Recognizing ADD Symptoms in Adults
Do you find yourself unable to remember the dates or tasks you have to complete at work? You may interrupt people when they are talking or barge into rooms without knocking. If these actions cause conflicts in your life, they may be signs of ADHD.
Adults with 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.
Signs and symptoms
A person with ADD has difficulty paying close attention to the details, arranging tasks, or executing on commitments. He or she makes impulsive mistakes at school or at work, is unable to remember important details like appointments and bills and has trouble staying focussed on conversations and leisure activities. Someone with this kind of personality has difficulty controlling their emotions and is easily distracted by the activities of others.
In order to be diagnosed with ADD, people over age 7 must have been afflicted by inattentive symptoms for at least six months. A number of symptoms have to be present on two different occasions and the patient's issues are affecting school, social or work functioning. Teachers and parents must provide feedback, in addition to an examination of the patient's clinical condition 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 are not as evident and can be difficult for family physicians to identify. It is a condition that can be diagnosed by primary care physicians.
Diagnosis
ADD is a typical mental disorder in children, but it's not always recognized when you turn an adult. Family physicians are a great source for diagnosing ADD in adults, particularly those who have not been diagnosed or discharged.
The diagnosis is based on a clinical evaluation, which could include self-ratings, an interview and observation of patients in different situations (e.g. at work, home, or socially) as well as a detailed medical history that includes both current and past difficulties and the feedback from the school or employer. It is essential to rule out any other possible causes for the person's symptoms like sleep issues, learning disabilities, alcohol or drug use 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 at least six inattentive criteria within two of the following seven subcategories: difficulty in paying attention or staying focused, disorganization, failing 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.
To be recognized as having ADD, symptoms must be present in at least two different areas of a persons life for a minimum of six months. About half of those who suffer from ADD suffer from comorbid psychological and psychiatric disorders. These include mood disorders (depressions, bipolar affective disorders and dysthymia), personality disorders, addictions and anxiety disorders.
The symptoms of ADD can be reversed but the best way to manage it is by adopting strategies that allow people to organize their lives and alter their habits. Setting goals, making daily routines, and using lists and reminding people of their goals are all beneficial. It is crucial to teach people how to manage their impulsive behavior and what causes them. Techniques like waiting before taking action, or evaluating a situation and working out alternatives are useful. Sometimes, medication is necessary, but a test of one medication should be administered prior to adding another to ensure that it is effective.
Treatment
Adults with inattention ADD often find they have trouble at school, work or in their personal relationships. They are more likely to make mistakes, overlook important details and get easily distracted. They are also more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety or substance abuse. Fortunately, there are many treatment options available to people with ADD/ADHD to assist them in living more productive lives.
ADD/ADHD, which is among the most prevalent mental disorders, is frequently neglected by family physicians. This could be due to the fact that family physicians are not familiar with the symptom presentation for adults or because those who have ADD/ADHD frequently have comorbid problems, such as mood disorders (depression bipolar affective disorder, depression dysthymia, bipolar affective disorder) and anxiety or alcohol-related disorders.
A diagnosis of inattention ADD is based on an evaluation that includes feedback from teachers or other professionals, a clinical observation and a detailed background. The symptoms have to be problematic in various settings on a continuous basis and cause significant impairment. Children under the age of 17 have to show at least 6 symptoms in the inattentive category and adults need at minimum 5 of the 11 inattentive symptoms to meet a diagnosis of inattentive ADD.
Management
Family physicians must recognize ADD in patients of all ages since the condition can be serious. what are the symptoms of adhd in adults in adults is more common than hyperactive impulsive ADHD, but family physicians aren't aware of it. Many patients are left undiagnosed. The inattentive kind of ADD is misdiagnosed as mood disorders (depression or bipolar affective disorder) or anxiety substance use disorders. Treatment is based on education and support, helping patients develop more order in their lives, improving self-esteem and social interactions, encouraging a healthy diet and lifestyle and, if necessary, medication. As high as 60% of ADD sufferers can benefit from treatment. It is not recommended for children.