Recognizing ADD Symptoms in Adults

Do you find yourself unable to remember the dates or tasks you have to complete at work? You might be a nuisance in rooms without knocking, or interrupt people when they're speaking. If these actions cause conflict in your life, they could be signs of ADHD.

Adults frequently suffer from comorbid mental disorders, such as anxiety and mood disorders as well as their ADHD. Clues to ADHD can be identified through routine questions in the clinical interview.

Symptoms

A person with ADD isn't able to pay focus on details, organising activities, or executing on commitments. He or she often makes careless mistakes at school or work, and forgets important details such as bills and appointments and has difficulty staying focused on conversations and leisure activities. Someone with this kind of personality is unable to control their emotions and is easily distracted by other people.

To be diagnosed with ADD they must have been afflicted with inattention at least six months prior. The symptoms must be present on two different occasions, and the patient's problems are affecting school, social or work functioning. A diagnosis of ADD requires feedback from parents and teachers, as well as medical observation and a thorough background. Some patients have a combination of symptoms in both the inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive categories. The symptoms of ADD combined aren't always evident and are often difficult to identify by family physicians. However it is a condition that can be diagnosed and treated by primary care providers.

Diagnosis

ADD is a typical mental disorder that affects children, but it's not always recognized as an adult. Family physicians are a great resource for diagnosing ADD in adults, particularly those who haven't been diagnosed or dismissed.

The diagnosis is based on a clinical assessment often assisted by self-rating scales, interview and observation of the patient's behavior in various situations (eg at work, at home and socially) as well as a thorough medical history, taking into account the past and current issues and obtaining feedback from a school or employer. It is important to rule out other causes for the symptoms of a person like sleep issues, learning disabilities, alcohol or drugs or mood disorders since they could have similar symptoms 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 six or more indicators of inattention within two of the following seven subcategories: difficulty focusing or staying focused, disorganization, failing to follow instructions 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.


Generally, in order to be diagnosed with ADD the symptoms must have been present for at minimum 6 months and have impaired functioning in two different areas of a person's life. At least half of people who suffer from ADD have a history of comorbid psychological or psychiatric disorders. These include mood disorders (depressions and bipolar affective disorders and dysthymia) as well as addictions, personality disorders and anxiety disorders.

The signs of ADD are reversible, however the best treatment is to implement strategies to help people organize their lives and make behavioural changes. his explanation , daily routines and using lists and reminders are useful. It is also important to help people understand their triggers for impulsive behavior and provide techniques for controlling them, such as waiting before taking action, evaluating the situation and working out alternatives to take. Sometimes, medication is necessary however it is important to test a medication prior to adding another.

Treatment

Adults with inattention ADD can have difficulty working, at the classroom or in their relationships. They are more likely to make mistakes, overlook crucial details and become easily distracted. They are also more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety or substance abuse. Fortunately, there are many treatment options for people with ADD/ADHD to assist them in living more productive lives.

ADD/ADHD is among the most prevalent mental health disorders, but it is often not considered in family practice. This is likely due to the fact that doctors in the family are not familiar with symptoms of adult ADD/ADHD or because a large number of people with ADD/ADHD suffer from comorbid disorders, including anxiety or mood disorders.

A diagnosis of inattention ADD is dependent on an assessment that includes feedback from teachers or other professionals, as well as clinical observation and a detailed background. The symptoms have to be persistently problematic and cause significant impairment in a variety of situations. Children under age 17 need to have at least six symptoms that fall into the inattentive category and adults need at minimum 5 of the 11 symptoms to qualify as a diagnosis of inattentive ADD.

Management

It is very important that family doctors are aware of ADD in adults, as the symptoms can be grave. Inattentional ADD is more commonly recognized in the adult population than the hyperactive impulsive type of ADHD however, it is not widely understood by family physicians and many patients go undiagnosed. Frequently, the inattentive type of ADD is mistakenly identified as mood disorders (depression or bipolar affective disorder) or anxiety addiction disorders. The treatment is based on education and support, assisting patients to establish more order in the lives they lead and improve their self-esteem as well as social skills, encouraging healthy eating and lifestyles, and medication, if necessary. Treatment is beneficial for up to 60% of ADD patients. It is not recommended for children.