Recognizing ADD Symptoms in Adults
Do you find yourself unable to remember appointments or tasks at work? Maybe you barge into rooms without knocking or interrupt others when they are speaking. These behaviors could be ADHD symptoms if they cause you to be in conflict with your daily life.
Adults with ADHD frequently suffer from mental health conditions like anxiety and mood disorders. Routine questions asked during the clinical interview may reveal the signs of ADHD.
Signs and symptoms
A person suffering from ADD might have trouble coordinating activities, paying attention to details or keeping commitments. They make impulsive errors at school or at work, is unable to remember important details such as bills and appointments and has trouble staying focused on conversation and leisure activities. Furthermore, a person who suffers from this type of ADD has trouble keeping their emotions in check and may be easily distracted by others.
To be diagnosed with ADD they must have had inattention symptoms for at least six months prior to. A number of symptoms have to be present on two separate occasions and the patient's difficulties have to interfere with school, social or work-related functioning. Parents and teachers must provide feedback, as well as clinical observation and a thorough medical history. Some patients have a combination of symptoms in both the inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive categories. The symptoms of the combined type of ADD are not as evident and can be difficult for family doctors to identify. It is a condition that can be diagnosed by primary care physicians.
Diagnosis
Although ADD is one of the most frequent mental health disorders, it's not always recognized when you reach adulthood. attention deficit disorder symptoms adults can play a significant role in diagnosing ADD and refer adults to treatment, particularly those who have been discharged from mental health services or don't have a diagnosis at all.
The diagnosis is based on a thorough clinical evaluation, which could include self-ratings, interviews and observation of patients in different situations (e.g. at work, at home, or socially) and a detailed medical history that includes both past and current difficulties as well as feedback from the school or employer. It is important to exclude other causes of the symptoms of a person, such as 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. Inattentional ADD can be diagnosed when a clinician observes six or more signs of inattention within two of the seven subcategories. These include: difficulty paying attention or staying on task, disorganization or forgetfulness, failure to follow rules or instructions, and difficulty 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.
In order to be diagnosed as having ADD symptoms must have been evident in at least two different areas of a person's life for a minimum of six months. At least half of people who suffer from 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 symptoms of ADD can be reversed but the best way to treat it is by implementing strategies that help people organize their lives and alter their habits. Setting goals, establishing routines for the day and using lists as well as reminding people of their goals are all beneficial. It is also important to educate people about their triggers for impulsive behavior and offer strategies for controlling them, like waiting before acting, evaluating a situation and coming up with different options for action. Sometimes, medication is necessary, but a test of one medication must be given before adding another to make sure it is effective.
Treatment
Adults with inattentive ADD typically struggle at work, school or in their personal relationships. They tend to make impulsive mistakes, forget important details, and are easily distracted. They are more likely to suffer from anxiety, depression or addiction issues. Many adults are able to find treatment options that can assist them in living more successful lives with ADHD or ADD.
ADD/ADHD is one of the most common mental health disorders, but it is often not considered in family practices. This could be because doctors in the family are not familiar with the symptoms of ADD/ADHD in adults or because a large number of people with ADD/ADHD also suffer from other disorders, including anxiety or mood disorders.
A diagnosis of inattentive ADD is determined by an evaluation that includes feedback from teachers or other professionals, as well as clinical observation and a detailed history. The symptoms must be persistently challenging and cause significant impairment in multiple situations. Children younger than 17 years old need to have at minimum 6 symptoms in the inattentive category, and adults must have at minimum five of the 11 inattentive symptoms to meet a diagnosis of inattentive ADD.
Management
Family physicians must recognize ADD in patients who are adults because the problem can be serious. Inattentional ADD in adults is more common than hyperactive impulsive ADHD, but family physicians do not understand it well. A lot of patients are undiagnosed. The inattentive kind of ADD is mistakenly identified as mood disorders (depression or bipolar affective disorder) or anxiety, or substance use disorders. Treatment is based on education and support and helps patients create more order in their lives, enhancing self-esteem and social interactions as well as encouraging the healthy lifestyle and diet and taking medication when needed. Up to 60 percent of ADD sufferers can benefit from medication. It should not be used in children because it is not safe for children.