Recognizing ADD Symptoms in Adults
You don't remember appointments or tasks? You may interrupt others when they're talking or sneak into rooms without knocking. These behaviors could be ADHD symptoms when they cause you have conflict in your everyday life.
Adults who suffer from ADHD frequently suffer from mental disorders, such as anxiety and mood disorders. The signs of ADHD can be identified through routine questions that are asked during the clinical interview.
This Internet page with ADD might have trouble organizing activities, paying attention to particulars or keeping commitments. The person with ADD often makes errors at school or work, forgets important things such as bills and appointments and is unable to stay focused on conversations and leisure activities. In addition, a person with this type of ADD is unable to keep their emotions in check and can be easily distracted by people around them.
To be diagnosed with ADD individuals over the age of 7 must have been affected by inattention symptoms for at minimum six months. A number of symptoms have to be present on two different occasions and the patient's issues have to interfere with social, school or work-related functioning. A diagnosis of ADD requires feedback from teachers and parents and also an examination of the patient's clinical condition and a thorough background. Some patients have a combination of symptoms in both the inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive categories. The symptoms of this type of ADD are not as distinct and may be difficult for family physicians to recognize. However, it is a condition that can be diagnosed and treated by primary care providers.
Diagnosis
Although ADD is one of the most common childhood mental health issues however, it is not always recognized until later in life. Family physicians play a key role in identifying ADD and refer adults to treatment, specifically those who have been discharged from mental health services or do not have a diagnosis at all.
Diagnosis is based upon clinical assessment, which is often aided by self-rating scales, interview and observation of the patient in various situations (eg at home, at work and socially) and an extensive medical background, including the past and current issues and obtaining feedback from the school or the employer. It is important to exclude other causes for the symptoms a person experiences, like sleep disorders, learning disabilities or 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 a clinician observes six or more symptoms of inattention in two of seven subcategories. These include: difficulty in staying focused or on track, disorganization or forgetfulness, inability to follow rules or instructions, 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 recognized as having ADD, symptoms must be present in at least two areas of the person's life for at least six months. About half of those with ADD have comorbid psychological and mental disorders. These include mood disorders (depressions and bipolar affective disorders and dysthymia), personality disorders, addictions and anxiety disorders.
The signs of ADD are reversible. However, the best treatment is to implement strategies that aid people organize their lives and make behavioral changes. Goal setting, daily routines and making lists and reminders are helpful. It is also crucial to teach people about their own triggers for impulsive behavior and offer strategies for controlling them, like waiting before acting, evaluating a situation and working out different options for action. Sometimes medication is necessary however it is essential to test one medication before adding another.
Treatment
Adults who aren't attentive ADD typically struggle at work, school or in their personal relationships. They tend to make impulsive errors, miss important details and get 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 aid them in leading more productive lives.
ADD/ADHD is one of the most common mental health disorders, but it is often overlooked in family practices. This could be due to the fact that family doctors are unfamiliar with symptoms of adult ADD/ADHD or because a lot of people suffering from ADD/ADHD have comorbid disorders, such as anxiety or mood disorders.
A diagnosis of inattention ADD can be made through a thorough evaluation which includes feedback from teachers and other professionals, as in addition to clinical observations. The symptoms must be a problem in multiple settings on an ongoing basis and result in significant impairment. To diagnose inattention ADD children who are under 17 years old must have at least six symptomatic signs that are indicative of inattentional behavior. Adults need at least five of the 11 inattentive behaviors.
Management
It is vital 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, doctors of the family don't know how to recognize it. A lot of patients are undiagnosed. The inattentive version of ADD is misdiagnosed with mood disorders (depression, bipolar affective disorder, or substance abuse disorders). Treatment is focused on education and support to help patients establish more discipline in their lives, enhancing self-esteem and social skills and promoting a healthy diet and lifestyle and taking medication when needed. The use of medication can help up to 60% of ADD patients. It should not be used for children since it is not safe for them.