Recognizing ADD Symptoms in Adults
Do you find yourself forgetting important dates or tasks at work? Maybe you barge into rooms without knocking, or interrupt people when they're speaking. These actions may be ADHD symptoms when they cause you be in conflict with your everyday life.
Adults with ADHD frequently suffer from psychiatric conditions such as anxiety and mood disorders. Clues to ADHD can be identified through routine questions during the interview with a clinical psychologist.
Signs and symptoms
A person with ADD might have trouble coordinating activities paying attention to details or keeping commitments. They make impulsive mistakes at school or at work, and forgets important things like appointments and bills and is unable to stay focussed on conversations and leisure activities. A person who is this type struggles to control 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 month prior. The symptoms must appear at least twice and impact the patient's school, social, or work functioning. Teachers and parents should provide feedback, in addition to an examination of the patient's clinical condition and a thorough assessment. Some patients have a combination of symptoms in both the inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive categories. The symptoms of this type of ADD aren't always evident and can be difficult for family doctors to recognize. It is a condition that can be identified by primary care doctors.
Diagnosis
Although ADD is among the most prevalent mental health conditions however, it is not always recognized when you reach adulthood. Family physicians are an excellent source of information to diagnose ADD in adults, particularly 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 home, work or socially), as well as an extensive medical history that takes into account both past and current difficulties and the feedback from the school or employer. It is essential to rule out other causes 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 the clinician is satisfied that there are six or more inattentive criteria in two of the following seven subcategories: difficulty in paying attention and difficulty staying focused or in a state of disorganization, failure to follow instructions or rules, 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.
Generally, in order to be able to identify ADD, the symptoms must be present for at least 6 months and have impaired functioning in two areas of a person's life. In at least half of all people suffering from ADD it is accompanied by a comorbid psychological or psychiatric problems such as mood disorders (depression bipolar affective disorder and dysthymia), addictions, anxiety disorders, and personality disorders.
The symptoms of ADD can be reversed but the best method to manage it is by implementing strategies that help people establish a structure in their lives and change their behaviour. Setting goals, routines for the day and using lists and reminders can be helpful. It is also essential to teach people about their own triggers for impulsive behavior and to provide methods for reducing them, such as taking time before making a decision, evaluating a situation and coming up with alternatives to take. Sometimes, signs of adult adhd is necessary, but a trial of one drug should be conducted prior to adding another to ensure that it's effective.
Treatment
Adults with inattention ADD might have trouble working, at school or in their relationships. They tend to make impulsive errors, miss important details and get easily distracted. They are more likely to be suffering from depression, anxiety, or substance abuse. Many adults are able to find treatment options that can assist them in living more successful lives with ADHD or ADD.
ADD/ADHD is among the most commonly reported mental health conditions, yet it is often ignored in family practices. This could be due to the fact that family physicians are unfamiliar with the symptoms that manifest in adults or because people who suffer from ADD/ADHD are often suffering from comorbid problems, such as 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 history. The symptoms have to be problematic in different settings on a regular basis and cause significant impairment. Children younger than 17 years old need to show 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 be aware of ADD in adult patients since the condition can be serious. Inattentional ADD in adults is more common than hyperactive impulsive ADHD however, family physicians do not understand it well. A lot of patients are undiagnosed. Often, the inattentive form of ADD is misdiagnosed as mood disorders (depression bipolar affective disorder or addiction disorders). Treatment is based on support and education and helps patients create more order in their lives, and improving self-esteem and social interactions and promoting the healthy lifestyle and diet and taking medication when needed. Treatment is beneficial for up to 60% of ADD patients. It is not recommended for children.