Recognizing ADD Symptoms in Adults
Do you find yourself forgetting the dates or tasks you have to complete at work? You may interrupt people when they're talking or sneak into rooms without knocking. These behaviors could be ADHD symptoms when they cause you encounter conflict in your everyday life.
Adults who suffer from ADHD often have comorbid psychiatric conditions such as anxiety and mood disorders. Questions that are routinely asked during a clinical interview can reveal the symptoms of ADHD.
symptoms of adhd with ADD might have trouble organizing activities, paying attention to specifics or committing to commitments. He or she often makes errors at school or work, forgets important things such as bills and appointments and has difficulty staying focused on conversations and leisure activities. A person who is this type is unable to control their emotions and can easily be distracted by the activities of others.
To be diagnosed with ADD those over 7 must have been affected by inattention-related symptoms for at least six months. The symptoms should manifest at least twice and impact the patient's social, educational or work-related performance. Teachers and parents must provide feedback, as well as clinical observation and a thorough history. Some patients have a combination of symptoms in both the inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive categories. The symptoms of this type of ADD are not as distinct and may be difficult for family doctors to identify. It is a condition which can be diagnosed by primary care physicians.
Diagnosis
Although ADD is one of the most common childhood mental health issues but it's not always acknowledged until later in life. Family physicians can play a key role in identifying ADD and sending adults to treatment, particularly those who have been dismissed from mental health services or don't have a diagnosis.
Diagnosis is based upon the clinical assessment of a patient, often supported by self-rating scales, interviews and observation of the patient's behavior in various situations (eg at home, at work and socially) and a thorough medical history, incorporating previous issues and current difficulties and obtaining feedback from school or the employer. It is essential to rule out other reasons for a person's symptoms like sleep issues, learning disabilities, alcohol and drugs or mood disorders, as these may be similar 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 is diagnosed when the doctor is satisfied that there are six or more inattentive criteria for two of the seven subcategories: difficulty in paying attention, trouble staying on task or in a state of disorganization, failure 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 general, to be diagnosed with ADD the symptoms must be present for at minimum 6 months and have caused impairment in two different areas of a person's daily life. In the majority of people with ADD it is associated with a variety of comorbid psychological or psychiatric problems that include mood disorders (depression, dysthymia and bipolar affective disorder) and anxiety disorders, addictions and personality disorders.
The signs of ADD are reversible, but the best way to treat it is to implement strategies to help people put structure in their lives and implement behavioural changes. Setting goals, creating daily routines, and using lists and reminding people of their goals are all beneficial. It is essential to teach people how to control their impulsive behavior and to understand what triggers them. Techniques like waiting before making a decision or evaluating the situation and working out alternatives are helpful. Sometimes medication is necessary however it is important to test a medication prior to adding another.
Treatment
Adults who aren't attentive ADD often find they struggle at school, at work or in their personal relationships. They are more likely to overlook important details, make careless mistakes and get distracted easily. They are more likely to be suffering from anxiety, depression or addiction to drugs. There are many treatment options for people with ADD/ADHD to aid them in leading more productive lives.
ADD/ADHD is among the most prevalent mental health conditions, yet it is often ignored in family practices. This is likely due to the fact that doctors in the family are not familiar with the symptoms of ADD/ADHD in adults or because a large number of people with ADD/ADHD also suffer from other disorders, such as mood disorders or anxiety.
A diagnosis of inattentive ADD is determined by an evaluation that includes feedback from teachers or other professionals, as well as clinical observation, and a thorough medical history. The symptoms must be persistently challenging and cause significant impairment in a variety of situations. Children younger than 17 years old need to show at least six signs of inattention in the category, while adults require at least 5 of the 11 symptoms to meet a diagnosis of inattentive ADD.
Management
It is very important that family physicians recognize ADD in adults because the issues can be serious. Inattentive ADD in adults is more prevalent than hyperactive impulsive ADHD however, family physicians still don't know how to recognize it. A lot of patients are undiagnosed. Often, the inattentive form of ADD is misdiagnosed as mood disorders (depression bipolar affective disorder or substance abuse disorders). The treatment is based on education and support, assisting patients develop more structure in the lives they lead by enhancing their self-esteem and social skills, and encouraging healthy eating and lifestyles and taking medication, when needed. Up to 60 percent of ADD sufferers can benefit from treatment. It is not recommended for children.