Recognizing ADD Symptoms in Adults
Do you have a tendency to forget the dates or tasks you have to complete at work? You might be a nuisance in rooms without knocking, or interrupt people when they are speaking. These behaviors could be ADHD symptoms when they cause you to encounter conflict in your everyday life.
Adults often experience comorbid disorders of the psyche, including anxiety and mood disorders that are associated with their ADHD. Clues to ADHD can be elicited by routine questions that are asked during the interview.
Symptoms
A person suffering from ADD has difficulty paying close attention to the details, arranging activities, or executing on commitments. They make impulsive mistakes at school or at work, and forgets important things such as bills and appointments, and has difficulty staying focussed on conversations and leisure activities. A person with this type is unable to control 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 for at least six months prior to. Several of the symptoms must be present on two different 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 and also medical observation and a thorough background. Some patients have a combination of symptoms in both the inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive categories. The symptoms of ADD combined are not as obvious and can be difficult to diagnose by family physicians. However it is a condition that can be diagnosed and treated by primary care providers.
Diagnosis
ADD is a common mental disorder in children however, it's not always recognized as an adult. Family physicians are a great source for diagnosing ADD in adults, especially those who have not been diagnosed or dismissed.
The diagnosis is based on a thorough clinical evaluation, which could include self-ratings and interviews, as well as observation of patients in various situations (e.g. at work, home or socially) and an extensive medical history that includes both past and current difficulties as well as feedback from the employer or school. It is important to rule out any other possible causes for the symptoms of a person, such as sleep problems, learning disabilities, alcohol and mood disorders or drug use 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. Inattentional ADD can be identified when a doctor observes six or more inattentive symptoms within two of the seven subcategories. This includes: difficulty in staying focused or on task, disorganization or forgetfulness, failure to follow the rules or instructions, or difficulty 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 present in at least two different areas of the person's life for at least six months. In at least half of all people with ADD, the disorder is accompanied by a comorbid mental or psychiatric disorders, including mood disorders (depression, dysthymia and bipolar affective disorder) and addictions, anxiety disorders, and personality disorders.
Symptoms of ADD are reversible. However, the best treatment is to implement strategies that help people put structure in their lives and make behavioural changes. Goal setting, daily routines and making lists and reminders are helpful. It is crucial to help people learn to manage their impulsive behavior and what triggers them. Techniques such as waiting before acting or evaluating a scenario and working out alternatives are helpful. The use of medication is sometimes required, but a test of one medication should be conducted prior to adding another to make sure it's effective.
Treatment
Adults who aren't attentive ADD might have trouble at work, in school or in their relationships. They tend to forget important details, make impulsive mistakes and get distracted easily. They are more likely to be suffering from anxiety, depression or addiction to drugs. Fortunately, there are many treatment options available to people with ADD/ADHD to assist them in living more productive lives.
ADD/ADHD is among the most common mental health conditions, yet it is often not considered in family practices. This is likely due to the fact that family physicians aren't familiar with the symptom presentation in adults or because people who suffer from ADD/ADHD are often suffering from multiple disorders, including mood disorders (depression bipolar affective disorder, depression dysthymia, bipolar affective disorder) and anxiety, or substance use disorders.
A diagnosis of inattention ADD is dependent on an assessment that includes feedback from teachers or other professionals, clinical observation and a detailed history. The symptoms have to be persistently problematic and cause significant impairment in a variety of situations. To diagnose inattentive ADD, children under 17 years old must have at least six signs in the category of inattentive behavior. Adults must have at least five of the eleven inattentional behaviors.
Management
Family physicians must be aware of ADD in adult patients because the issue could be serious. Inattentional ADD is more often recognized in the adult population than the hyperactive impulsive type of ADHD but it is not well understood by family physicians and many patients go undiagnosed. The inattentive version of ADD is mistakenly categorized as mood disorders (depression bipolar affective disorder or addiction disorders). symptoms of adhd adults is based on education and support, assisting patients to establish more order in the lives they lead and improve their self-esteem as well as social skills, promoting healthy lifestyles and eating habits and taking medication should it be required. As high as 60 percent of ADD sufferers get relief from treatment. It is not recommended for children.