Recognizing ADD Symptoms in Adults
You don't remember appointments or tasks? You may interrupt others when they are talking or barge into rooms without knocking. If these actions cause conflict in your life, they may be symptoms of ADHD.
Adults suffering from ADHD frequently suffer from mental disorders, such as anxiety and mood disorders. The routine questions that are asked during the clinical interview can reveal the symptoms of ADHD.
Signs and symptoms
A person suffering from ADD might have trouble organizing activities and paying attention to the specifics or committing to commitments. He or she often makes careless mistakes at school or work, or forgets important details like appointments and bills and is unable to stay focused on conversations and leisure activities. adhd symptoms in adult women with this type is unable to control their emotions and is easily distracted by other people.
To be diagnosed with ADD they must have experienced inattentive symptoms for at least six months prior to. The symptoms must be present on two different occasions, and the patient's problems have to interfere with the school, social, or work-related functioning. A diagnosis of ADD requires feedback from parents and teachers in addition to clinical observation and a careful history. Some patients have a combination of symptoms in both the inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive categories. The symptoms of ADD combined aren't as obvious and can be difficult to identify by family doctors. It is a condition that can be diagnosed by primary care physicians.
Diagnosis
Although ADD is one of the most prevalent mental health disorders but it's not always acknowledged until later in life. Family physicians are a great resource to diagnose ADD in adults, especially those who have not been diagnosed or discharged.
The diagnosis is based on a clinical evaluation, which could include self-ratings, interviews and observation of patients in different situations (e.g. at work, home or socially) as well as a detailed medical history that considers both current and past difficulties as well as feedback from the school or employer. It is essential to rule out any other possible causes for a person's symptoms 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 is diagnosed when the doctor is satisfied that there are six or more inattentive criteria within two of the following seven subcategories: difficulty focusing or staying focused or in a state of disorganization, failure to follow directions 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 be present for at minimum 6 months and be affecting functioning in two different areas of one's life. In at least half of all people with ADD, the disorder is accompanied by a comorbid psychological or psychiatric problems, including mood disorders (depression dysthymia, and bipolar affective disorder) as well as anxiety disorders, addictions and personality disorders.
The signs of ADD are reversible. However, the best approach is to implement strategies that aid people organize their lives and make behavioral changes. Setting goals, making daily routines, and using lists and reminding people are all beneficial. It is crucial to teach people how to control their impulsive behavior and to understand what triggers them. Techniques such as waiting until acting or evaluating a scenario and coming up with alternatives are helpful. Medication is sometimes necessary but a test of one medication must be given before adding another to make sure it's effective.
Treatment
Adults with inattentive ADD typically struggle at school, work or in their relationships with family and friends. They tend to miss important details, make careless mistakes, and are easily distracted. They are also more likely to be suffering from depression, anxiety or substance abuse. Many adults are able to are able to find treatment options that assist them in living more productive lives with ADHD or ADD.
ADD/ADHD is one of the most common mental health disorders, but it is often overlooked in family practice. This is likely due to the fact that family physicians are unfamiliar with the symptom manifestations in adults, or because those who suffer from ADD/ADHD are often suffering from multiple disorders, including mood disorders (depression bipolar affective disorder, depression dysthymia, bipolar affective disorder) and anxiety, or substance use disorders.
A diagnosis of inattention ADD can be made through a thorough evaluation, which includes feedback from teachers and other professionals as and clinical observation. The symptoms have to be persistently challenging and cause significant impairment in multiple environments. Children under age 17 need to have at minimum six signs of inattention in the category and adults need at least 5 of the 11 symptoms to qualify as a diagnosis of inattentive ADD.
Management
Family physicians need to recognize ADD in patients of all ages because the issue could be serious. Inattentional ADD is more frequently recognized in the adult population than the hyperactive impulsive type of ADHD but it is still not widely understood by family doctors and many patients are not diagnosed. Often, the inattentive form of ADD is misdiagnosed with mood disorders (depression or bipolar affective disorders or substance abuse disorders). The treatment is based on education and support, helping patients to develop more order in the lives they lead and improve their self-esteem as well as social skills, encouraging healthy eating and lifestyles and taking medication when needed. The use of medication can help up to 60% of ADD patients. It is not recommended for children.