An All-Inclusive List Of ADD Symptoms In Adults Dos And Don'ts

Recognizing ADD Symptoms in Adults

Do you find yourself forgetting appointments or tasks at work? Perhaps you enter rooms without knocking, or interrupt people when they speak. If these actions cause conflict in your life, they could be signs of ADHD.

Adults frequently suffer from comorbid psychiatric disorders such as anxiety and mood disorders that are associated with their ADHD. Clues to ADHD can be identified through routine questions that are asked during the clinical interview.

Symptoms

A person suffering from ADD is unable to pay close attention to details, organizing tasks, or executing on commitments. They make impulsive mistakes at school or work, is unable to remember important details such as bills and appointments and is unable to stay focussed on conversations and leisure activities. In addition, a person who suffers from this type of ADD is unable to keep their emotions in check, and is easily distracted by others.

To be diagnosed with ADD they must have had inattention symptoms for at least six months prior. The symptoms must be present on two different occasions and the patient's issues must interfere with the school, social, or work performance. A diagnosis of ADD requires feedback from parents and teachers and also an examination of the patient's clinical condition and a thorough history. 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 physicians to recognize. However it is an illness that can be diagnosed and treated by primary care physicians.

Diagnosis

ADD is a common mental disorder in children however it's often not recognized when you turn an adult. Family physicians be a crucial factor in diagnosing ADD and sending adults to treatment, particularly those who have been discharged from mental health care or do not have a diagnosis.

The diagnosis is based on a thorough clinical evaluation, which could include self-ratings, interviews and observation of patients in various situations (e.g. at work, at home, or socially), as well as a thorough medical history that includes both current and past difficulties and feedback from the employer or school. It is essential to rule out other causes for the symptoms of a person, like 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 clinician observes six or more inattentive symptoms within two of the seven subcategories. This includes: difficulties in paying attention or staying focused, disorganization, forgetfulness, failure to follow the rules or instructions, or 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.

Generally, in order to be considered to have ADD, the symptoms must have been present for at minimum 6 months and have caused impairment in two different areas of a person's life. In the majority of people suffering from ADD, the disorder is accompanied by a comorbid psychological or psychiatric problems that include mood disorders (depression, dysthymia, and bipolar affective disorder) as well as anxiety disorders, addictions and personality disorders.

signs adhd of ADD are reversible, however the best approach is to implement strategies that aid people organize their lives and make behavioural changes. Goal setting, daily routines and using lists and reminders can be helpful. It is also crucial to teach people about their own triggers for impulsive behavior and to provide methods for reducing them, like waiting before acting, evaluating a situation and coming up with alternative courses of action. The use of medication is sometimes required, but a trial of one drug should be given before adding another to make sure it is effective.

Treatment

Adults with inattention ADD typically struggle at work, school or in their personal relationships. They are more likely to overlook important details, make careless mistakes and get distracted easily. They are more likely to suffer from anxiety, depression, or substance abuse. There are many treatment options for people with ADD/ADHD to aid them in leading more productive lives.

ADD/ADHD is among the most commonly reported mental health disorders, yet it is often ignored in family practice. This could be because family physicians aren't familiar with symptoms of adult ADD/ADHD or because many people with ADD/ADHD have comorbid disorders, including mood disorders or anxiety.

A diagnosis of inattentive ADD is determined by an evaluation that includes feedback from teachers or other professionals, a clinical observation, and a thorough background. The symptoms must be persistently problematic and cause significant impairment in multiple environments. Children younger than 17 years old need to show at least six symptoms that fall into the inattentive category, while adults require at minimum 5 of the 11 inattentive symptoms to meet a diagnosis of inattentive ADD.

Management

It is very important that family doctors are aware of ADD in adults, as the symptoms can be serious. Inattentional ADD in adults is more prevalent than hyperactive impulsive ADHD, but family physicians still do not understand it well. A lot of patients are undiagnosed. In many cases, the inattentive type of ADD is misdiagnosed as mood disorders (depression or bipolar affective disorders, or addiction disorders). The treatment is based on education and support, assisting patients to establish more order in their lives by enhancing their self-esteem and social skills, and encouraging healthy lifestyles and eating habits and taking medication should it be required. About 60% of ADD sufferers benefit from treatment. It should not be used in children as it is not safe for children.