Recognizing ADD Symptoms in Adults
Do you have a tendency to forget appointments or tasks at work? Maybe you barge into rooms without knocking or interrupt others when they are speaking. These actions may be ADHD symptoms when they cause you be in conflict with your daily life.
Adults often experience comorbid mental disorders, such as mood and anxiety disorders with their ADHD. Clues to ADHD can be identified through routine questions that are asked during the interview.
Signs and symptoms
A person with ADD is unable to pay close attention to details, organizing tasks, or executing on commitments. He or she makes impulsive mistakes at school or at work, forgets important items like appointments and bills and has trouble staying focussed on conversations and leisure activities. A person with this type has difficulty controlling their emotions and can easily be distracted by the activities of others.
For a person to be diagnosed with ADD they must have experienced inattentive symptoms at least six months prior to. The symptoms must be present on two distinct occasions, and the patient's problems have to interfere with school, social or work functioning. A diagnosis of ADD requires feedback from teachers and parents in addition to an examination of the patient's clinical condition and a thorough medical 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 evident and can be difficult for family physicians to identify. This is a condition that can be diagnosed by primary care providers.
Diagnosis
ADD is a common mental disorder in children however, it's not always recognized when you turn an adult. Family physicians are a good source for diagnosing ADD in adults, particularly those who haven't been diagnosed or discharged.
The diagnosis is based on a clinical assessment, which is often aided by self-rating scales, interview and observation of the patient's behavior in various situations (eg at home, at work or socially), complete medical history, taking into account past problems and present difficulties and obtaining feedback from school or employer. It is crucial to rule out other reasons for the person's symptoms, such as sleep problems or learning disabilities, alcohol and mood disorders or drug use since they could 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 at least six inattentive symptoms for two of the seven subcategories: difficulty paying attention, trouble staying on task, disorganization, failing to follow directions or rules, 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.
In order to be diagnosed as having ADD symptoms must be present in at least two different areas of the person's life for at least six months. In the majority of people suffering from ADD, the disorder is associated with comorbid mental or psychiatric disorders such as mood disorders (depression, dysthymia, and bipolar affective disorder) as well as anxiety disorders, addictions and personality disorders.
The symptoms of ADD can be reversed but the best method to treat it is by applying strategies to help people create structure in their life and change their behaviour. Setting goals, establishing routines for the day and using lists as well as reminding people are all beneficial. It is crucial to teach people how to manage their impulsive behavior and what triggers them. Techniques such as waiting before acting or evaluating a scenario and figuring out alternative options are beneficial. Sometimes medication is necessary however it is important to test a medication prior to adding another.
Treatment
Adults with inattention ADD might have trouble at work, at school, or in their relationships. They tend to make impulsive mistakes, forget important details, and are easily distracted. They are also more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety or substance abuse. Fortunately, there are many treatment options for adults with ADD/ADHD that can help them lead more productive lives.
ADD/ADHD, which is among the most prevalent mental disorders, is frequently ignored by family doctors. This is likely due to the fact that family physicians aren't familiar with the symptoms of ADD/ADHD in adults or because a lot of people suffering from ADD/ADHD have comorbid disorders, such as anxiety or mood disorders.
A diagnosis of inattentive ADD is by a thorough assessment which includes feedback from teachers and other professionals, as and clinical observation. The symptoms must be problematic in different settings on a regular basis, and cause significant impairment. In symptoms of adhd adult to diagnose inattention ADD children who are under 17 years old must show at least six signs in the category of inattentional behavior. Adults must have at minimum five of the 11 inattention-related behaviors.
Management
Family physicians need to recognize ADD in adult patients because the problem can be serious. Inattentive ADD is more commonly diagnosed in the adult population than the hyperactive impulsive type of ADHD however, it is not well-understood by family physicians, and a lot of patients go undiagnosed. Often, the inattentive form of ADD is misdiagnosed as mood disorders (depression or bipolar affective disorders or substance abuse disorders). The treatment is based on education and support, assisting patients to develop more structure in the lives they lead by enhancing their self-esteem and social skills, promoting healthy eating and lifestyles and taking medication if necessary. Medication is helpful in up to 60% of ADD patients. It should not be used in children as it is not safe for them.