Recognizing ADD Symptoms in Adults
Do you have a tendency to forget the dates or tasks you have to complete at work? Maybe you barge into rooms without knocking or interrupt others when they're speaking. If these behaviors cause conflict in your life, they may be symptoms of ADHD.
Adults suffering from ADHD often have comorbid psychiatric conditions such as anxiety and mood disorders. Routine questions asked during the clinical interview can reveal signs of ADHD.
Symptoms
A person suffering from ADD has difficulty paying close attention to the details, arranging activities, or following through on commitments. They often make careless mistakes at school or work, or forgets important details like appointments and bills and has difficulty staying focused on conversations and leisure activities. In addition, a person with this kind of ADD struggles to keep their emotions in check, and can be easily distracted by people around them.
For a person to be diagnosed with ADD they must have had inattention symptoms for at least six months prior. The symptoms must appear on two separate occasions and interfere with the patient's social, school, or work functioning. add symptoms in women of ADD requires feedback from parents and teachers in addition to medical observation 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 apparent and may be difficult to diagnose by family physicians. However it is an illness that can be diagnosed and treated by primary care physicians.
Diagnosis
ADD is a common mental disorder in children however it's often not recognized when you turn an adult. Family physicians play a significant role in identifying ADD and refer 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 medical assessment, which can 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 considers both past and current difficulties as well as feedback from the school or employer. It is essential to rule out other reasons for the symptoms of a person, 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 clinician is satisfied that there are six or more indicators of inattention in two of the following seven subcategories: difficulty in paying attention or staying focused or in a state of disorganization, failure to follow instructions 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 be present for at least 6 months and have caused impairment in two areas of a person's daily life. In at least half of all people suffering from ADD it is associated with a variety of comorbid mental or psychiatric disorders that include mood disorders (depression dysthymia and bipolar affective disorder) and anxiety disorders, addictions and personality disorders.
The symptoms of ADD can be reversed but the best way to treat it is implementing strategies that help people create structure in their life and alter their behavior. Goal setting, daily routines and making lists and reminders are helpful. It is essential to teach people how to control their impulsive behavior and what causes them. Techniques like 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 must be given before adding another to make sure it is effective.
Treatment
Adults who aren't attentive ADD might have trouble working, at the classroom or in their relationships. They tend to forget important details, make impulsive mistakes and become easily distracted. They are also more likely to experience anxiety, depression or substance abuse. Fortunately, there are many treatment options available to those suffering from ADD/ADHD, which can help them lead more productive lives.
ADD/ADHD, one of the most prevalent mental disorders, is frequently neglected by family physicians. This could be due to the fact that family doctors are unfamiliar with the symptoms of ADD/ADHD in adults or because many people with ADD/ADHD suffer from comorbid disorders, including anxiety or mood disorders.
A diagnosis of inattention ADD is based on an evaluation that includes feedback from teachers or other professionals, as well as clinical observation, and a thorough background. The symptoms have to be persistently challenging and cause significant impairment in multiple environments. To diagnose inattentive ADD children who are under 17 years old must show at least six signs in the category of inattentional behavior. Adults need at least five of the eleven inattentive behaviors.
Management
It is very important that family doctors recognize ADD in adults as the issues can be serious. Inattentional ADD is more commonly acknowledged in the adult population than the hyperactive impulsive form of ADHD however, it is not well understood by family physicians and many patients are left undiagnosed. Often, the inattentive form of ADD is mistakenly categorized as mood disorders (depression, bipolar affective disorder, or substance abuse disorders). The treatment is based on education and support, which helps patients to develop more order in the lives they lead, improving their self-esteem and social skills, promoting healthy eating and lifestyles and taking medication when needed. About 60% of ADD sufferers get relief from medication. It is not recommended for children.