Recognizing ADD Symptoms in Adults
Do you find yourself forgetting the dates or tasks you have to complete at work? Maybe you barge into rooms without knocking, or interrupt people when they speak. These behaviors could be ADHD symptoms when they cause you to have conflict in 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 suffering from ADD is unable to pay close attention to the details, arranging activities, or following through on commitments. He or she makes impulsive errors at school or at work, and forgets important things like appointments and bills and is unable to stay focused on conversations and leisure activities. Someone with this kind of personality struggles to control their emotions and can easily be distracted by the activities of others.
To be diagnosed with ADD, people over age 7 must have been afflicted by inattentive symptoms for at least six months. Several of the symptoms must be present on two separate occasions and the patient's issues must interfere with the school, social, or work functioning. A diagnosis of ADD requires feedback from teachers and parents, as well as clinical observation and a careful history. 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 doctors to identify. However, it is a condition that can be diagnosed and treated by primary care physicians.
Diagnosis
Although ADD is one of the most prevalent mental health issues but it's not always acknowledged in adulthood. Family physicians play a significant role in identifying ADD and sending adults to treatment, especially those who have been discharged from mental health services or do not have a diagnosis at all.
The diagnosis is based on a thorough clinical assessment, which can include self-ratings and interviews, as well as observation of patients in various situations (e.g. at work, home or socially), as well as an extensive medical history that includes both past and current difficulties and feedback from the employer or school. It is important to rule out other causes for a person's symptoms, such as sleep problems as well as learning disabilities, alcohol and drug use or mood disorders, as these may be similar 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 for two of the seven subcategories: difficulty paying attention, trouble staying on task and disorganization, inability 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.
Generally, in order to be able to identify ADD, the symptoms must be present for at minimum 6 months and be affecting functioning in two areas of one's life. A majority of people suffering from ADD have comorbid psychological and psychiatric disorders. These include mood disorders (depressions, bipolar affective disorders and dysthymia) and personality disorders, addictions and anxiety disorders.
The symptoms of ADD can be reversed however the best way to manage it is by implementing strategies that help people establish a structure in their lives and alter their behavior. Goal setting, daily routines and using lists and reminders can be helpful. It is important to teach people how to control their impulsive behavior and to understand what triggers them. female symptoms of adhd as waiting until acting or evaluating a scenario and figuring out alternative options are useful. Medication is sometimes necessary but a trial of one medication should be given before adding another to make sure it's effective.
Treatment
Adults with inattention ADD may have difficulties at work, in school, or in their relationships. They are more likely to make mistakes, forget crucial details and become easily distracted. They are also more likely to experience anxiety, depression or substance abuse. There are many treatment options available to those suffering from ADD/ADHD, which can assist them in living more productive lives.
ADD/ADHD is among the most commonly reported mental health disorders, yet it is often ignored in family practices. This is likely due to the fact that family doctors are unfamiliar with symptoms of adult ADD/ADHD or because a lot of people suffering from ADD/ADHD suffer from comorbid disorders, including anxiety or mood disorders.
A diagnosis of inattentive ADD can be derived based on a thorough evaluation which includes feedback from teachers and other professionals as and clinical observation. The symptoms must be persistently challenging and cause significant impairment in a variety of situations. Children under the age of 17 have to show at least 6 symptoms in the inattentive category and adults need at minimum five of the 11 inattentive symptoms to qualify as a diagnosis of inattentive ADD.
Management
Family physicians must be aware of ADD in patients of all ages because the issue could be serious. Inattentional ADD in adults is more common than hyperactive impulsive ADHD however, doctors of the family don't know how to recognize it. Many patients are left undiagnosed. The inattentive kind of ADD is misdiagnosed as mood disorders (depression or bipolar affective disorder) or anxiety, or substance use disorders. The treatment is based on education and support, helping patients to develop more structure in the lives they lead by enhancing their self-esteem and social skills, promoting healthy lifestyles and eating habits and taking medication, should it be required. Medication is helpful in up to 60 percent of ADD patients. It is not recommended for children.