Recognizing ADD Symptoms in Adults
Do you find yourself forgetting appointments or tasks at work? Maybe you barge into rooms without knocking, or interrupt people when they are speaking. These behaviors could be ADHD symptoms if they cause you to encounter conflict in your everyday life.
Adults with ADHD typically suffer from psychiatric conditions such as anxiety and mood disorders. The signs of ADHD can be elicited by routine questions that are asked during the interview.
Symptoms
A person suffering from ADD is unable to pay close attention to the details, arranging activities, or executing on commitments. He or she makes impulsive errors at school or at work, is unable to remember important details like appointments and bills and is unable to stay focussed on conversations and leisure activities. A person with this type is unable to control their emotions and is easily distracted by others.
To be diagnosed with ADD they must have had inattention symptoms at least six month prior to. The symptoms should manifest on two separate occasions and interfere with the patient's school, social or work performance. Parents and teachers must provide feedback, in addition to medical observation and a thorough assessment. 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. However, it is an illness that can be diagnosed and treated by primary care physicians.
Diagnosis
Although ADD is among the most common childhood mental health issues, it's not always recognized in adulthood. Family physicians are an excellent source to diagnose ADD for adults, especially those who haven't been diagnosed or discharged.
The diagnosis is based on a thorough clinical assessment, which may include self-ratings, interviews and observation of patients in various situations (e.g. at work, at home or socially) and an extensive medical history that takes into account the past and present challenges as well as feedback from the employer or school. It is essential to rule out other causes for the person's symptoms like sleep issues or learning disabilities, alcohol or mood disorders or drug use, as these may have similar symptoms 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 inattentive criteria within two of the following seven subcategories: difficulty in paying attention, trouble staying on task, disorganization, failing to follow directions or rules, apathy and 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 be present for at least six months and have impaired functioning in two areas of a person's daily life. In the majority of people suffering from ADD the disorder is accompanied by a comorbid mental or psychiatric issues, including mood disorders (depression bipolar affective disorder and dysthymia), anxiety disorders, addictions and personality disorders.
The symptoms of ADD can be reversed, but the best method to treat it is implementing strategies that help people establish a structure in their lives and change their behaviour. Setting goals, routines for the day and making lists and reminders are helpful. It is also crucial to teach people about their triggers for impulsive behaviour and offer strategies for controlling them, such as taking time before making a decision, evaluating a situation and determining alternatives to take. adult adhd symtoms is sometimes necessary but a test of one medication must be conducted prior to adding another to make sure it is effective.
Treatment
Adults who aren't attentive 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 be suffering from anxiety, depression or addiction issues. There are many adults who are able to find treatment options that help them live more productive lives with ADD/ADHD.
ADD/ADHD, which is among the most common mental disorders, is frequently neglected by family physicians. This is likely due to the fact that family physicians aren't familiar with the symptom manifestations for adults or because those who suffer from ADD/ADHD are often suffering from co-occurring disorders, like mood disorders (depression bipolar affective disorder dysthymia, bipolar affective disorder) and anxiety or substance use disorders.
A diagnosis of inattentive ADD is dependent on an assessment that includes feedback from teachers or other professionals, as well as clinical observation, and a thorough history. The symptoms must be problematic in multiple settings on an ongoing basis and cause significant impairment. Children younger than 17 years old need to have at minimum six symptoms that fall into the inattentive category, and adults must have at minimum 5 of the 11 symptoms to qualify as a diagnosis of inattentive ADD.
Management
Family physicians need to recognize ADD in patients who are adults because the issue could be serious. Inattentional ADD is more often acknowledged in the adult population than the hyperactive impulsive type of ADHD however, it is not well-understood by family physicians, and a lot of patients go undiagnosed. Frequently, the inattentive type of ADD is misdiagnosed as mood disorders (depression or bipolar affective disorder) or anxiety, or addiction disorders. Treatment is based on education and support to help patients establish more discipline in their lives, enhancing self-esteem and social skills as well as encouraging a healthy diet and lifestyle and, if necessary, medication. Up to 60 percent of ADD sufferers get relief from treatment. It is not recommended for children.