Recognizing ADD Symptoms in Adults
You don't remember appointments or tasks? Maybe you barge into rooms without knocking, or interrupt people when they are speaking. These behaviors could be ADHD symptoms when they cause you to encounter conflict in your everyday life.
Adults suffering from ADHD typically suffer from mental disorders, such as anxiety and mood disorders. Clues to ADHD can be elicited by routine questions that are asked during the interview.
Symptoms
A person suffering from ADD isn't able to pay attention to details, organizing tasks, or executing on commitments. He or she makes impulsive mistakes at school or work, is unable to remember important details like appointments and bills, and has difficulty staying focused on conversation and leisure activities. Someone with this kind of personality has difficulty controlling their emotions and can easily be distracted by others.
To be diagnosed with ADD they must have been afflicted with inattention at least six months prior. The symptoms must manifest on two separate occasions and impact the patient's school, social, or work functioning. Teachers and parents should provide feedback, along with medical observation and a thorough 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. It 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 when you turn an adult. Family physicians can be a crucial factor in diagnosing ADD and sending adults to treatment, specifically those who have been discharged from mental health services or don't have a diagnosis at all.
The diagnosis is based on a clinical assessment often assisted by self-rating scales and interviews and observation of the patient in different situations (eg at home, at work and socially), complete medical history, incorporating the past and current issues, and obtaining feedback from the school or employer. It is essential to rule out other reasons for the person's symptoms, such as sleep problems, learning disabilities, alcohol and drug use or mood disorders because they may have similar presentations to ADD.
adhd signs in adults 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. Inattentional ADD can be identified when the clinician finds six or more symptoms of inattention within two of the seven subcategories. This includes: difficulty in staying focused or on track, disorganization or forgetfulness, inability to follow the rules or instructions, or 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.
Generally, in order to be considered to have ADD, the symptoms must be present for at minimum 6 months and be affecting functioning in two areas of one's life. About half of those who suffer from ADD have a history of comorbid psychological or psychiatric disorders. These include mood disorders (depressions and bipolar affective disorders and dysthymia), addictions, personality disorders and anxiety disorders.
The symptoms of ADD can be reversed, however the best way to treat it is implementing strategies that help people organize their lives and alter their habits. Setting goals, routines for the day and using lists and reminders can be useful. It is also crucial to teach people about their own triggers for impulsive behavior and to provide methods for reducing them, like taking time before making a decision, evaluating a situation and coming up with different options for action. Medication is sometimes necessary but a test of one drug should be conducted prior to adding another to ensure that it's effective.
Treatment
Adults who aren't attentive ADD typically struggle at school, at work or in their relationships with family and friends. They tend to make careless mistakes, overlook important details and get easily distracted. They are also more likely to suffer from anxiety, depression or substance abuse. Fortunately, many adults have treatment options to help them live more successful lives with ADD/ADHD.
ADD/ADHD is one of the most prevalent mental health conditions, yet it is often ignored in family practices. This is likely due to the fact that family doctors are unfamiliar with the symptoms of ADD/ADHD in adults or because a large number of people with ADD/ADHD suffer from comorbid disorders, including mood disorders or anxiety.
A diagnosis of inattention ADD can be derived based on a thorough evaluation which includes feedback from teachers and other professionals, as in addition to clinical observations. The symptoms have to be problematic in multiple settings on an ongoing basis and result in significant impairment. To diagnose inattention ADD children who are under 17 years old must show at least six signs that are indicative of inattentional behavior. Adults must have at minimum five of the 11 inattentive behaviors.
Management
It is vital that family physicians recognize ADD in adults as the symptoms can be grave. Inattentional ADD in adults is more prevalent than hyperactive impulsive ADHD, but family physicians still aren't aware of it. Many patients are left undiagnosed. In many cases, the inattentive form of ADD is misdiagnosed as mood disorders (depression or bipolar affective disorder) or anxiety addiction disorders. Treatment is based on support and education and helps patients create more discipline in their lives, enhancing self-esteem and social skills, encouraging an active lifestyle and healthy diet and taking medication when needed. Medication is helpful in up to 60 percent of ADD patients. It is not recommended to use in children as it is not safe for them.