Recognizing ADD Symptoms in Adults
Do you have a tendency to forget important dates or tasks at work? You may interrupt people when they are talking or slam into rooms without knocking. If these actions cause conflict in your life, they could be symptoms of ADHD.
Adults who suffer from ADHD frequently suffer from psychiatric conditions such as anxiety and mood disorders. Signs of ADHD can be discovered through routine questions during the interview.
Symptoms
A person suffering from ADD has difficulty paying close attention to details, organizing tasks, or executing on commitments. They make impulsive mistakes at school or work, is unable to remember important details such as bills and appointments, and has difficulty staying focused on conversations and leisure activities. In addition, a person with this type of ADD has trouble keeping his or her emotions in check, and is easily distracted by people around them.
To be diagnosed with ADD, people over age 7 must have been afflicted by inattention symptoms for at least six months. The symptoms should manifest at least twice and interfere with the patient's social, school or work-related 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 ADD combined aren't always evident and are often difficult to recognize by family physicians. However, it is an illness that can be diagnosed and treated by primary care physicians.
Diagnosis
ADD is a common childhood mental disorder however it's often not recognized as an adult. Family physicians play a key role in identifying ADD and referring adults to treatment, particularly those who have been discharged from mental health services or don't have a diagnosis.
The diagnosis is based on a clinical assessment, which can include self-ratings, an interview and observation of patients in different situations (e.g. at work, home or socially) and an extensive medical history that includes both current and past difficulties and the feedback from the employer or school. It is essential to rule out other causes of a person's symptoms like 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. Inattentional ADD can be diagnosed when the clinician finds six or more symptoms of inattention within two of the seven subcategories. This includes: difficulty paying attention or staying on task, disorganization or forgetfulness, inability to follow the rules or instructions, or trouble staying organized. symptoms of adhd in adults -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.
To be classified as having ADD, symptoms must be present in at least two areas of the person's life for at least six months. About half of those with ADD suffer from comorbid psychological and psychiatric disorders. These include mood disorders (depressions bipolar affective disorder and dysthymia) and 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 habits. Goal setting, daily routines and using lists and reminders can be useful. It is also crucial to help people understand their triggers for impulsive behaviour and offer strategies for controlling them, such as waiting before making a decision, evaluating a situation and determining alternative courses of action. Sometimes, medication is necessary, but it's important to test one medication prior to adding another.
Treatment
Adults with inattentive ADD often find they struggle at school, work or in their relationships with family and friends. They tend to miss important details, make careless mistakes, and are easily distracted. They are also more likely to experience anxiety, depression 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 one of the most commonly reported mental health disorders, but it is often overlooked in family practices. This could be due to the fact that family doctors are unfamiliar with symptoms of adult ADD/ADHD or because many people with ADD/ADHD have comorbid disorders, such as mood disorders or anxiety.
A diagnosis of inattention ADD is by a thorough assessment which includes feedback from teachers and other professionals, as and clinical observation. The symptoms have to be problematic in various settings on a continuous basis, and cause significant impairment. Children younger than 17 years old need to show at least six symptoms that fall into the inattentive category, and adults must have at least 5 of the 11 symptoms to qualify as a diagnosis of inattentive ADD.
Management
It is vital that family doctors are aware of ADD in adults because the problems can be quite grave. add symptoms in adults is more commonly recognized in the adult population than the hyperactive impulsive type of ADHD however, it is not well-understood by family physicians and many patients go undiagnosed. Often, the inattentive form of ADD is misdiagnosed as mood disorders (depression or bipolar affective disorders, or addiction disorders). Treatment is based on support and education, helping patients develop more discipline in their lives, enhancing self-esteem and social interaction skills, encouraging the healthy lifestyle and diet and taking medication when needed. As high as 60 percent of ADD sufferers can benefit from medication. It should not be used in children as it is not safe for them.