Recognizing ADD Symptoms in Adults
You forget appointments or tasks? You might be a nuisance in rooms without knocking or interrupt others when they are speaking. These actions may be ADHD symptoms when they cause you to be in conflict with your daily life.
Adults frequently suffer from comorbid psychiatric disorders such as anxiety and mood disorders as well as their ADHD. The routine questions that are asked during the clinical interview can reveal signs of ADHD.
Symptoms
A person with ADD may have difficulty organizing activities paying attention to particulars or keeping commitments. They make impulsive mistakes at school or work, and forgets important things like appointments and bills, and has difficulty staying focused on conversation and leisure activities. Someone with this kind of personality is unable to control their emotions and is easily distracted by others.
To be diagnosed with ADD they must have been afflicted with inattention for at least six months prior. This Internet page must appear at least twice and impact the patient's social, educational, or work functioning. A diagnosis of ADD requires feedback from parents and teachers, as well as an examination of the patient's clinical condition and a thorough background. adult adhd symptoms women have a combination of symptoms in both the inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive categories. The symptoms of ADD combined aren't always evident and are often difficult to identify by family doctors. However it is a condition that can be diagnosed and treated by primary care doctors.
Diagnosis
ADD is a typical mental disorder that affects children however, it's not always recognized as an adult. Family physicians can play a key role in identifying ADD and referring adults to treatment, especially those who have been dismissed from mental health care or do not have a diagnosis at all.
Diagnosis is based upon the clinical assessment of a patient, often supported by self-rating scales, interviews and observation of the patient's behavior in various situations (eg at home, at work, socially) and complete medical background, including past problems and present difficulties and getting feedback from the school or employer. It is important to exclude other reasons for a person's symptoms such as sleep disorders, learning disabilities or 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 for two of the seven subcategories: difficulty in paying attention, trouble staying on task or in a state of disorganization, failure to follow directions 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 considered to have ADD the symptoms must have been present for at least 6 months and have impaired functioning in two different areas of one's life. About half of those suffering from ADD have a history of comorbid psychological or psychiatric disorders. These include mood disorders (depressions, bipolar affective disorders and dysthymia) as well as addictions, personality disorders and anxiety disorders.
The symptoms of ADD can be reversed, however the best way to treat it is by implementing strategies that help people organize their lives and alter their behavior. Setting goals, making daily routines and using lists and reminding people of their goals are all beneficial. It is important to teach people to manage their impulsive behavior and to understand what triggers them. Techniques like waiting before making a decision or evaluating the situation and working out alternatives are useful. Sometimes, medication is required, but it's important to test one medication prior to adding another.
Treatment
Adults with inattentive ADD might have trouble at work, at school, or in their relationships. They tend to forget important details, make impulsive mistakes and become easily distracted. They are more likely to be suffering from depression, anxiety or addiction issues. Fortunately, many adults find treatment options that can aid them in living more successful lives with ADD/ADHD.
ADD/ADHD is among the most common mental health disorders, but it is often overlooked in family practices. This is likely due to the fact that family physicians are unfamiliar with the symptoms that manifest in adults or because people who have ADD/ADHD frequently have multiple disorders, including mood disorders (depression bipolar affective disorder dysthymia, bipolar affective disorder) and anxiety, or substance use disorders.
A diagnosis of inattention ADD is determined by an evaluation that includes feedback from teachers or other professionals, as well as clinical observation, and a thorough background. The symptoms must be persistently problematic and cause significant impairment in multiple settings. In order to diagnose inattentive ADD children who are under 17 years old must have at least six signs that are indicative of inattentional behavior. Adults must have at least five of the 11 inattentive behaviors.
Management
It is vital that family doctors recognize ADD in adults, as the issues can be serious. Inattentional ADD in adults is more prevalent than hyperactive impulsive ADHD however, family physicians don't know how to recognize it. Many patients are left undiagnosed. The inattentive version of ADD is misdiagnosed with mood disorders (depression bipolar affective disorder or substance abuse disorders). Treatment is based on support and education, helping patients develop more discipline in their lives, improving self-esteem and social interactions, encouraging an active lifestyle and healthy diet, and medication if needed. As high as 60% of ADD sufferers get relief from medication. It is not recommended for children.