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 people when they are talking or slam into rooms without knocking. If these actions cause conflicts in your life, they may be symptoms of ADHD.
Adults are often diagnosed with mental disorders, such as anxiety and mood disorders as well as their ADHD. Questions that are routinely asked during a clinical interview can reveal the symptoms of ADHD.
Symptoms
A person suffering from ADD has difficulty paying close attention to details, organizing tasks, or executing on commitments. He or she makes impulsive mistakes at school or work, forgets important items such as bills and appointments, and has difficulty staying focused on conversation and leisure activities. Additionally, someone with this type of ADD has trouble keeping his or her emotions in check and may be easily distracted by people around them.
To be diagnosed with ADD individuals over the age of 7 must have been affected by inattention-related symptoms for at minimum six months. Several of the symptoms must be present on two different occasions, and the patient's problems have to interfere with the school, social, or work-related functioning. A diagnosis of ADD requires feedback from parents and teachers, as well as medical observation and a thorough background. 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 as clear cut and can be difficult for family doctors to identify. However it is a condition that can be diagnosed and treated by primary care doctors.
Diagnosis
Although ADD is one of the most frequent mental health issues, it's not always recognized when you reach adulthood. Family physicians are an excellent resource to diagnose ADD for adults, especially those who haven't been diagnosed or have been dismissed.
The diagnosis is based on a the clinical assessment of a patient, often supported by self-rating scales, interview and observation of the patient's behavior in various situations (eg at home, at work or socially), an extensive medical history, incorporating previous issues and current difficulties and getting feedback from a school or the employer. It is important to exclude other reasons 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 can be identified when the clinician finds six or more inattentive symptoms within two of the seven subcategories. These include: difficulty paying attention or staying focused, disorganization, forgetfulness, failure to adhere to guidelines or rules, and trouble 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.
In general, to be diagnosed with ADD, the symptoms must be present for at minimum 6 months and be affecting functioning in two areas of a person's life. About female symptoms of adhd of those who suffer from ADD have a history of comorbid psychological or mental disorders. These include mood disorders (depressions bipolar affective disorder and dysthymia), addictions, personality disorders and anxiety disorders.
The symptoms of ADD can be reversed, but the best way to treat it is implementing strategies that help people organize their lives and alter their behavior. Setting goals, establishing routines for the day and using lists and reminding people are all helpful. It is also crucial to help people understand their triggers for impulsive behaviour and to provide methods for reducing them, like waiting before taking action, evaluating the situation and working out alternatives to take. Sometimes, medication is required however it is important to test one medication before adding another.
Treatment
Adults with inattentive ADD might have trouble working, at school or in their relationships. They tend to miss important details, make impulsive mistakes and get distracted easily. They are also more likely to suffer from anxiety, depression or substance abuse. Many adults are able to have treatment options to help them live more successful lives with ADD/ADHD.
ADD/ADHD, one of the most prevalent mental disorders, is often neglected by family physicians. This may be because family physicians are not familiar with the symptom manifestations in adults or because people who suffer from ADD/ADHD are often suffering from multiple disorders, including mood disorders (depression bipolar affective disorder, depression, dysthymia) and anxiety, or addiction disorders.
A diagnosis of inattentive ADD can be derived through a thorough evaluation which includes feedback from teachers and other professionals as well as clinical observation. The symptoms have to be persistently difficult to manage and result in significant impairment in a variety of environments. Children under age 17 need to show at least six symptoms that fall into the inattentive category, and adults must have at least five of the 11 inattentive symptoms to qualify as a diagnosis of inattentive ADD.
Management
It is crucial that family physicians recognize ADD in adults, as the issues can be serious. Inattentional ADD in adults is more prevalent than hyperactive impulsive ADHD, but family physicians still do not understand it well. Many patients remain undiagnosed. Frequently, the inattentive type of ADD is misdiagnosed as mood disorders (depression or bipolar affective disorder) or anxiety, or addiction disorders. Treatment is focused on education and support, helping patients develop more order in their lives, enhancing self-esteem and social interactions and promoting a healthy diet and lifestyle, and medication if needed. female symptoms of adhd of medication can help up to 60% of ADD patients. It is not recommended for children.