Recognizing ADD Symptoms in Adults
Do you find yourself unable to remember the dates or tasks you have to complete at work? Maybe you barge into rooms without knocking, or interrupt people when they're speaking. These behaviors could be ADHD symptoms when they cause you be in conflict with your daily life.
Adults with ADHD typically suffer from psychiatric conditions such as anxiety and mood disorders. The signs of ADHD can be discovered through routine questions in the interview with a clinical psychologist.
Signs and symptoms
A person with ADD has difficulty paying close attention to the details, arranging activities, or following through on commitments. He or she often makes mistakes in school or at work, forgets important things 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 others.
For a person to be diagnosed with ADD they must have been afflicted with inattention at least six months prior to. signs of attention deficit disorder in adults must manifest at least twice and affect the patient's social, educational or work-related performance. A diagnosis of ADD requires feedback from teachers and parents, as well as 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 the combined type of ADD aren't always distinct and may be difficult for family physicians to identify. It is a condition which can be diagnosed by primary care providers.
Diagnosis
Although ADD is among the most common childhood mental health issues however, it is not always recognized when you reach adulthood. Family physicians are a great 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 thorough clinical assessment, which can include self-ratings, an interview and observation of patients in various situations (e.g. at work, home or socially) as well as an extensive medical history that includes both current and past difficulties as well as feedback from the school or employer. It is important to rule out other reasons for the symptoms of a person that could be related to sleep issues or learning disabilities, alcohol and drugs or mood disorders since they could have similar symptoms 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 identified when a clinician observes six or more symptoms of inattention in two of seven subcategories. These include: difficulty in staying focused or on track, 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 classified as having ADD symptoms must have been present in at least two aspects of the person's life for a minimum of six months. At least half of people with ADD suffer from comorbid psychological and mental disorders. These include mood disorders (depressions and bipolar affective disorders and dysthymia), personality disorders, addictions and anxiety disorders.
The symptoms of ADD can be reversed, but the best method to treat it is applying strategies to help people create structure in their life and change their behaviour. Setting goals, making daily routines, and using lists and reminding people of their goals are all beneficial. It is also important to help people understand their own triggers for impulsive behavior and to provide methods for reducing them, including waiting before taking action, evaluating the situation and determining different options for action. Sometimes medication is necessary however it is essential to test a medication prior to adding another.
Treatment
Adults with inattention ADD might have trouble working, at school, or in their relationships. They tend to miss important details, make careless mistakes and become easily distracted. signs and symptoms of adhd in women are more likely to suffer from anxiety, depression or addiction issues. Fortunately, there are many treatment options available to people with ADD/ADHD to help them lead more productive lives.
ADD/ADHD, which is among the most common mental disorders, is often overlooked 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, like anxiety or mood disorders.
A diagnosis of inattention ADD is through a thorough evaluation, which includes feedback from teachers and other professionals as well as clinical observation. The symptoms must be consistently problematic and cause significant impairment in multiple settings. Children under age 17 need to have at least six symptoms that fall into the inattentive category, while adults require at least 5 of the 11 inattentive symptoms to meet a diagnosis of inattentive ADD.
Management
Family physicians must recognize ADD in patients of all ages since the condition can be serious. Inattentive ADD is more often recognized in the adult population than the hyperactive impulsive type of ADHD but it is still not well-understood by family doctors and many patients are not diagnosed. The inattentive version of ADD is misdiagnosed as mood disorders (depression bipolar affective disorder or addiction disorders). Treatment is based on education and support, helping patients develop more structure in their lives, and improving self-esteem and social skills as well as encouraging the healthy lifestyle and diet, and medication if needed. Treatment is beneficial for up to 60 percent of ADD patients. It is not recommended to use in children because it is not safe for children.