Recognizing ADD Symptoms in Adults

Do you find yourself unable to remember appointments or tasks at work? Maybe you barge into rooms without knocking or interrupting others when they are speaking. If these actions cause conflict in your life, they may be symptoms of ADHD.

Adults often experience comorbid psychiatric disorders such as anxiety and mood disorders as well as their ADHD. Clues to ADHD can be elicited by routine questions during the interview.


Signs and symptoms

A person suffering from ADD may have difficulty organizing activities paying attention to particulars or keeping commitments. They often make errors at school or work, and forgets important details like bills and appointments, and has trouble staying focused on conversations and leisure activities. In addition, a person who suffers from this type of ADD is unable to keep his or her emotions in check, and is easily distracted by people around them.

To be diagnosed with ADD they must have been afflicted with inattention at least six month prior to. Several of the symptoms must be present on two distinct occasions and the patient's issues have to interfere with social, school or work-related functioning. A diagnosis of ADD requires feedback from parents and teachers in addition to clinical observation and a careful 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 always evident and can be difficult for family doctors to recognize. This is a condition that can be diagnosed by primary care providers.

Diagnosis

ADD is a typical mental disorder that affects children, but it's not always recognized when you turn an adult. Family physicians are an excellent resource to diagnose ADD for adults, especially those who haven't been diagnosed or discharged.

The diagnosis is based on a medical assessment, which can include self-ratings, an interview and observation of patients in different situations (e.g. at home, work or socially), as well as an extensive 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 other causes of a person's symptoms 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. Inattentive ADD is diagnosed when a clinician observes six or more symptoms of inattention in two of seven subcategories. These include difficulty paying attention or staying on task, disorganization or 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.

Generally, in order to be considered to have ADD the symptoms must be present for at minimum 6 months and be affecting functioning in two different areas of one's life. About half of those with ADD have a history of comorbid psychological or psychiatric disorders. These include mood disorders (depressions bipolar affective disorder and dysthymia), personality disorders, addictions and anxiety disorders.

Symptoms of ADD are reversible. However, the best approach is to implement strategies that aid people organize their lives and implement behavioural changes. Goal setting, daily routines and making lists and reminders are helpful. It is essential to teach people how 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 useful. Sometimes, medication is necessary, but it's important to test one medication before adding another.

Treatment

Adults who aren't attentive ADD may have difficulties at work, at school or in their relationships. They tend to forget important details, make careless mistakes and get distracted easily. They are more likely to be suffering from depression, anxiety, or substance abuse. There are a variety of treatment options available to those suffering from ADD/ADHD, which can aid them in leading more productive lives.

ADD/ADHD is among the most prevalent mental health disorders, yet it is often ignored in family practices. This is likely due to the fact that family physicians are unfamiliar with the symptom manifestations in adults, or because those with ADD/ADHD often have comorbid problems, such as mood disorders (depression bipolar affective disorder, dysthymia) and anxiety, or substance use disorders.

symptoms of adult attention deficit disorder of inattentive ADD is dependent on an assessment that includes feedback from teachers or other professionals, as well as clinical observation, and a thorough history. The symptoms must be a problem in various settings on a continuous basis and cause significant impairment. In order to diagnose inattention ADD, children under 17 years old must have at least six signs that are indicative of inattentional behavior. Adults must have at least five of the eleven inattentive behaviors.

Management

Family physicians must be aware of ADD in adult patients because the issue could be serious. Inattentive ADD in adults is more prevalent than hyperactive impulsive ADHD however, doctors of the family do not understand it well. Many patients remain undiagnosed. The inattentive version of ADD is mistakenly categorized as mood disorders (depression, bipolar affective disorder, or addiction disorders). The treatment is based on education and support, assisting patients to develop more order in the lives they lead, improving their self-esteem and social skills, promoting healthy eating and lifestyles, and medication, if necessary. Up to 60% of ADD sufferers get relief from treatment. It should not be used in children because it is not safe for children.