Recognizing ADD Symptoms in Adults
Do you find yourself unable to remember appointments or tasks at work? Maybe you barge into rooms without knocking or interrupting others when they are speaking. These behaviors could be ADHD symptoms when they cause you have conflict in your everyday life.
Adults who suffer from ADHD typically suffer from psychiatric conditions such as anxiety and mood disorders. Clues to ADHD can be elicited by routine questions in the interview.
Symptoms
A person with ADD is unable to pay close attention to details, organizing activities, or executing on commitments. The person with ADD often makes careless mistakes at school or work, or forgets important details such as bills and appointments and is unable to stay focused on conversations and leisure activities. Someone with this kind of personality is unable to control their emotions and can easily be distracted by others.
To be diagnosed with ADD they must have had inattention symptoms at least six month prior to. The symptoms must appear at least twice and impact the patient's school, social or work performance. Teachers and parents must provide feedback, along with medical observation and a thorough assessment. Some patients have a combination of symptoms in both the inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive categories. symptoms of adhd adults of this type of ADD are not as clear cut and can be difficult for family doctors to identify. However, it is an illness that can be diagnosed and treated by primary care providers.
Diagnosis
Although ADD is among the most frequent mental health issues but it's not always acknowledged when you reach adulthood. Family physicians be a crucial factor in identifying ADD and sending adults to treatment, especially those who have been relegated to mental health services or do not have a diagnosis at all.
The diagnosis is based on a thorough clinical evaluation, which could include self-ratings, interviews and observation of patients in different situations (e.g. at home, work or socially) and a detailed medical history that includes both past and current difficulties as well as feedback from the employer or school. It is important to rule out other reasons for a person's symptoms like sleep issues or learning disabilities, alcohol or drug use 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. Inattentive ADD is diagnosed when a doctor observes six or more symptoms of inattention within two of the seven subcategories. These include difficulty paying attention or staying focused, disorganization, forgetfulness, failure to adhere to guidelines or rules, and difficulties in 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 recognized as having ADD symptoms must have been evident in at least two areas of the person's life for at least six months. About half of those suffering from ADD have a history of comorbid psychological or psychiatric disorders. These include mood disorders (depressions, bipolar affective disorders and dysthymia) and personality disorders, addictions, and anxiety disorders.
The symptoms of ADD are reversible, but the best approach is to implement strategies to help people organize their lives and make behavioral changes. Setting goals, establishing routines for the day and using lists as well as reminding people are all beneficial. It is also crucial to help people understand their own triggers for impulsive behaviour and to provide methods for reducing them, like waiting before taking action, evaluating the situation and coming up with alternative courses of action. The use of medication is sometimes required, but a test of one drug should be given before adding another one to ensure it is effective.
Treatment
Adults with inattentive ADD often find they have trouble at work, school or in their relationships with family and friends. They tend to make impulsive errors, miss important details, and are easily distracted. They are also more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety or substance abuse. There are many adults who have treatment options to assist them in living more successful lives with ADD/ADHD.
ADD/ADHD is among the most common mental health conditions, yet it is often ignored in family practices. This could be due to the fact that family physicians are unfamiliar with the symptom presentation in adults, or because those who suffer from ADD/ADHD are often suffering from co-occurring disorders, like mood disorders (depression bipolar affective disorder, dysthymia) and anxiety, or alcohol-related 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 history. The symptoms have to be persistently problematic and cause significant impairment in multiple situations. Children under age 17 need to show at least six signs of inattention in the category, and adults must have at least 5 of the 11 inattentive symptoms to be diagnosed of inattentive ADD.
Management
It is very important that family physicians recognize ADD in adults as the symptoms can be serious. Inattentive ADD in adults is more prevalent than hyperactive impulsive ADHD however, family physicians still aren't aware of it. Many patients remain undiagnosed. In many cases, the inattentive type of ADD is mistakenly categorized as mood disorders (depression or bipolar affective disorders, or addiction disorders). Treatment is focused on education and support and helps patients create more discipline in their lives, enhancing self-esteem and social interactions as well as encouraging a healthy diet and lifestyle and taking medication when needed. As high as 60 percent of ADD sufferers benefit from treatment. It is not recommended for children.