Recognizing ADD Symptoms in Adults
Do you find yourself unable to remember important dates or tasks at work? You might interrupt people while they are talking or barge into rooms without knocking. If these actions cause conflict in your life, they could be signs of ADHD.
Adults who suffer from ADHD often have comorbid mental disorders, such as anxiety and mood disorders. Questions that are routinely asked during a clinical interview can reveal the symptoms of ADHD.
Signs and symptoms
A person suffering from ADD might have trouble coordinating activities and paying attention to the details or keeping commitments. He or she often makes careless mistakes at school or work, forgets important things such as appointments and bills and has difficulty staying focused on conversations and leisure activities. A person with this type has difficulty controlling their emotions and is easily distracted by other people.
In order to be diagnosed with ADD individuals over the age of 7 must be afflicted by inattention symptoms for at minimum six months. The symptoms must be present on two distinct occasions, and the patient's problems have to interfere with the school, social, or work 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 as obvious and can be difficult to identify by family physicians. However, it is a condition that can be diagnosed and treated by primary care doctors.
Diagnosis
ADD is a common mental disorder that affects children however it's often not recognized as an adult. Family physicians can play a key role in identifying ADD and refer adults to treatment, especially those who have been relegated to mental health services or don't have a diagnosis.
The diagnosis is based on a medical evaluation, which could include self-ratings and interviews, as well as observation of patients in various situations (e.g. at work, home or socially) and a detailed medical history that considers both past and current difficulties as well as feedback from the employer or school. It is crucial to rule out other reasons for the symptoms of a person that could be related to sleep issues or learning disabilities, alcohol and drugs or mood disorders 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 is diagnosed when the clinician is satisfied that there are six or more inattentive symptoms in two of the following seven subcategories: difficulty focusing, trouble staying on task or in a state of disorganization, failure to follow instructions or rules, apathy and 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.
Generally, in order to be considered to have ADD the symptoms must be present for at least 6 months and be affecting functioning in two different areas of a person's daily life. In the majority of people suffering from ADD the disorder is associated with comorbid psychological or psychiatric problems such as mood disorders (depression, dysthymia, and bipolar affective disorder) and anxiety disorders, addictions and personality disorders.
Symptoms of ADD are reversible, but the best treatment is to implement strategies that aid people put structure in their lives and make behavioral changes. Setting goals, establishing routines for the day, and using lists and reminding people are all beneficial. It is also essential to help people understand their triggers for impulsive behavior and provide techniques for controlling them, including taking time before acting, evaluating a situation and coming up with alternatives to take. Sometimes, medication is required, but it's important to test a medication prior to adding another.
adult female adhd symptoms with inattentive ADD typically 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 more likely to be suffering from depression, anxiety or addiction issues. Fortunately, there are many treatment options available to adults with ADD/ADHD that can aid them in leading more productive lives.
ADD/ADHD, one of the most common mental disorders, is often neglected by family physicians. This is likely due to the fact that family physicians are not familiar with the symptom presentation for adults or because those who suffer from ADD/ADHD are often suffering from comorbid problems, such as mood disorders (depression bipolar affective disorder, depression dysthymia, bipolar affective disorder) and anxiety or addiction disorders.
A diagnosis of inattention ADD is based on an evaluation that includes feedback from teachers or other professionals, a clinical observation, and a thorough background. The symptoms must be a problem in different settings on a regular basis and cause significant impairment. Children younger than 17 years old need to have at minimum six symptoms that fall into the inattentive category and adults need at least five of the 11 inattentive symptoms to qualify as a diagnosis of inattentive ADD.
Management
Family physicians must recognize ADD in patients of all ages since the condition can be serious. Inattentive ADD is more frequently diagnosed in the adult population than the hyperactive impulsive form of ADHD but it is still not well understood by family physicians, and a lot of patients go undiagnosed. Frequently, the inattentive type of ADD is mistakenly identified as mood disorders (depression or bipolar affective disorder) or anxiety addiction disorders. The treatment is based on education and support, which helps patients to develop more order in their lives, improving their self-esteem and social skills, and encouraging healthy lifestyles and eating habits and taking medication when needed. Up to 60 percent of ADD sufferers get relief from treatment. It is not recommended to use in children as it is not safe for them.