Recognizing ADD Symptoms in Adults
You don't remember appointments or tasks? Maybe adult adhd symtoms barge into rooms without knocking, or interrupt people when they are speaking. If these actions cause conflict in your life, they could be symptoms of ADHD.
Adults with ADHD often have comorbid mental health conditions like anxiety and mood disorders. The signs of ADHD can be elicited by routine questions during the interview with a clinical psychologist.
Symptoms
A person with ADD isn't able to pay attention to details, organizing activities, or executing on commitments. They make impulsive errors at school or at work, is unable to remember important details like appointments and bills and has trouble staying focused on conversations and leisure activities. In addition, a person who suffers from this type of ADD has trouble keeping their emotions in check and may be easily distracted by other people.
In order to be diagnosed with ADD those over 7 must be afflicted by inattention symptoms for at minimum six months. The symptoms must be present on two separate occasions and the patient's difficulties are affecting school, social or work functioning. A diagnosis of ADD requires feedback from teachers and parents and also clinical observation and a careful background. Some patients have a combination of symptoms in both the inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive categories. The symptoms of ADD combined aren't as evident and are often difficult to diagnose by family doctors. However it is a condition that is diagnosed and treated by primary care providers.
Diagnosis
ADD is a common mental disorder in children however it's often not recognized when you turn an adult. Family physicians are an excellent source of information to diagnose ADD in adults, especially those who have not been diagnosed or dismissed.
Diagnosis is based on 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 work, at home, socially) as well as complete medical history, incorporating the past and current issues, and obtaining feedback from the school or the employer. It is crucial to rule out other causes for a person's symptoms that could be related to sleep issues as well as learning disabilities, alcohol and mood disorders or drug use, as these may 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 a doctor is satisfied that there are six or more indicators of inattention within two of the following seven subcategories: difficulty in paying attention and difficulty staying focused or in a state of disorganization, failure to follow directions 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 classified as having ADD, symptoms must have been evident in at least two areas of the person's life for a minimum of six months. In at least half of all people suffering from ADD it is associated with comorbid mental or psychiatric issues, including mood disorders (depression bipolar affective disorder and dysthymia) and addictions, anxiety disorders and personality disorders.
The symptoms of ADD can be reversed however the best way to treat it is by applying strategies to help people establish a structure in their lives and alter their habits. Setting goals, making daily routines and using lists as well as reminding people of their goals are all beneficial. It is essential to help people learn to control their impulsive behavior and to understand what triggers them. Techniques such as waiting before taking action, or evaluating a situation and coming up with alternatives are useful. Sometimes medication is necessary however it is important to test a medication prior to adding another.
Treatment
Adults who aren't attentive ADD typically have trouble at school, work or in their personal relationships. They tend to miss important details, make careless mistakes and get distracted easily. adult adhd symptoms women are more likely to be suffering from anxiety, depression or addiction issues. Fortunately, many adults find treatment options that can aid them in living more successful lives with ADD/ADHD.
ADD/ADHD, which is among the most common mental disorders, is often ignored by family doctors. This could be because family doctors are unfamiliar with adult ADD/ADHD symptoms or because many people with ADD/ADHD also suffer from other disorders, such as mood disorders or anxiety.
A diagnosis of inattentive ADD is by a thorough assessment which includes feedback from teachers and other professionals, as well as clinical observation. The symptoms must be problematic in different settings on a regular basis and result in significant impairment. Children under age 17 need to have at least 6 symptoms in the inattentive category and adults need at least 5 of the 11 symptoms to be diagnosed of inattentive ADD.
Management
Family physicians must be aware of ADD in patients who are adults because the problem can be serious. Inattentional ADD is more often diagnosed in the adult population than the hyperactive impulsive form of ADHD but it is still not well-understood by family doctors and many patients are left undiagnosed. Frequently, the inattentive type of ADD is misdiagnosed as mood disorders (depression or bipolar affective disorder), anxiety, or addiction disorders. The treatment is based on education and support, assisting patients to establish more structure in their lives by enhancing their self-esteem and social skills, and encouraging healthy eating and lifestyles and taking medication should it be required. As high as 60% of ADD sufferers can benefit from medication. It is not recommended to use in children because it is not safe for them.