Recognizing ADD Symptoms in Adults
You forget appointments or tasks? You may interrupt others when they are talking or slam into rooms without knocking. If these actions cause conflicts in your life, they may be signs of ADHD.
Adults frequently suffer from comorbid mental disorders, such as anxiety and mood disorders as well as their ADHD. Signs of ADHD can be identified through routine questions that are asked during the clinical interview.
Symptoms
A person suffering from ADD is unable to pay close focus on details, organising activities, or following through on commitments. He or she often makes careless mistakes at school or work, and forgets important details such as bills and appointments and is unable to stay focused on conversations and leisure activities. Additionally, adult female adhd symptoms with this type of ADD struggles to keep his or her emotions in check, and can be easily distracted by others.
In order to be diagnosed with ADD, people over age 7 must have been afflicted by inattentive symptoms for at least six months. The symptoms must appear on two separate occasions and impact the patient's school, social or work-related performance. A diagnosis of ADD requires feedback from parents and teachers and also clinical observation and a careful background. Some patients have a combination of symptoms in both the inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive categories. The symptoms of ADD combined aren't always evident and are often difficult to recognize by family physicians. However it is an illness that can be diagnosed and treated by primary care physicians.
Diagnosis
Although ADD is among the most frequent mental health issues however, it is not always recognized until later in life. Family physicians are a good resource for diagnosing ADD in adults, especially those who have not been diagnosed or have been discharged.
The diagnosis is based on a thorough clinical assessment, which may include self-ratings and interviews, as well as observation of patients in various situations (e.g. at work, at home, or socially) as well as a thorough medical history that takes into account both past and current difficulties as well as feedback from the school or employer. It is important to exclude other reasons for a person's symptoms like sleep disorders or learning disabilities, as well as 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 the doctor is satisfied that there are six or more inattentive criteria for two of the seven subcategories: difficulty focusing or staying focused, disorganization, failing to follow directions or rules, 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 considered to have ADD the symptoms must have been present for at least six months and be affecting functioning in two different areas of one's life. At least half of people with ADD suffer from comorbid psychological and mental disorders. These include mood disorders (depressions, bipolar affective disorders and dysthymia), addictions, personality disorders and anxiety disorders.
The symptoms of ADD can be reversed, but the best method to treat it is by adopting strategies that allow people to organize their lives and change their behaviour. Setting goals, routines for the day and using lists and reminders can be helpful. It is essential to teach people to control their impulsive behavior and what triggers them. Techniques such as waiting until acting or evaluating a scenario and coming up with alternatives are helpful. Sometimes, medication is necessary, but a test of one medication should be administered prior to adding another to ensure that it is effective.
Treatment
Adults with inattentive ADD can have difficulty working, at school or in their relationships. They tend to make impulsive mistakes, overlook important details, and are easily distracted. They are more likely to suffer from anxiety, depression or addiction to drugs. There are many treatment options available to people with ADD/ADHD to help them lead more productive lives.
ADD/ADHD, one of the most prevalent mental disorders, is often overlooked by family physicians. This is likely due to the fact that family physicians are not familiar with the symptoms that manifest in adults, or because those who have ADD/ADHD frequently have multiple disorders, including mood disorders (depression bipolar affective disorder, depression dysthymia) and anxiety, or alcohol-related disorders.
A diagnosis of inattentive ADD can be made based on a thorough evaluation which 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 result in significant impairment. To diagnose inattentive ADD children younger than 17 years of age must display at least six symptoms that are indicative of inattentional behavior. Adults need at minimum five of the 11 inattention-related behaviors.
Management
Family physicians must recognize ADD in adult patients since the condition can be serious. Inattentive ADD in adults is more common than hyperactive impulsive ADHD however, doctors of the family do not understand it well. Many patients remain undiagnosed. The inattentive kind of ADD is misdiagnosed as mood disorders (depression or bipolar affective disorder) or anxiety addiction disorders. The treatment is based on education and support, helping patients to establish more structure in the lives they lead by enhancing their self-esteem and social skills, encouraging healthy lifestyles and eating habits and taking medication, if necessary. Up to 60% of ADD sufferers get relief from medication. It is not recommended to use in children because it is not safe for them.