Recognizing ADD Symptoms in Adults
Do you find yourself unable to remember important dates or tasks at work? You might be a nuisance in rooms without knocking or interrupt others when they're speaking. If these actions cause conflict in your life, they could be signs of ADHD.
Adults are often diagnosed with disorders of the psyche, including anxiety and mood disorders that are associated with their ADHD. The routine questions that are asked during the clinical interview can reveal signs of ADHD.
Signs and symptoms
A person with ADD has difficulty paying close attention to details, organizing activities, or following through on commitments. He or she makes careless errors at school or at work, forgets important items such as bills and appointments and is unable to stay focused on conversation and leisure activities. Furthermore, a person with this kind of ADD has trouble keeping his or her emotions in check, and may be easily distracted by others.
To be diagnosed with signs of adhd in adults over 7 must have been afflicted by inattention symptoms for at least six months. The symptoms must appear at least twice and affect the patient's social, educational, or work functioning. A diagnosis of ADD requires feedback from parents and teachers in addition to clinical observation and a careful 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 always clear cut and can be difficult for family doctors to identify. However it is a condition that is diagnosed and treated by primary care doctors.
Diagnosis
Although ADD is one of the most frequent mental health conditions, it's not always recognized until later in life. Family physicians can play a key role in diagnosing ADD and referring adults to treatment, especially those who have been dismissed from mental health services or do not have a diagnosis.
Diagnosis is based on the clinical assessment of a patient, often supported by self-rating scales and interviews and observation of the patient in different situations (eg at work, at home, socially), a thorough medical background, including previous issues and current difficulties and obtaining feedback from school or employer. It is essential to rule out other causes of a person's symptoms 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 the clinician is satisfied that there are at least six inattentive symptoms within two of the following seven subcategories: difficulty focusing or staying focused, disorganization, failing to follow instructions or rules, apathy 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.
To be classified as having ADD symptoms must have been evident in at least two aspects of a person's life for a minimum of six months. A majority of people who suffer from ADD suffer from comorbid psychological and psychiatric disorders. These include mood disorders (depressions, bipolar affective disorders and dysthymia), personality disorders, addictions, and anxiety disorders.
The symptoms 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. Setting goals, routines for the day and using lists and reminders can be helpful. It is crucial to help people learn to control their impulsive behavior as well as what triggers them. Techniques such as waiting before acting or evaluating a scenario and working out alternatives are useful. Sometimes medication is necessary, but it's important to test one medication prior to adding another.
Treatment
Adults with inattention ADD may have difficulties at work, at school or in their relationships. They tend to make careless mistakes, forget crucial details and become easily distracted. They are also more likely to be suffering from depression, anxiety or substance abuse. There are a variety of treatment options available to adults with ADD/ADHD that can help them lead more productive lives.
ADD/ADHD is one of the most prevalent mental health disorders, yet it is often not considered in family practice. This is likely due to the fact that family physicians are not familiar with the symptoms that manifest in adults or because people with ADD/ADHD often have comorbid problems, such as mood disorders (depression, bipolar affective disorder dysthymia, bipolar affective disorder) and anxiety or addiction disorders.
A diagnosis of inattention ADD can be made through a thorough evaluation which includes feedback from teachers and other professionals as well as clinical observation. The symptoms must be consistently problematic and cause significant impairment in a variety of situations. Children under the age of 17 have to have at least six signs of inattention in the category, and adults must have at least 5 of the 11 inattentive symptoms to meet a diagnosis of inattentive ADD.
Management
Family physicians must recognize ADD in patients who are adults since the condition can be serious. Inattentional ADD is more often acknowledged in the adult population than the hyperactive impulsive type of ADHD but it is still not well understood by family doctors and many patients are left undiagnosed. Frequently, the inattentive type of ADD is mistakenly identified as mood disorders (depression or bipolar affective disorder) or anxiety, or addiction disorders. Treatment is focused on education and support to help patients establish more discipline in their lives, improving self-esteem and social interactions, encouraging an active lifestyle and healthy diet and, if necessary, medication. About 60 percent of ADD sufferers can benefit from medication. It should not be used for children since it is not safe for them.
