Recognizing ADD Symptoms in Adults

Do you have a tendency to forget appointments or tasks at work? You might be a nuisance in rooms without knocking or interrupting others when they are speaking. If these actions cause conflict in your life, they may be symptoms of ADHD.

Adults suffering from ADHD often have comorbid mental disorders, such as anxiety and mood disorders. Signs of ADHD can be discovered through routine questions during the clinical interview.

Signs and symptoms

A person suffering from ADD has difficulty paying close attention to details, organizing activities, or executing on commitments. They often make careless mistakes at school or work, or forgets important details such as appointments and bills and is unable to stay focused on conversations and leisure activities. A person who is this type is unable to control their emotions and can easily be distracted by the activities of others.

In order to be diagnosed with ADD, people over age 7 must have been affected by inattention symptoms for at minimum six months. The symptoms must appear at least twice and interfere with the patient's school, social, or work functioning. A diagnosis of ADD requires feedback from parents and teachers and also an examination of the patient's clinical condition and a thorough history. Some patients have a combination of symptoms in both the inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive categories. The symptoms of ADD combined aren't as obvious and [Redirect-302] can be difficult to diagnose by family physicians. This is a condition that can be diagnosed by primary care providers.

Diagnosis

ADD is a typical childhood mental disorder however, it's not always recognized as an adult. Family physicians are a good source of information to diagnose ADD for adults, especially those who haven't been diagnosed or have been dismissed.

The diagnosis is based on a clinical assessment, which can include self-ratings, interviews and observation of patients in different situations (e.g. at work, home or socially) as well as a detailed medical history that considers both past and current difficulties as well as feedback from the school or employer. It is important to exclude other causes of the symptoms a person experiences, 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 adhd symptoms 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 in two of the following seven subcategories: difficulty paying attention or staying focused or in a state of disorganization, failure to follow directions 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 order to be diagnosed as having ADD, symptoms must be present in at least two different areas of the person's life for a minimum of six months. At least half of people with ADD have a history of comorbid psychological or mental disorders. These include mood disorders (depressions and bipolar affective disorders and dysthymia) and addictions, personality disorders and anxiety disorders.

Symptoms of ADD are reversible. However, the best approach is to implement strategies that help people to organize their lives and make behavioural changes. Goal setting, daily routines and making lists and reminders are beneficial. It is also crucial to help people understand their triggers for impulsive behavior and provide techniques for controlling them, such as taking time before making a decision, evaluating a situation and working out different options for action. Medication is sometimes necessary but a test of one medication should be given before adding another to ensure that it is effective.

Treatment

Adults with inattention ADD might have trouble at work, in school or in their relationships. They are more likely to overlook important details, make careless mistakes and get distracted easily. They are more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety, or substance abuse. There are many treatment options available to people with ADD/ADHD to assist them in living more productive lives.

ADD/adhd and adults symptoms, which is among the most frequent mental disorders, is often ignored by family doctors. This may be because family physicians are not familiar with the symptoms that manifest for adults or because those who suffer from ADD/adhd and bpd symptoms are often suffering from comorbid problems, such as mood disorders (depression bipolar affective disorder dysthymia, bipolar affective disorder) and anxiety, or addiction disorders.

A diagnosis of inattention ADD is based on an evaluation that includes feedback from teachers or other professionals, as well as clinical observation, and a thorough medical history. The symptoms must be problematic in multiple settings on an ongoing basis, and cause significant impairment. In order to diagnose inattentive ADD children who are under 17 years old must have at least six signs in the category of inattentive behavior. Adults must have at least five of the 11 inattentive behaviors.

Management

It is crucial that family doctors recognize ADD in adults as the symptoms can be serious. inattentive adhd symptoms ADD is more often acknowledged in the adult population than the hyperactive impulsive form of ADHD but it is not well-understood by family physicians and many patients are left undiagnosed. In many cases, the inattentive type of ADD is misdiagnosed as mood disorders (depression bipolar affective disorder or substance abuse disorders). The treatment is based on education and support, which helps patients to develop more order in the lives they lead, improving their self-esteem and social skills, and encouraging healthy eating and lifestyles, and medication, when needed. As high as 60% of ADD sufferers benefit from treatment. It should not be used in children as it is not safe for them.