Recognizing ADD Symptoms in Adults
Do you have a tendency to forget appointments or tasks at work? You might interrupt people while they are talking or barge into rooms without knocking. If these behaviors cause conflict in your life, they could be symptoms of ADHD.
Adults are often diagnosed with disorders of the psyche, including anxiety and mood disorders that are associated with their ADHD. Routine questions asked during the clinical interview may reveal the signs of ADHD.
Signs and symptoms
A person suffering from ADD has difficulty paying close attention to details, organizing activities, or following through on commitments. They often make careless mistakes at school or work, and forgets important details such as appointments and bills and is unable to stay focused on conversations and leisure activities. Additionally, someone who suffers from this type of ADD struggles to keep their emotions in check and may be easily distracted by people around them.
To be diagnosed with ADD they must have experienced inattentive symptoms at least six month prior to. Several of the symptoms must be present on two different occasions and the patient's issues must interfere with social, school or work functioning. Teachers and parents must provide feedback, along with clinical observation and a thorough assessment. 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 distinct and may be difficult for family doctors to recognize. It is a condition that can be diagnosed by primary care providers.
Diagnosis
ADD is a common mental disorder that affects children, but it's not always recognized when you turn an adult. Family physicians can play a significant role in identifying ADD and sending adults to treatment, specifically those who have been relegated to mental health services or do not have a diagnosis.
The diagnosis is based on a the clinical assessment of a patient, often supported by self-rating scales, interviews and observation of the patient's behavior in various situations (eg at work, at home or socially) as well as an extensive medical background, including the past and current issues and getting feedback from school or the employer. It is important to rule out other reasons for the symptoms of a person like sleep issues as well as learning disabilities, alcohol and drug use or mood disorders since they could have similar presentations 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 can be diagnosed when a clinician observes six or more signs of inattention in two of seven subcategories. These include difficulty in staying focused or on task, disorganization or forgetfulness, failure to adhere to the rules or instructions, or difficulty 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 minimum 6 months and have impaired functioning in two areas of one's life. At least half of people who suffer from ADD suffer from comorbid psychological and psychiatric disorders. These include mood disorders (depressions and bipolar affective disorders and dysthymia) as well as personality disorders, addictions and anxiety disorders.
The signs of ADD are reversible, but the best approach 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 beneficial. It is also crucial to educate people about their triggers for impulsive behavior and offer strategies for controlling them, like waiting before acting, evaluating a situation and working out different options for action. The use of medication is sometimes required, but a trial of one medication must be given before adding another to make sure it is effective.
symptoms of adult attention deficit disorder with inattentive ADD can have difficulty working, at school or in their relationships. They tend to make careless mistakes, overlook important details, and are easily distracted. They are also more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety or substance abuse. There are many adults who have treatment options to help them live more productive lives with ADD/ADHD.
ADD/ADHD is one of the most prevalent mental health disorders, yet it is often overlooked in family practice. This may be because family physicians aren't familiar with the symptom manifestations for adults or because those who have ADD/ADHD frequently have multiple disorders, including mood disorders (depression bipolar affective disorder, dysthymia) and anxiety, or alcohol-related disorders.
A diagnosis of inattentive ADD is determined by an evaluation that includes feedback from teachers or other professionals, a clinical observation and a detailed history. The symptoms must be a problem in multiple settings on an ongoing basis and result in significant impairment. Children under age 17 need to show at least 6 symptoms in the inattentive category and adults need at minimum five of the 11 inattentive symptoms to meet a diagnosis of inattentive ADD.
Management
It is very important that family doctors are aware of ADD in adults as the problems can be quite serious. Inattentional ADD is more commonly diagnosed in the adult population than the hyperactive impulsive form of ADHD however, it is not well understood by family physicians and many patients are not diagnosed. In many cases, the inattentive type of ADD is misdiagnosed as mood disorders (depression, bipolar affective disorder, or substance abuse disorders). Treatment is based on education and support to help patients establish more order in their lives, and improving self-esteem and social interactions and promoting an active lifestyle and healthy diet and, if necessary, medication. The use of medication can help up to 60 percent of ADD patients. It is not recommended to use in children because it is not safe for them.