Recognizing ADD Symptoms in Adults
Do you forget appointments or responsibilities? You may interrupt others when they are talking or slam into rooms without knocking. If these actions cause conflict in your life, they could be signs of ADHD.
Adults who suffer from ADHD typically suffer from mental health conditions like anxiety and mood disorders. The signs of ADHD can be elicited by routine questions in the interview with a clinical psychologist.
Symptoms
A person suffering from ADD may have difficulty organizing activities paying attention to particulars or keeping commitments. female adhd symptoms or she makes careless mistakes at school or work, forgets important items such as bills and appointments and is unable to stay focused on conversations and leisure activities. Furthermore, a person with this kind of ADD has trouble keeping his or her emotions in check, and may be easily distracted by people around them.
To be diagnosed with ADD individuals over the age of 7 must be afflicted by inattention symptoms for at minimum six months. The symptoms should manifest at least twice and interfere with the patient's social, educational or work-related performance. Teachers and parents should provide feedback, along with 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 are not as apparent and may be difficult to identify by family physicians. This is a condition that can be identified by primary care doctors.
Diagnosis
Although ADD is among the most frequent mental health issues but it's not always acknowledged when you reach adulthood. Family physicians are a good source for diagnosing ADD in adults, particularly those who have not been diagnosed or have been discharged.
Diagnosis is based upon clinical assessment, which is often aided by self-rating scales, interviews and observation of the patient in various situations (eg at home, at work, socially) as well as an extensive medical history, incorporating past problems and present difficulties and obtaining feedback from the school or employer. It is essential to rule out other reasons for the symptoms a person experiences, like 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 indicators of inattention within two of the following seven subcategories: difficulty paying attention, trouble staying on task and disorganization, inability to follow instructions or rules, forgetfulness and 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.
To be recognized as having ADD, symptoms must have been evident in at least two areas of a persons 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), personality disorders, addictions and anxiety disorders.
The signs of ADD are reversible, but the best way to treat it is to implement strategies that aid people organize their lives and implement behavioural changes. Goal setting, daily routines and using lists and reminders can be useful. It is also important to help people understand their triggers for impulsive behavior and to provide methods for reducing them, including taking time before taking action, evaluating the situation and determining alternatives to take. The use of medication is sometimes required, but a test of one drug should be given before adding another one to ensure it's effective.
Treatment
Adults with inattentive ADD often find they have trouble at work, school or in their relationships with family and friends. They are more likely to overlook important details, make impulsive mistakes, and are easily distracted. They are also more likely to suffer from anxiety, depression or substance abuse. There are a variety of treatment options available to people with ADD/ADHD to assist them in living more productive lives.
ADD/ADHD, one of the most frequent mental disorders, is often neglected by family physicians. This could be due to the fact that family physicians are not familiar with the symptom presentation for adults or because those with ADD/ADHD often have multiple disorders, including mood disorders (depression bipolar affective disorder dysthymia) and anxiety, or substance use disorders.
A diagnosis of inattentive ADD is dependent on an assessment that includes feedback from teachers or other professionals, a clinical observation and a detailed background. The symptoms have to be persistently challenging and cause significant impairment in a variety of settings. Children under age 17 need to have at least six symptoms that fall into the inattentive category, and adults must have at least five of the 11 inattentive symptoms to qualify as a diagnosis of inattentive ADD.
Management
It is crucial that family physicians recognize ADD in adults, as the symptoms can be grave. Inattentive ADD in adults is more prevalent than hyperactive impulsive ADHD, but family physicians still do not understand it well. A lot of patients are undiagnosed. Often, the inattentive form of ADD is mistakenly categorized as mood disorders (depression or bipolar affective disorders, or addiction disorders). Treatment is based on education and support, helping patients develop more discipline in their lives, and improving self-esteem and social interaction skills as well as encouraging a healthy diet and lifestyle, and medication if needed. The use of medication can help up to 60% of ADD patients. It is not recommended for children.