Recognizing ADD Symptoms in Adults
You forget appointments or tasks? You might be a nuisance in rooms without knocking or interrupt others when they speak. These actions may be ADHD symptoms when they cause you be in conflict with your daily life.
Adults frequently suffer from comorbid disorders of the psyche, including anxiety and mood disorders as well as their ADHD. Questions that are routinely asked during a clinical interview can reveal signs of ADHD.
Signs and symptoms
A person with ADD is unable to pay close attention to the details, arranging activities, or executing on commitments. He or she makes careless mistakes at school or work, is unable to remember important details such as bills and appointments and is unable to stay focussed on conversations and leisure activities. In addition, a person with this kind of ADD is unable to keep his or her emotions in check and can be easily distracted by other people.
In order to be diagnosed with ADD individuals over the age of 7 must be afflicted by inattention-related symptoms for at minimum six months. The symptoms must appear at least twice and interfere with the patient's social, educational or work-related performance. A diagnosis of ADD requires feedback from parents and teachers and also clinical observation and a careful history. Some patients have a combination of symptoms in both the inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive categories. The symptoms of ADD combined aren't always obvious and can be difficult to diagnose by family doctors. It is a condition that can be diagnosed by primary care physicians.
Diagnosis
Although ADD is one of the most common childhood mental health issues however, it is not always recognized in adulthood. Family physicians are a good source to diagnose ADD in adults, especially those who haven't been diagnosed or discharged.
The diagnosis is based on a clinical assessment, which may include self-ratings and interviews, as well as observation of patients in different situations (e.g. at work, home, or socially), as well as a detailed medical history that considers both past and current difficulties and the feedback from the school or employer. It is important to rule out other causes for the symptoms of a person like sleep issues as well as learning disabilities, alcohol or drugs or mood disorders since they could 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 the doctor is satisfied that there are at least six inattentive criteria in two of the following seven subcategories: difficulty focusing, trouble staying on task 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.
To be classified as having ADD, symptoms must have been evident in at least two different areas of the person's life for at least six months. At least half of people suffering from ADD have a history of comorbid psychological or mental disorders. These include mood disorders (depressions bipolar affective disorder and dysthymia), personality disorders, addictions and anxiety disorders.
The signs of ADD are reversible. However, the best way to treat it is to implement strategies to help people organize their lives and implement behavioural changes. Setting goals, making daily routines and using lists as well as reminding people are all beneficial. It is also crucial to teach people about their triggers for impulsive behavior and provide techniques for controlling them, like taking time before acting, evaluating a situation and working out different options for action. The use of medication is sometimes required, but a trial of one medication should be administered prior to adding another to ensure that it is effective.
Treatment
Adults who aren't attentive ADD may have difficulties working, at the classroom or in their relationships. They tend to miss important details, make impulsive mistakes and get distracted easily. They are also more likely to experience anxiety, depression or abuse. There are a variety of treatment options available to adults with ADD/ADHD that can assist them in living more productive lives.
ADD/ADHD is one of the most common mental health disorders, but it is often not considered in family practices. This could be because family doctors are unfamiliar with the symptoms of ADD/ADHD in adults or because a lot of people suffering from ADD/ADHD have comorbid disorders, including mood disorders or anxiety.
A diagnosis of inattentive ADD is dependent on an assessment that includes feedback from teachers or other professionals, clinical observation and a detailed history. The symptoms have to be persistently difficult to manage and result in significant impairment in a variety of situations. Children under age 17 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 meet a diagnosis of inattentive ADD.
Management
It is very important that family doctors are aware of ADD in adults, as the issues can be serious. Inattentional ADD in adults is more prevalent than hyperactive impulsive ADHD however, family physicians still aren't aware of it. A lot of patients are undiagnosed. In inattentive adhd symptoms , the inattentive type of ADD is misdiagnosed as mood disorders (depression, bipolar affective disorder or substance abuse disorders). Treatment is based on support and education, helping patients develop more discipline in their lives, enhancing self-esteem and social interaction skills and promoting a healthy diet and lifestyle and, if necessary, medication. Medication is helpful in up to 60 percent of ADD patients. It is not recommended for children.