Recognizing ADD Symptoms in Adults
Do you have a tendency to forget important dates 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 be in conflict with your daily life.
Adults suffering from ADHD frequently suffer from psychiatric conditions such as anxiety and mood disorders. The routine questions that are asked during the clinical interview may reveal the signs of ADHD.
Symptoms
A person with ADD might have trouble organizing activities and paying attention to the particulars or keeping commitments. The person with ADD often makes mistakes in school or at work, and forgets important details such as appointments and bills and has difficulty staying focused on conversations and leisure activities. A person with this type struggles to control their emotions and can easily be distracted by others.
To be diagnosed with ADD those over 7 must have been afflicted by inattention symptoms for at least six months. A number of symptoms have to be present on two distinct occasions, and the patient's problems are affecting social, school or work performance. A diagnosis of ADD requires feedback from teachers and parents in addition to an examination of the patient's clinical condition 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 as obvious and can be difficult to identify by family doctors. This is a condition that can be identified by primary care doctors.
Diagnosis
ADD is a typical mental disorder that affects children however it's often not recognized as an adult. Family physicians are a good source of information to diagnose ADD in adults, especially those who have not been diagnosed or have been dismissed.
Diagnosis is based on clinical assessment often assisted by self-rating scales and interviews and observation of the patient's behavior in various situations (eg at home, at work or socially), complete medical background, including the past and current issues and obtaining feedback from a school or employer. It is essential to rule out other reasons for the symptoms of a person, such as 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 can be diagnosed when the clinician finds six or more signs of inattention in two of seven subcategories. These include difficulty in staying focused or on task, disorganization or forgetfulness, failure to follow the rules or instructions, or 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.
Generally, in order to be considered to have ADD, the symptoms must have been present for at least 6 months and have impaired functioning in two areas of one's life. At least half of people suffering from ADD have comorbid psychological and mental disorders. These include mood disorders (depressions bipolar affective disorder and dysthymia) as well as personality disorders, addictions and anxiety disorders.
The symptoms of ADD are reversible. However, symptoms of adult adhd is to implement strategies that help people put structure in their lives and make behavioural changes. Goal setting, daily routines and using lists and reminders are helpful. It is crucial to teach people to control their impulsive behavior and what causes them. Techniques such as waiting until acting or evaluating a scenario and figuring out alternative options are beneficial. Sometimes, medication is necessary, but a trial of one drug should be administered prior to adding another to make sure it's effective.
Treatment
Adults with inattentive ADD typically struggle at school, work or in their relationships with family and friends. They are more likely to make mistakes, forget important details, and are easily distracted. They are also more likely to suffer from anxiety, depression or substance abuse. Fortunately, many adults find treatment options that can aid them in living more productive lives with ADHD or ADD.
ADD/ADHD, which is among the most prevalent mental disorders, is frequently overlooked by family physicians. This could be due to the fact that doctors in the family are not familiar with the symptoms of ADD/ADHD in adults or because many people with ADD/ADHD also suffer from other disorders, including mood disorders or anxiety.
A diagnosis of inattention ADD is determined by an evaluation that includes feedback from teachers or other professionals, clinical observation, and a thorough background. The symptoms must be persistently problematic and cause significant impairment in multiple environments. To be able to identify inattentive ADD, children under 17 years of age must display at least six signs in the category of inattentive behavior. Adults need at least five of the 11 inattentive behaviors.
Management
Family physicians must be aware of ADD in patients who are adults since the condition can be serious. Inattentional ADD in adults is more common than hyperactive impulsive ADHD however, family physicians still aren't aware of it. A lot of patients are 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, which helps patients to establish more order in the lives they lead, improving their self-esteem and social skills, and encouraging healthy eating and lifestyles and taking medication if necessary. As high as 60% of ADD sufferers get relief from treatment. It is not recommended for children.