Recognizing ADD Symptoms in Adults
Do you have a tendency to forget the dates or tasks you have to complete at work? You may interrupt others when they are talking or slam into rooms without knocking. These actions may be ADHD symptoms if they cause you to be in conflict with your daily life.
female symptoms of adhd are often diagnosed with psychiatric disorders such as anxiety and mood disorders as well as their ADHD. Signs of ADHD can be elicited by routine questions that are asked during the interview.
Symptoms
A person suffering from ADD might have trouble coordinating activities, paying attention to details or keeping commitments. They often make careless mistakes at school or work, or forgets important details such as appointments and bills and has difficulty staying focused on conversations and leisure activities. Furthermore, a person who suffers from this type of ADD is unable to keep their emotions in check and may be easily distracted by other people.
For a person to be diagnosed with ADD they must have experienced inattentive symptoms at least six month prior. A number of symptoms have to be present on two different occasions and the patient's issues are affecting the school, social, or work-related functioning. Teachers and parents should provide feedback, along with medical 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 aren't always clear cut and can be difficult for family physicians to identify. However, it is an illness that can be diagnosed and treated by primary care physicians.
Diagnosis
ADD is a common mental disorder in children however, it's not always recognized as an adult. Family physicians can play a key role in identifying ADD and sending adults to treatment, specifically those who have been relegated to mental health services or do not have a diagnosis at all.
Diagnosis is based upon clinical assessment often assisted by self-rating scales, interviews and observation of the patient's behavior in various situations (eg at home, at work, socially) as well as an extensive medical history, incorporating previous issues and current difficulties, and obtaining feedback from the school or employer. It is important to exclude other causes for the symptoms of a person, like sleep disorders, learning disabilities or 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 is diagnosed when a clinician observes six or more symptoms of inattention within two of the seven subcategories. These include: difficulty paying attention or staying on task, disorganization or forgetfulness, failure to follow guidelines or rules, and difficulties in 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 least 6 months and be affecting functioning in two areas of a person's life. In the majority of people suffering from ADD the disorder is associated with comorbid mental or psychiatric issues that include mood disorders (depression bipolar affective disorder and dysthymia) as well as addictions, anxiety disorders and personality disorders.
The symptoms of ADD can be reversed however the best way to treat it is by applying strategies to help people establish a structure in their lives and change their behaviour. Goal setting, daily routines and using lists and reminders can be helpful. It is also crucial to help people understand their own triggers for impulsive behavior and provide techniques for controlling them, such as taking time before making a decision, evaluating a situation and determining alternatives to take. Sometimes, medication is required however it is important to test a medication prior to adding another.
Treatment
Adults who aren't attentive ADD might have trouble at work, in school or in their relationships. They are more likely to overlook important details, make impulsive mistakes and become easily distracted. They are more likely to suffer from anxiety, depression or addiction issues. Fortunately, there are many treatment options available to people with ADD/ADHD to aid them in leading more productive lives.
ADD/ADHD is one of the most common mental health disorders, yet it is often ignored in family practice. This is likely due to the fact that 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 can be derived by a thorough assessment which includes feedback from teachers and other professionals as in addition to clinical observations. The symptoms must be a problem in different settings on a regular basis, and cause significant impairment. To be able to identify inattentive ADD children who are under 17 years old must have at least six symptomatic signs that are indicative of inattentional behavior. Adults should have at minimum five of the 11 inattention-related behaviors.
Management
It is vital that family doctors recognize ADD in adults because the problems can be quite grave. Inattentive ADD is more often diagnosed 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 are left undiagnosed. The inattentive version of ADD is mistakenly categorized as mood disorders (depression bipolar affective disorder, or substance abuse disorders). Treatment is focused on education and support and helps patients create more order in their lives, enhancing self-esteem and social interactions, encouraging the healthy lifestyle and diet, and medication if needed. The use of medication can help up to 60 percent of ADD patients. It is not recommended for children.