Recognizing ADD Symptoms in Adults
Do you find yourself unable to remember the dates or tasks you have to complete at work? You might be a nuisance in rooms without knocking or interrupting others when they speak. These behaviors could be ADHD symptoms when they cause you to have conflict in your everyday life.
Adults frequently suffer from comorbid disorders of the psyche, including anxiety and mood disorders as well as their ADHD. Clues to ADHD can be elicited by routine questions during the interview with a clinical psychologist.
Signs and symptoms
A person suffering from ADD might have trouble organizing activities paying attention to details or keeping commitments. They make impulsive errors at school or at work, forgets important items such as bills and appointments, and has difficulty staying focussed on conversations and leisure activities. Additionally, someone with this type of ADD struggles to keep his or her emotions in check and can be easily distracted by others.
In order to be diagnosed with ADD those over 7 must have been afflicted by inattentive symptoms for at least six months. A number of symptoms have to be present on two distinct occasions, and the patient's problems have to interfere with the school, social, or work-related functioning. A diagnosis of ADD requires feedback from teachers and parents and also clinical observation and a careful background. Some patients have a combination of symptoms in both the inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive categories. The symptoms of this type of ADD aren't always distinct and may be difficult for family physicians to identify. It is a condition that can be identified by primary care doctors.
Diagnosis
ADD is a common mental disorder that affects children however it's often not recognized when you turn an adult. Family physicians play a significant role in diagnosing ADD and sending adults to treatment, especially those who have been relegated to mental health care or do not have a diagnosis at all.
Diagnosis is based upon clinical assessment, which is often aided by self-rating scales and interviews and observation of the patient in various situations (eg at work, at home or socially) and an extensive medical background, including previous issues and current difficulties and obtaining feedback from the school or employer. It is essential to rule out other reasons for the symptoms of a person that could be related to sleep issues as well as learning disabilities, alcohol or drug use or mood disorders because they may have similar presentations 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 is satisfied that there are six or more indicators of inattention in two of the following seven subcategories: difficulty paying attention or staying focused or in a state of disorganization, failure to follow directions or rules, forgetfulness 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.
In general, to be considered to have ADD the symptoms must have been present for at least 6 months and have caused impairment in two areas of a person's daily life. At adhd symptoms of people suffering from ADD have a history of comorbid psychological or mental disorders. adhd symptoms women include mood disorders (depressions bipolar affective disorder and dysthymia), addictions, personality disorders and anxiety disorders.
The symptoms of ADD can be reversed, but the best method to treat it is by adopting strategies that allow people to establish a structure in their lives and alter their habits. Goal setting, daily routines and using lists and reminders can be beneficial. It is essential to teach people to manage their impulsive behavior and to understand what triggers them. Techniques like waiting before taking action, or evaluating a situation and coming up with alternatives are helpful. Sometimes medication is necessary however it is important to test one medication before adding another.
Treatment
Adults who aren't attentive ADD may have difficulties working, at the classroom or in their relationships. They tend to forget important details, make careless mistakes and get distracted easily. They are also more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety or substance abuse. Fortunately, there are many treatment options for adults with ADD/ADHD that can aid them in leading more productive lives.
ADD/ADHD is among the most common mental health conditions, yet it is often not considered in family practices. This could be due to the fact that family doctors are unfamiliar with the symptoms of ADD/ADHD in adults or because a lot of people suffering from ADD/ADHD also suffer from other disorders, such as anxiety or mood disorders.
A diagnosis of inattention ADD can be derived through a thorough evaluation that includes feedback from teachers and other professionals as in addition to clinical observations. The symptoms have to be persistently challenging and cause significant impairment in multiple situations. Children under the age of 17 have to have at least 6 symptoms in the inattentive category, and adults must have at least 5 of the 11 inattentive symptoms to be diagnosed of inattentive ADD.
Management
Family physicians must be aware of ADD in patients who are adults because the issue could be serious. Inattentive ADD in adults is more common than hyperactive impulsive ADHD however, family physicians still do not understand it well. Many patients are left undiagnosed. In many cases, the inattentive type of ADD is misdiagnosed with mood disorders (depression, bipolar affective disorder, or addiction disorders). The treatment is based on education and support, assisting patients to establish more structure in the lives they lead and improve their self-esteem as well as social skills, encouraging healthy eating and lifestyles and taking medication, should it be required. Medication is helpful in up to 60% of ADD patients. It is not recommended to use in children because it is not safe for children.