachers and parents must provide feedback, as well as clinical observation and a thorough assessment. 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 recognize. However, it is a condition that is diagnosed and treated by primary care providers.
Diagnosis
ADD is a common mental disorder that affects children however it's often not recognized as an adult. Family physicians are an excellent resource to diagnose ADD in adults, particularly those who haven't been diagnosed or have been dismissed.
The diagnosis is based on a medical assessment, which can include self-ratings and interviews, as well as observation of patients in various situations (e.g. at work, at home or socially) and an extensive medical history that takes into account both current and past difficulties as well as feedback from the employer or school. It is essential to rule out other reasons for a person's symptoms that could be related to sleep issues, learning disabilities, alcohol and mood disorders or drug use because they may 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 identified when a clinician observes six or more inattentive symptoms in two of seven subcategories. his explanation includes: difficulties in paying attention or staying on track, disorganization or forgetfulness, failure to adhere to rules or instructions, and 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.
In order to be diagnosed as having ADD symptoms must have been evident in at least two areas of a persons life for a minimum of six months. At least half of people with ADD have comorbid psychological and mental disorders. These include mood disorders (depressions bipolar affective disorder and dysthymia) as well as personality disorders, addictions, and anxiety disorders.
The symptoms of ADD can be reversed, but the best way to manage it is by applying strategies to help people organize their lives and alter their behavior. Setting goals, establishing routines for the day and using lists as well as reminding people are all helpful. It is also crucial to help people understand their own triggers for impulsive behavior and offer strategies for controlling them, such as waiting before making a decision, evaluating a situation and coming up with alternatives to take. Sometimes medication is necessary however it is essential to test a medication prior to adding another.
Treatment
Adults with inattention ADD often find they have trouble at school, work or in their relationships with family and friends. They tend to make impulsive mistakes, forget crucial details and become easily distracted. They are more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety or addiction to drugs. There are a variety of treatment options available to those suffering from ADD/ADHD, which can assist them in living more productive lives.
ADD/ADHD is among the most commonly reported mental health disorders, but it is often ignored in family practices. This could be due to the fact that family physicians are unfamiliar with the symptoms that manifest for adults or because those who suffer from ADD/ADHD are often suffering from comorbid problems, such as 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 thorough medical background. The symptoms must be consistently challenging and cause significant impairment in a variety of environments. To be able to identify inattention ADD, children under 17 years of age must display at least six signs in the category of inattentive behavior. Adults need at least five of the 11 inattentive behaviors.
Management
Family physicians need to recognize ADD in adult patients because the problem can be serious. Inattentive ADD in adults is more prevalent than hyperactive impulsive ADHD however, family physicians do not understand it well. Many patients are left undiagnosed. In many cases, the inattentive type of ADD is misdiagnosed with mood disorders (depression, bipolar affective disorder or addiction disorders). Treatment is based on support and education and helps patients create more discipline in their lives, and improving self-esteem and social interactions as well as encouraging an active lifestyle and healthy diet, and medication if needed. As high as 60% of ADD sufferers get relief from medication. It is not recommended for children.