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 people when they speak. If symptoms of adult add cause conflict in your life, they may be symptoms of ADHD.
Adults with ADHD frequently suffer from mental health conditions like anxiety and mood disorders. Clues to ADHD can be discovered through routine questions in the clinical interview.
Signs and symptoms
A person suffering from ADD may have difficulty organizing activities paying attention to details or keeping commitments. They often make careless mistakes at school or work, forgets important things such as bills and appointments and has difficulty staying focused on conversations and leisure activities. Furthermore, a person who suffers from this type of ADD has trouble keeping their emotions in check, and may be easily distracted by other people.
In order to be diagnosed with ADD individuals over the age of 7 must have been affected by inattention-related symptoms for at minimum six months. The symptoms must be present on two distinct occasions, and the patient's problems must interfere with the school, social, or work performance. A diagnosis of ADD requires feedback from parents and teachers and also an examination of the patient's clinical condition 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 aren't as distinct and may be difficult for family doctors to identify. However, it is a condition that is diagnosed and treated by primary care physicians.
Diagnosis
ADD is a common mental disorder in children however it's often not recognized when you turn an adult. Family physicians are a good source to diagnose ADD in adults, especially those who haven't been diagnosed or dismissed.
The diagnosis is based on a clinical assessment, which may include self-ratings, an interview and observation of patients in various situations (e.g. at work, at home or socially) and a detailed medical history that includes the past and present challenges as well as feedback from the employer or school. It is essential to rule out other causes for a person's symptoms such as sleep disorders, learning disabilities or 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 indicators of inattention in two of the following seven subcategories: difficulty in paying attention or staying focused, disorganization, failing to follow instructions or rules, forgetfulness 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.
Generally, in order to be able to identify ADD the symptoms must have been present for at minimum 6 months and have caused impairment in two different areas of one's life. In the majority of people suffering from ADD, the disorder is associated with a variety of comorbid mental or psychiatric issues that include mood disorders (depression bipolar affective disorder and dysthymia) as well as anxiety disorders, addictions and personality disorders.
The symptoms of ADD can be reversed, however the best way to treat it is by adopting strategies that allow people to establish a structure in their lives and alter their habits. Setting goals, creating daily routines, and using lists and reminding people are all beneficial. It is essential to teach people how to control their impulsive behavior and what triggers them. Techniques such as waiting before acting or evaluating a scenario and working out alternatives are beneficial. Sometimes, medication is necessary, but a trial of one medication must be given before adding another to make sure it's effective.
Treatment
Adults who aren't attentive ADD typically struggle at work, school or in their personal relationships. They tend to miss important details, make impulsive mistakes and become easily distracted. They are also more likely to be suffering from depression, anxiety or substance abuse. There are a variety of treatment options for those suffering from ADD/ADHD, which can aid them in leading more productive lives.
ADD/ADHD, one of the most common mental disorders, is often ignored by family doctors. This could be due to the fact that family physicians are not familiar with the symptom manifestations in adults, or because those who suffer from ADD/ADHD are often suffering from comorbid problems, such as mood disorders (depression, bipolar affective disorder dysthymia, bipolar affective disorder) and anxiety, or substance use disorders.
A diagnosis of inattentive ADD is dependent on an assessment that includes feedback from teachers or other professionals, as well as clinical observation, and a thorough medical background. The symptoms must be a problem in multiple settings on an ongoing basis and cause significant impairment. Children younger than 17 years old need to show at least six symptoms that fall into the inattentive category, and adults must have at minimum 5 of the 11 symptoms to be diagnosed of inattentive ADD.
Management
Family physicians must recognize ADD in adult patients because the issue could be serious. Inattentive ADD in adults is more common than hyperactive impulsive ADHD however, doctors of the family don't know how to recognize it. A lot of patients are undiagnosed. In many cases, the inattentive form of ADD is mistakenly identified as mood disorders (depression or bipolar affective disorder) or anxiety, or addiction disorders. The treatment is based on education and support, helping patients develop more structure in their lives, improving their self-esteem and social skills, and encouraging healthy lifestyles and eating habits and taking medication should it be required. Medication is helpful in up to 60% of ADD patients. It is not recommended to use in children because it is not safe for them.