Recognizing ADD Symptoms in Adults

Do you find yourself unable to remember appointments or tasks at work? You might interrupt people while they're talking or sneak into rooms without knocking. If these actions cause conflicts in your life, they could 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.

Symptoms

A person with ADD might have trouble coordinating activities paying attention to specifics or committing to commitments. The person with ADD often makes careless mistakes at school or work, forgets important things like appointments and bills and has difficulty staying focused on conversations and leisure activities. Furthermore, a person with this type of ADD is unable to keep their emotions in check and may be easily distracted by others.

To be diagnosed with add symptoms over 7 must have been afflicted by inattentive symptoms for at least six months. The symptoms must be present on two separate occasions and the patient's difficulties are affecting the school, social, or work-related functioning. A diagnosis of ADD requires feedback from parents and teachers in addition to an examination of the patient's clinical condition and a thorough background. 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. This is a condition that can be identified by primary care doctors.

Diagnosis

ADD is a typical childhood mental disorder, but it's not always recognized when you turn an adult. Family physicians are an excellent source for diagnosing ADD in adults, especially those who haven't been diagnosed or dismissed.

The diagnosis is based on a medical evaluation, which could include self-ratings and interviews, as well as observation of patients in various situations (e.g. at home, work or socially) as well as a thorough medical history that takes into account 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 the symptoms of a person, such as sleep problems as well as learning disabilities, alcohol or mood disorders or drug use, as these may be similar 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 clinician is satisfied that there are at least six indicators of inattention for two of the seven subcategories: difficulty focusing or staying focused, disorganization, failing 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 order to be diagnosed as having ADD, symptoms must be present in at least two different areas of a persons life for a minimum of six months. In at least half of all people suffering from ADD the disorder is accompanied by a comorbid mental or psychiatric issues that include mood disorders (depression bipolar affective disorder and dysthymia) as well as anxiety disorders, addictions and personality disorders.

Symptoms of ADD are reversible, but the best way to treat it is to implement strategies that aid people organize their lives and make behavioural changes. Goal setting, daily routines and using lists and reminders are useful. adult adhd signs is important to teach people to manage their impulsive behavior and to understand what causes them. Techniques like waiting before taking action, or evaluating a situation and working out alternatives are useful. Sometimes medication is necessary however it is essential to test a medication prior to adding another.

Treatment

Adults with inattentive ADD typically have trouble at school, at work or in their personal relationships. They tend to make careless errors, miss important details, and are easily distracted. They are also more likely to suffer from anxiety, depression or substance abuse. There are many adults who have treatment options to assist them in living more successful lives with ADHD or ADD.


ADD/ADHD is one of the most common mental health conditions, yet it is often overlooked in family practice. This could be because family doctors are unfamiliar with adult ADD/ADHD symptoms or because many people with ADD/ADHD suffer from comorbid disorders, such as mood disorders or anxiety.

A diagnosis of inattention ADD is through a thorough evaluation that includes feedback from teachers and other professionals as in addition to clinical observations. The symptoms must be consistently challenging and cause significant impairment in multiple situations. Children under age 17 need to have at minimum 6 symptoms in the inattentive category, and adults must have at minimum five of the 11 inattentive symptoms to be diagnosed of inattentive ADD.

Management

It is vital that family doctors recognize ADD in adults, as the issues can be grave. Inattentive ADD in adults is more common than hyperactive impulsive ADHD however, family physicians don't know how to recognize it. Many patients remain undiagnosed. The inattentive kind of ADD is misdiagnosed as mood disorders (depression or bipolar affective disorder), anxiety, or substance use disorders. Treatment is based on support and education and helps patients create more order in their lives, improving self-esteem and social interactions, encouraging the healthy lifestyle and diet, and medication if needed. Medication is helpful in up to 60 percent of ADD patients. It is not recommended for children.