Recognizing ADD Symptoms in Adults
Do you have a tendency to forget important dates or tasks at work? You may interrupt others when they're talking or sneak into rooms without knocking. If these actions cause conflicts in your life, they may be symptoms of ADHD.
Adults often experience comorbid disorders of the psyche, including anxiety and mood disorders that are associated with their ADHD. Routine questions asked during the clinical interview can reveal the symptoms of ADHD.
Symptoms
A person suffering from ADD might have trouble organizing activities paying attention to details or keeping commitments. He or she makes careless errors at school or at work, forgets important items like appointments and bills, and has difficulty staying focussed on conversations and leisure activities. Additionally, someone who suffers from this type of ADD struggles to keep his or her 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 inattentive symptoms for at minimum six months. A number of symptoms have to be present on two distinct occasions, and the patient's problems have to interfere with school, social or work performance. Parents and teachers must provide feedback, along with medical observation and a thorough history. Some patients have a combination of symptoms in both the inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive categories. The symptoms of ADD combined aren't always obvious and can be difficult to diagnose by family physicians. This is a condition that can be identified by primary care doctors.
Diagnosis
Although ADD is one of the most prevalent mental health conditions but it's not always acknowledged when you reach adulthood. signs of adhd adults be a crucial factor in diagnosing ADD and referring adults to treatment, specifically those who have been relegated to mental health services or don't have a diagnosis at all.
The diagnosis is based on a 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, socially), complete medical background, including the past and current issues and obtaining feedback from school or the employer. It is essential to rule out other reasons for the symptoms a person experiences, like sleep disorders or 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. Inattentive ADD is diagnosed when a doctor is satisfied that there are six or more inattentive symptoms within two of the following seven subcategories: difficulty paying attention or staying focused or in a state of disorganization, failure to follow directions 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 order to be diagnosed as having ADD, symptoms must have been present in at least two different areas of the person's life for at least six months. In at least half of all people suffering from ADD the disorder is accompanied by a comorbid mental or psychiatric issues, including mood disorders (depression, dysthymia and bipolar affective disorder) as well as addictions, anxiety disorders and personality disorders.
Symptoms of ADD are reversible. However, the best way to treat it is to implement strategies that aid people put structure in their lives and implement behavioural changes. Goal setting, daily routines and using lists and reminders are useful. It is important to teach people how to control their impulsive behavior and what causes them. Techniques such as waiting until taking action, or evaluating a situation and figuring out alternative options 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 have trouble at work, school or in their personal relationships. They tend to forget important details, make careless mistakes and become easily distracted. They are also more likely to experience depression, anxiety or substance abuse. There are a variety of treatment options for people with ADD/ADHD to help them lead more productive lives.
ADD/ADHD is among the most commonly reported mental health conditions, yet it is often not considered in family practice. This could be due to the fact that family doctors are unfamiliar with adult ADD/ADHD symptoms or because a large number of people with ADD/ADHD suffer from comorbid disorders, such as mood disorders or anxiety.
A diagnosis of inattention ADD can be derived by a thorough assessment, which includes feedback from teachers and other professionals as in addition to clinical observations. The symptoms have to be persistently problematic and cause significant impairment in a variety of situations. Children younger than 17 years old need to have at least six symptoms that fall into the inattentive category, while adults require at least 5 of the 11 symptoms to be diagnosed of inattentive ADD.
Management
It is vital that family doctors recognize ADD in adults, as the issues can be grave. Inattentional ADD is more commonly diagnosed in the adult population than the hyperactive impulsive form of ADHD but it is still not well understood by family physicians and many patients go undiagnosed. In many cases, the inattentive form of ADD is mistakenly identified as mood disorders (depression or bipolar affective disorder), anxiety, or substance use disorders. The treatment is based on education and support, which helps patients develop more order in their lives by enhancing their self-esteem and social skills, promoting healthy eating and lifestyles and taking medication, should it be required. As high as 60 percent of ADD sufferers get relief from treatment. It is not recommended for children.