Recognizing ADD Symptoms in Adults
Do you find yourself unable to remember important dates or tasks at work? Perhaps you enter rooms without knocking or interrupting others when they're speaking. These actions may be ADHD symptoms when they cause you to have conflict in your everyday life.
Adults often experience comorbid psychiatric disorders such as anxiety and mood disorders that are associated with their ADHD. Clues to ADHD can be identified through routine questions during the interview with a clinical psychologist.
Signs and symptoms
A person with ADD is unable to pay close focus on details, organising tasks, or executing on commitments. He or she makes careless errors at school or at work, and forgets important things like appointments and bills, and has difficulty staying focussed on conversations and leisure activities. Someone with this kind of personality has difficulty controlling their emotions and can easily be distracted by other people.
To be diagnosed with ADD those over 7 must be afflicted by inattention-related symptoms for at minimum six months. The symptoms must appear on two separate occasions and impact the patient's social, school or work-related performance. A diagnosis of ADD requires feedback from teachers and parents, as well as 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 ADD combined aren't always obvious and can be difficult to identify by family doctors. However, it is a condition that is diagnosed and treated by primary care physicians.
Diagnosis
ADD is a typical mental disorder that affects children however, it's not always recognized when you turn an adult. Family physicians are an excellent resource for diagnosing ADD in adults, especially those who haven't been diagnosed or dismissed.
The diagnosis is based on a clinical assessment, which can include self-ratings, interviews and observation of patients in various situations (e.g. at work, at home or socially) and an extensive medical history that takes into account the past and present challenges and the feedback from the employer or school. It is crucial to rule out any other possible causes for the symptoms of a person that could be related to sleep issues or learning disabilities, alcohol or drugs or mood disorders, as these 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. Inattentional ADD is diagnosed when a doctor observes six or more inattentive symptoms within two of the seven subcategories. This includes: difficulties in paying attention or staying on track, disorganization or forgetfulness, failure to adhere to guidelines or rules, and trouble staying organized. 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 classified as having ADD symptoms must have been evident in at least two different areas of the person's life for at least six months. At least half of people suffering from ADD have a history of comorbid psychological or mental disorders. symptoms of adhd in adults include mood disorders (depressions and bipolar affective disorders and dysthymia) as well as addictions, personality disorders and anxiety disorders.
The symptoms of ADD can be reversed, but the best method to manage it is by applying strategies to help people organize their lives and change their behaviour. Setting goals, creating daily routines and using lists as well as reminding people of their goals are all beneficial. It is also crucial to help people understand their triggers for impulsive behavior and offer strategies for controlling them, like taking time before acting, evaluating a situation and determining alternatives to take. Sometimes medication is necessary however it is important to test a medication prior to adding another.
Treatment
Adults with inattentive ADD often find they struggle at school, work or in their personal relationships. They tend to miss important details, make impulsive mistakes, and are easily distracted. They are more likely to be suffering from anxiety, depression or addiction to drugs. Fortunately, there are many treatment options for adults with ADD/ADHD that can help them lead more productive lives.
ADD/ADHD, one of the most common mental disorders, is frequently ignored by family doctors. This could be due to the fact that family doctors are unfamiliar with the symptoms of ADD/ADHD in adults or because a lot of people suffering from ADD/ADHD have comorbid disorders, like anxiety or mood disorders.
A diagnosis of inattentive ADD can be made through a thorough evaluation that includes feedback from teachers and other professionals as well as clinical observation. The symptoms must be problematic in multiple settings on an ongoing basis and cause significant impairment. Children younger than 17 years old need to have at minimum six signs of inattention in the category, while adults require at minimum five of the 11 inattentive symptoms to meet a diagnosis of inattentive ADD.
Management
It is very important that family doctors recognize ADD in adults as the symptoms can be serious. Inattentive ADD in adults is more prevalent than hyperactive impulsive ADHD, but family physicians still don't know how to recognize it. Many patients are left undiagnosed. Often, the inattentive form of ADD is misdiagnosed with mood disorders (depression, bipolar affective disorder, or addiction disorders). Treatment is focused on education and support to help patients establish more discipline in their lives, enhancing self-esteem and social interaction skills, encouraging an active lifestyle and healthy diet, and medication if needed. About 60 percent of ADD sufferers benefit from treatment. It should not be used for children since it is not safe for children.