Recognizing ADD Symptoms in Adults
You don't remember appointments or tasks? Maybe you barge into rooms without knocking, or interrupt people when they are speaking. If these actions cause conflict in your life, they may be symptoms of ADHD.
Adults frequently suffer from comorbid psychiatric disorders such as mood and anxiety disorders with their ADHD. Signs of ADHD can be elicited by routine questions that are asked during the clinical interview.
Symptoms
A person with ADD might have trouble organizing activities paying attention to particulars or keeping commitments. He or she makes careless errors at school or at work, is unable to remember important details such as bills and appointments, and has difficulty staying focused on conversation and leisure activities. A person who is this type has difficulty controlling their emotions and is easily distracted by the activities of others.
For a person to be diagnosed with ADD they must have had inattention symptoms at least six month prior to. A number of symptoms have to be present on two different occasions and the patient's issues must interfere with social, school or work-related functioning. A diagnosis of ADD requires feedback from parents and teachers, as well as clinical observation and a careful medical 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 as distinct and may be difficult for family doctors to recognize. However it is a condition that can be diagnosed and treated by primary care doctors.
Diagnosis
Although ADD is among the most common childhood mental health conditions however, it is not always recognized in adulthood. Family physicians are an excellent source for diagnosing ADD for adults, especially those who haven't been diagnosed or have been dismissed.
symptoms of adult adhd is based on a clinical assessment, which is often aided by self-rating scales, interviews and observation of the patient's behavior in various situations (eg at home, at work and socially), a thorough medical history, incorporating the past and current issues and getting feedback from a school or employer. symptoms of adhd adult is important to rule out any other possible causes for the symptoms of a person like sleep issues or learning disabilities, alcohol and mood disorders or drug use, as these may have similar presentations 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 can be diagnosed when the clinician finds six or more inattentive symptoms within two of the seven subcategories. These include difficulties in paying attention or staying on task, disorganization or forgetfulness, failure to adhere to the rules or instructions, or 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.
To be recognized as having ADD symptoms must be present in at least two areas of a persons life for a minimum of six months. About half of those who suffer from ADD have comorbid psychological and mental disorders. These include mood disorders (depressions, bipolar affective disorders and dysthymia) as well as addictions, personality disorders and anxiety 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 alter their habits. Setting goals, making daily routines and using lists and reminding people are all helpful. It is also essential to educate people about their triggers for impulsive behavior and to provide methods for reducing them, including taking time before making a decision, evaluating a situation and determining alternative courses of action. Sometimes medication is necessary, but it's important to test a medication prior to adding another.
Treatment
Adults who aren't attentive ADD can have difficulty at work, in the classroom or in their relationships. They tend to make impulsive mistakes, forget important details and get easily distracted. They are also more likely to be suffering from anxiety, depression or substance abuse. Fortunately, there are many treatment options for adults with ADD/ADHD that can aid them in leading more productive lives.
ADD/ADHD, one of the most frequent mental disorders, is often neglected by family physicians. This is likely due to the fact that family doctors are unfamiliar with symptoms of adult ADD/ADHD or because many people with ADD/ADHD suffer from comorbid disorders, like mood disorders or anxiety.
A diagnosis of inattention ADD is determined by an evaluation that includes feedback from teachers or other professionals, clinical observation and a detailed background. The symptoms must be a problem in various settings on a continuous basis and cause significant impairment. To be able to identify inattention ADD children who are under 17 years old must have at least six symptomatic signs that are indicative of inattentional behavior. Adults must have at least five of the 11 inattention-related behaviors.
Management
It is crucial that family physicians recognize ADD in adults because the symptoms can be grave. Inattentive 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 version of ADD is mistakenly categorized as mood disorders (depression bipolar affective disorder, or addiction disorders). Treatment is based on support and education and helps patients create more discipline in their lives, enhancing self-esteem and social interactions as well as encouraging the healthy lifestyle and diet and, if necessary, medication. As high as 60 percent of ADD sufferers can benefit from treatment. It is not recommended for children.