Recognizing ADD Symptoms in Adults
Do you find yourself unable to remember important dates or tasks at work? You may interrupt others when they are talking or slam into rooms without knocking. These behaviors could be ADHD symptoms when they cause you to be in conflict with your everyday life.
Adults frequently suffer from comorbid disorders of the psyche, including mood and anxiety disorders with their ADHD. The routine questions that are asked during the clinical interview can reveal the symptoms of ADHD.
Signs and symptoms
A person suffering from ADD may have difficulty organizing activities paying attention to particulars or keeping commitments. He or she often makes mistakes in school or at work, forgets important things such as bills and appointments and is unable to stay focused on conversations and leisure activities. A person with this type has difficulty controlling their emotions and is easily distracted by other people.
For a person to be diagnosed with ADD they must have experienced inattentive symptoms at least six months prior. Several of the symptoms must be present on two distinct occasions and the patient's issues are affecting social, school or work performance. Teachers and parents must provide feedback, along with an examination of the patient's clinical condition and a thorough medical history. Some patients have a combination of symptoms in both the inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive categories. The symptoms of ADD combined are not as evident and are often difficult to recognize by family doctors. It is a condition that can be identified by primary care doctors.
Diagnosis
ADD is a common mental disorder that affects children however it's often not recognized as an adult. Family physicians are a good source to diagnose ADD in adults, particularly those who have not been diagnosed or have been discharged.
Diagnosis is based on clinical assessment, which is often aided by self-rating scales, interview and observation of the patient in different situations (eg at work, at home, socially), complete medical history, incorporating past problems and present difficulties and getting feedback from school or employer. It is crucial to rule out other causes for the person's symptoms like sleep issues as well as learning disabilities, alcohol and drugs or mood disorders, as these may be similar 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 symptoms of inattention in two of seven subcategories. This includes: difficulty in staying focused or on track, disorganization or forgetfulness, failure to adhere to guidelines or rules, and difficulty 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 aspects of a persons life for at least six months. In at least half of all people suffering from ADD it is associated with a variety of comorbid mental or psychiatric disorders, including mood disorders (depression, dysthymia and bipolar affective disorder) and addictions, anxiety disorders and personality 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 change their behaviour. Setting goals, establishing routines for the day and using lists as well as reminding people of their goals are all beneficial. It is also crucial to educate people about their own triggers for impulsive behaviour and to provide methods for reducing them, like waiting before making a decision, evaluating a situation and working out different options for action. Sometimes medication is necessary, but it's important to test one medication before adding another.
Treatment
Adults with inattention ADD typically struggle at work, school or in their personal relationships. They tend to forget important details, make careless mistakes and become easily distracted. They are also more likely to suffer from anxiety, depression or substance abuse. There are many adults who have treatment options to assist them in living more productive lives with ADHD or ADD.
ADD/ADHD is one of the most commonly reported mental health disorders, yet it is often not considered in family practices. This may be because family physicians are not familiar with the symptom presentation for adults or because those who have ADD/ADHD frequently have co-occurring disorders, like mood disorders (depression, bipolar affective disorder dysthymia) and anxiety, or substance use disorders.
A diagnosis of inattentive ADD is by a thorough assessment which includes feedback from teachers and other professionals as and clinical observation. The symptoms have to be problematic in various settings on a continuous basis and cause significant impairment. Children under age 17 need to have at least 6 symptoms in the inattentive category and adults need at minimum 5 of the 11 inattentive symptoms to be diagnosed of inattentive ADD.
Management
Family physicians must be aware of ADD in patients who are adults because the problem can be serious. Inattentive ADD is more frequently diagnosed in the adult population than the hyperactive impulsive form of ADHD but it is still not well-understood by family physicians, and a lot of patients are left undiagnosed. The inattentive kind of ADD is mistakenly identified as mood disorders (depression or bipolar affective disorder), anxiety, or substance use disorders. Treatment is based on support and education, helping patients develop more structure in their lives, improving self-esteem and social interactions, encouraging a healthy diet and lifestyle and taking medication when needed. About add symptoms adults of ADD sufferers get relief from treatment. It is not recommended for children.