Recognizing ADD Symptoms in Adults
You forget appointments or tasks? You might interrupt people while they are talking or slam into rooms without knocking. These actions may be ADHD symptoms when they cause you to be in conflict with your daily life.
Adults with ADHD typically suffer from psychiatric conditions such as anxiety and mood disorders. Signs of ADHD can be elicited by routine questions in the interview.
Symptoms
A person suffering from ADD has difficulty paying close focus on details, organising tasks, or executing on commitments. He or she often makes mistakes in school or at work, or forgets important details like 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 can easily be distracted by other people.
To be diagnosed with ADD they must have been afflicted with inattention at least six month prior to. Several of the symptoms must be present on two distinct occasions and the patient's difficulties have to interfere with school, social or work performance. what are symptoms of adhd in adults of ADD requires feedback from parents and teachers in addition to 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 always evident and can be difficult for family physicians to recognize. 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 however, it is not always recognized until later in life. Family physicians are a good source of information for diagnosing ADD in adults, especially those who haven't been diagnosed or have been dismissed.
Diagnosis is based on clinical assessment often assisted by self-rating scales, interview and observation of the patient in various situations (eg at work, at home, socially) as well as an extensive medical history, incorporating the past and current issues, and obtaining feedback from a school or the employer. It is essential to rule out other causes for the symptoms a person experiences, such as sleep disorders or learning disabilities, as well as 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 a doctor is satisfied that there are at least six inattentive criteria in two of the following seven subcategories: difficulty paying attention, trouble staying on task and disorganization, inability 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 considered to have ADD, the symptoms must have been present for at minimum 6 months and be affecting functioning in two different areas of one's life. In the majority of people suffering from ADD it is accompanied by a comorbid psychological or psychiatric problems such as 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 manage it is by applying strategies to help people organize their lives and alter their behavior. Setting goals, routines for the day and using lists and reminders can be useful. It is essential to help people learn to control their impulsive behavior as well as what triggers them. Techniques such as waiting before making a decision or evaluating the situation and figuring out alternative options are helpful. Sometimes, medication is required however it is important to test a medication prior to adding another.
Treatment
Adults who aren't attentive ADD typically have trouble at school, at work or in their relationships with family and friends. what are the symptoms of adult adhd tend to make impulsive mistakes, forget important details and get easily distracted. They are also more likely to be suffering from anxiety, depression or abuse. There are many adults who have treatment options to aid them in living more successful lives with ADD/ADHD.
ADD/ADHD, one of the most frequent mental disorders, is frequently overlooked by family physicians. This may be because family physicians are unfamiliar with the symptoms that manifest in adults or because people who have ADD/ADHD frequently have comorbid problems, such as mood disorders (depression, bipolar affective disorder dysthymia, bipolar affective disorder) and anxiety, or alcohol-related disorders.
A diagnosis of inattentive ADD is determined by an evaluation that includes feedback from teachers or other professionals, as well as clinical observation and a detailed history. The symptoms must be a problem in multiple settings on an ongoing basis and result in significant impairment. Children under age 17 need to show 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 need to recognize ADD in patients of all ages because the problem can be serious. Inattentive ADD in adults is more prevalent than hyperactive impulsive ADHD, but family physicians don't know how to recognize it. Many patients remain undiagnosed. In many cases, the inattentive type of ADD is misdiagnosed with mood disorders (depression or bipolar affective disorders, or addiction disorders). The treatment is based on education and support, which helps patients to develop more structure in the lives they lead and improve their self-esteem as well as social skills, promoting healthy lifestyles and eating habits, and medication, should it be required. As high as 60% of ADD sufferers benefit from medication. It is not recommended for children.