Recognizing ADD Symptoms in Adults

Do you have a tendency to forget appointments or tasks at work? Maybe you barge into rooms without knocking or interrupt others when they speak. If these actions cause conflict in your life, they may be signs of ADHD.

Adults who suffer from adhd and autism symptoms often have comorbid mental health conditions like anxiety and mood disorders. Clues to extreme adhd symptoms can be discovered through routine questions that are asked during the interview.

Signs and symptoms

A person with ADD is unable to pay close focus on details, organising tasks, or executing on commitments. He or she makes careless errors at school or at work, is unable to remember important details such as bills and appointments and is unable to stay focused on conversations and leisure activities. A person who is this type is unable to control their emotions and can easily be 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 manifest at least twice and affect the patient's school, social or work-related performance. Teachers and parents should provide feedback, along with clinical observation and a thorough medical history. Some patients have a combination of symptoms in both the inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive categories. The symptoms of the combined type of ADD aren't as evident and can be difficult for family physicians to recognize. It is a condition which can be diagnosed by primary care physicians.

Diagnosis

Although ADD is one of the most common childhood mental health conditions but it's not always acknowledged in adulthood. Family physicians are an excellent source of information for diagnosing ADD in adults, especially those who have not been diagnosed or dismissed.

Diagnosis is based upon the clinical assessment of a patient, often supported by self-rating scales, interview and observation of the patient in different situations (eg at home, at work, socially) as well as a thorough medical history, taking into account previous issues and current difficulties and obtaining feedback from school or employer. It is crucial to rule out other reasons for the symptoms of a person, 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. Inattentional ADD can be identified when the clinician finds six or more inattentive symptoms in two of seven subcategories. This includes: difficulties in paying attention or staying on task, disorganization or forgetfulness, failure to adhere to guidelines or rules, and trouble staying organized. 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 able to identify ADD the symptoms must have been present for at least 6 months and have impaired functioning in two different areas of a person's daily life. About half of those who suffer from ADD have a history of comorbid psychological or mental disorders. These include mood disorders (depressions and bipolar affective disorders and dysthymia) as well as addictions, personality disorders and anxiety disorders.

The symptoms of ADD can be reversed but the best method to treat it is implementing strategies that help people organize their lives and alter their behavior. Setting goals, routines for the day and using lists and reminders can be useful. It is important to teach people to manage their impulsive behavior and what causes them. Techniques like waiting before taking action, or evaluating a situation and figuring out alternative options are helpful. The use of medication is sometimes required, but a trial of one medication must be conducted prior to adding another to ensure that it is effective.

Treatment

Adults who aren't attentive ADD might have trouble at work, in the classroom or in their relationships. They tend to make careless mistakes, forget important details, and are easily distracted. They are also more likely to experience anxiety, depression or abuse. There are many treatment options available to adults with ADD/adhd symptoms in young adults that can aid them in leading more productive lives.

ADD/ADHD is among the most commonly reported mental health disorders, yet it is often not considered in family practices. This could be due to the fact that doctors in the family are not familiar with symptoms of adult adhd symptoms quiz ADD/adhd symptoms in women uk or because a large number of people with ADD/adhd rage symptoms suffer from comorbid disorders, including mood disorders or anxiety.

A diagnosis of inattention ADD can be made by a thorough assessment, which includes feedback from teachers and other professionals as well as clinical observation. The symptoms must be problematic in various settings on a continuous basis and result in significant impairment. Children younger than 17 years old need to have at least six signs of inattention in the category, and adults must have at minimum 5 of the 11 symptoms to meet a diagnosis of inattentive ADD.

Management

It is very important that family doctors recognize ADD in adults as the symptoms can be grave. Inattentional ADD in adults is more prevalent than hyperactive impulsive ADHD however, family physicians do not understand it well. Many patients are left undiagnosed. In many cases, the inattentive form of ADD is mistakenly identified as mood disorders (depression or bipolar affective disorder) or anxiety addiction disorders. Treatment is focused on education and support, helping patients develop more structure in their lives, improving self-esteem and social skills, encouraging a healthy diet and lifestyle, and medication if needed. The use of medication can help up to 60 percent of ADD patients. It should not be used in children because it is not safe for them.