Recognizing ADD Symptoms in Adults

Do you forget appointments or responsibilities? You might be a nuisance in rooms without knocking or interrupting others when they're speaking. These actions may be ADHD symptoms if they cause you to be in conflict with your daily life.

Adults suffering from ADHD frequently suffer from psychiatric conditions such as anxiety and mood disorders. Questions that are routinely asked during a clinical interview may reveal the signs of ADHD.

Signs and symptoms

A person with ADD might have trouble coordinating activities, paying attention to specifics or committing to commitments. He or she makes impulsive mistakes at school or at work, is unable to remember important details such as bills and appointments and is unable to stay focussed on conversations and leisure activities. Additionally, someone with this kind of ADD is unable to keep his or her emotions in check and is easily distracted by others.

In order to be diagnosed with ADD, people over age 7 must have been affected by inattention symptoms for at least six months. A number of symptoms have to be present on two distinct occasions, and the patient's problems are affecting the school, social, or work performance. A diagnosis of ADD requires feedback from teachers and parents and also an examination of the patient's clinical condition 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 are not as distinct and may be difficult for family physicians to identify. However it is a condition that can be diagnosed and treated by primary care physicians.

Diagnosis

ADD is a common mental disorder in children, but it's not always recognized when you turn an adult. Family physicians are a good resource for diagnosing ADD for adults, especially those who have not been diagnosed or have been dismissed.

The diagnosis is based on a clinical assessment, which is often aided by self-rating scales, interviews and observation of the patient in various situations (eg at home, at work, socially), an extensive medical background, including previous issues and current difficulties and getting feedback from the school or employer. It is crucial to rule out other reasons for a person's symptoms like sleep issues, learning disabilities, alcohol or mood disorders or drug use since they could 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. Inattentional ADD can be diagnosed when a clinician observes six or more symptoms of inattention within two of the seven subcategories. These include difficulties in paying attention or staying focused, disorganization, forgetfulness, failure to adhere to guidelines or rules, and difficulties in 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 diagnosed with ADD the symptoms must have been present for at least six months and be affecting functioning in two different areas of a person's life. A majority of people who suffer from ADD have comorbid psychological and mental disorders. These include mood disorders (depressions and bipolar affective disorders and dysthymia), addictions, personality disorders and anxiety disorders.

The signs of ADD are reversible. However, the best way to treat it is to implement strategies to help people organize their lives and implement behavioural changes. Goal setting, daily routines and using lists and reminders can be helpful. adhd adult symptoms is crucial to help people learn to manage their impulsive behavior as well as what triggers them. Techniques such as waiting before taking action, or evaluating a situation and working out alternatives are helpful. Sometimes, medication is necessary however it is essential to test one medication prior to adding another.

Treatment

Adults with inattention ADD often find they struggle at school, work or in their relationships with family and friends. They tend to miss important details, make careless mistakes, and are easily distracted. They are more likely to suffer from anxiety, depression or addiction issues. Fortunately, there are many treatment options available to those suffering from ADD/ADHD, which can assist them in living more productive lives.

ADD/ADHD, which is among the most prevalent mental disorders, is frequently overlooked by family physicians. This is likely due to the fact that family physicians are unfamiliar with the symptom presentation in adults or because people who suffer from ADD/ADHD are often suffering from comorbid problems, such as mood disorders (depression bipolar affective disorder, depression, dysthymia) and anxiety or substance use disorders.

A diagnosis of inattentive ADD is based on an evaluation that includes feedback from teachers or other professionals, a clinical observation and a detailed background. The symptoms must be consistently challenging and cause significant impairment in multiple environments. Children under age 17 need to have at minimum six symptoms that fall into the inattentive category, while adults require at least five of the 11 inattentive symptoms to qualify as a diagnosis of inattentive ADD.


Management

Family physicians need to recognize ADD in adult patients since the condition can be serious. Inattentional ADD in adults is more prevalent than hyperactive impulsive ADHD however, family physicians aren't aware of it. Many patients are left undiagnosed. In many cases, the inattentive type of ADD is mistakenly categorized as mood disorders (depression, bipolar affective disorder or substance abuse disorders). Treatment is focused on education and support and helps patients create more structure in their lives, improving self-esteem and social interaction skills, encouraging an active lifestyle and healthy diet and taking medication when needed. Treatment is beneficial for up to 60% of ADD patients. It should not be used for children since it is not safe for them.