Recognizing ADD Symptoms in Adults
You forget appointments or tasks? You might be a nuisance in rooms without knocking, or interrupt people when they're speaking. If these actions cause conflict in your life, they could be symptoms of ADHD.
Adults frequently suffer from comorbid disorders of the psyche, including mood and anxiety disorders with their ADHD. The signs of ADHD can be discovered through routine questions during the interview.
Signs and symptoms
A person suffering from ADD has difficulty paying close attention to the details, arranging activities, or executing on commitments. He or she makes impulsive errors at school or at work, is unable to remember important details such as bills and appointments and has trouble staying focused on conversation and leisure activities. A person who is this type struggles to control their emotions and can easily be distracted by other people.
For a person to be diagnosed with ADD they must have been afflicted with inattention for at least six months prior. A number of symptoms have to be present on two different occasions and the patient's issues must interfere with the school, social, or work-related functioning. 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 are not as obvious and can be difficult to identify by family physicians. However, it is an illness that can be diagnosed and treated by primary care doctors.
Diagnosis
Although ADD is among the most common childhood mental health issues however, it is not always recognized in adulthood. Family physicians are a great resource for diagnosing ADD for adults, especially those who haven't been diagnosed or have been discharged.
Diagnosis is based on clinical assessment often assisted by self-rating scales, interviews and observation of the patient in different situations (eg at work, at home or socially) and complete medical history, incorporating previous issues and current difficulties, and obtaining feedback from school or the employer. It is essential to rule out other causes of the symptoms of a person, such as 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. Inattentive ADD is diagnosed when the clinician is satisfied that there are at least six inattentive criteria in two of the following seven subcategories: difficulty paying attention and difficulty staying focused, disorganization, failing to follow instructions 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.
In general, to be diagnosed with ADD, the symptoms must have been present for at least six months and have impaired functioning in two different areas of a person's daily life. In at least half of all people suffering from ADD the disorder is associated with a variety of comorbid mental or psychiatric issues such as mood disorders (depression, bipolar affective disorder and dysthymia) as well as addictions, anxiety disorders and personality disorders.
Symptoms of ADD are reversible, but the best way to treat it is to implement strategies that aid people put structure in their lives and implement behavioural changes. Setting goals, creating daily routines, and using lists and reminding people are all beneficial. It is essential to teach people how to manage their impulsive behavior and what causes them. Techniques such as waiting before making a decision or evaluating the situation and working out alternatives are useful. The use of medication is sometimes required, but a trial of one medication must be conducted prior to adding another one to ensure it is effective.
More with inattention ADD may have difficulties working, at school or in their relationships. They tend to make impulsive errors, miss crucial details and become easily distracted. They are also more likely to suffer from anxiety, depression or abuse. There are many treatment options for adults with ADD/ADHD that can assist them in living more productive lives.
ADD/ADHD, one of the most frequent mental disorders, is frequently neglected by family physicians. This is likely due to the fact that family doctors are unfamiliar with the symptoms of ADD/ADHD in adults or because many people with ADD/ADHD suffer from comorbid disorders, including anxiety or mood disorders.
A diagnosis of inattention ADD is dependent on an assessment that includes feedback from teachers or other professionals, clinical observation, and a thorough medical background. The symptoms have to be problematic in multiple settings on an ongoing basis and cause significant impairment. To be able to identify inattention ADD, children under 17 years of age must display at least six signs in the category of inattentive behavior. Adults need at least five of the eleven inattentive behaviors.
Management
It is crucial that family doctors recognize ADD in adults as the symptoms can be serious. Inattentive ADD is more frequently acknowledged in the adult population than the hyperactive impulsive form of ADHD however, it is not well understood by family physicians, and a lot of patients go undiagnosed. Often, the inattentive form of ADD is mistakenly categorized as mood disorders (depression or bipolar affective disorders, or substance abuse disorders). The treatment is based on education and support, helping patients develop more order in the lives they lead and improve their self-esteem as well as social skills, encouraging healthy lifestyles and eating habits and taking medication, when needed. About 60 percent of ADD sufferers can benefit from medication. It is not recommended for children.