Recognizing ADD Symptoms in Adults
Do you have a tendency to forget the dates or tasks you have to complete at work? You may interrupt others when they're talking or sneak into rooms without knocking. These actions may be ADHD symptoms if they cause you to be in conflict with your daily life.
Adults are often diagnosed with mental disorders, such as mood and anxiety disorders with their ADHD. The signs of ADHD can be discovered through routine questions in the interview with a clinical psychologist.
Symptoms
A person with ADD might have trouble coordinating activities, paying attention to details or keeping commitments. The person with ADD often makes careless mistakes at school or work, or forgets important details such as bills and appointments and has difficulty staying focused on conversations and leisure activities. In addition, a person with this type of ADD is unable to keep his or her emotions in check and may be easily distracted by other people.
In order to be diagnosed with ADD those over 7 must be afflicted by inattentive symptoms for at least six months. The symptoms must manifest on two separate occasions and impact the patient's school, social or work-related performance. A diagnosis of ADD requires feedback from teachers and parents, as well as clinical observation and a careful history. Some patients have a combination of symptoms in both the inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive categories. The symptoms of ADD combined aren't always apparent and may be difficult to recognize by family physicians. However, it is an illness that can be diagnosed and treated by primary care physicians.
Diagnosis
ADD is a typical mental disorder in children however it's often not recognized when you turn an adult. Family physicians can play a key role in diagnosing ADD and refer adults to treatment, particularly those who have been dismissed from mental health services or do not have a diagnosis.
The diagnosis is based on a clinical assessment often assisted by self-rating scales and interviews and observation of the patient's behavior in various situations (eg at work, at home or socially) as well as an extensive medical history, taking into account past problems and present difficulties, and obtaining feedback from a school or the employer. It is important to rule out other causes for the person's symptoms that could be related to sleep issues, learning disabilities, alcohol or drugs or mood disorders because they may have similar symptoms 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 in paying attention and difficulty staying focused and disorganization, inability to follow directions 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.
In order to be diagnosed as having ADD, symptoms must have been present in at least two areas of a persons life for at least six months. At least half of people who suffer from ADD have comorbid psychological and mental disorders. These include mood disorders (depressions bipolar affective disorder and dysthymia) as well as personality disorders, addictions, and anxiety disorders.
Symptoms of ADD are reversible, however the best approach is to implement strategies to help people organize their lives and make behavioral changes. Setting goals, making daily routines and using lists as well as reminding people are all beneficial. It is important to teach people to control their impulsive behavior and to understand what triggers them. Techniques such as waiting until taking action, or evaluating a situation and figuring out alternative options are helpful. Sometimes medication is necessary, but it's important to test one medication prior to adding another.
Treatment
Adults with inattentive ADD often struggle at school, at work or in their relationships with family and friends. They are more likely to make mistakes, overlook important details and get easily distracted. They are more likely to suffer from anxiety, depression or addiction issues. Fortunately, there are many treatment options for adults with ADD/ADHD that can aid them in leading more productive lives.
ADD/ADHD is one of the most prevalent mental health conditions, yet it is often overlooked in family practices. This is likely due to the fact that family physicians aren't familiar with symptoms of adult ADD/ADHD or because a lot of people suffering from ADD/ADHD also suffer from other disorders, including mood disorders or anxiety.
adhd adult symptom of inattention ADD is based on a thorough evaluation, 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. In order to diagnose inattention ADD children younger than 17 years old must have at least six symptoms in the category of inattentive behavior. Adults need at minimum five of the 11 inattention-related behaviors.
Management
Family physicians must recognize ADD in patients who are adults since the condition can be serious. Inattentional ADD is more frequently acknowledged in the adult population than the hyperactive impulsive form of ADHD but it is still not widely understood by family physicians and many patients are left undiagnosed. In many cases, the inattentive type of ADD is mistakenly categorized as mood disorders (depression or bipolar affective disorders or substance abuse disorders). Treatment is focused on education and support, helping patients develop more discipline in their lives, enhancing self-esteem and social skills, encouraging a healthy diet and lifestyle and, if necessary, medication. About 60% of ADD sufferers can benefit from medication. It is not recommended for children.