Angelia Rosenhain

Recognizing ADD Symptoms in Adults

You don't remember appointments or tasks? You may interrupt people when they're talking or sneak into rooms without knocking. If these behaviors cause conflict in your life, they may be signs of ADHD.

Adults are often diagnosed with mental disorders, such as anxiety and mood disorders that are associated with their female adhd symptoms. Routine questions asked during the clinical interview may reveal the signs of ADHD.

Signs and symptoms

A person with ADD may have difficulty organizing activities and paying attention to the details or keeping commitments. They make impulsive mistakes at school or work, forgets important items such as bills and appointments and is unable to stay focused on conversations and leisure activities. Additionally, someone with this type of ADD struggles to keep their emotions in check, and is easily distracted by other people.

To be diagnosed with ADD they must have had inattention symptoms for at least six months prior. The symptoms must manifest on two separate occasions and impact the patient's school, social, or work functioning. A diagnosis of ADD requires feedback from teachers and parents and also an examination of the patient's clinical condition and a thorough history. Some patients have a combination of Main Symptoms Of Adhd in both the inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive categories. The symptoms of ADD combined aren't as evident and are often difficult to identify by family physicians. It is a condition that can be diagnosed by primary care providers.

Diagnosis

Although ADD is among the most common childhood mental health issues but it's not always acknowledged when you reach adulthood. Family physicians can be a crucial factor in diagnosing ADD and referring adults to treatment, particularly those who have been dismissed from mental health services or don't have a diagnosis at all.

Diagnosis is based on clinical assessment often assisted by self-rating scales, interviews 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 school or employer. It is important to rule out any other possible causes for a person's symptoms that could be related to sleep issues or learning disabilities, alcohol and drugs or mood disorders because they may 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. Inattentional ADD can be diagnosed when a clinician observes six or more symptoms of inattention in two of seven subcategories. This includes: difficulty paying attention or staying on track, disorganization or forgetfulness, failure to follow guidelines or rules, and trouble 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.

To be classified as having ADD, symptoms must be present in at least two different areas of a persons life for at least six months. In the majority of people suffering from ADD it is associated with comorbid psychological or psychiatric problems such as mood disorders (depression, dysthymia, ocd and adhd symptoms bipolar affective disorder) and anxiety disorders, addictions and personality disorders.

The symptoms of ADD can be reversed but the best way to manage it is by applying strategies to help people create structure in their life and alter their habits. Goal setting, daily routines and making lists and reminders are beneficial. It is also essential to help people understand their triggers for impulsive behaviour and to provide methods for reducing them, such as waiting before acting, evaluating a situation and determining alternatives to take. Sometimes medication is necessary however it is important to test one medication prior to adding another.

Treatment

Adults with inattentive ADD may have difficulties working, at the classroom or in their relationships. They tend to make careless errors, miss crucial details and become easily distracted. They are also more likely to experience anxiety, depression or substance abuse. There are many treatment options for those suffering from ADD/ADHD, which can aid them in leading more productive lives.

ADD/ADHD is among the most commonly reported mental health disorders, yet it is often overlooked in family practice. This could be due to the fact that family physicians are not familiar with the symptom manifestations in adults or because people who suffer from ADD/adhd symptoms adult female 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 inattention ADD is dependent on an assessment that includes feedback from teachers or other professionals, as well as clinical observation and a detailed history. The symptoms must be problematic in multiple settings on an ongoing basis and cause significant impairment. To diagnose inattention ADD, children under 17 years old must have at least six symptoms in the category of inattentional behavior. Adults must have at least five of the eleven inattentive behaviors.

Management

Family physicians must be aware of ADD in patients of all ages because the issue could be serious. Inattentional ADD is more frequently diagnosed in the adult population than the hyperactive impulsive type of ADHD but it is still not widely understood by family doctors and many patients go undiagnosed. In many cases, the inattentive form of ADD is misdiagnosed as mood disorders (depression or bipolar affective disorder) or anxiety, or substance use disorders. The treatment is based on education and support, which helps patients to develop more structure in the lives they lead by enhancing their self-esteem and social skills, and encouraging healthy eating and lifestyles and taking medication, if necessary. Up to 60% of ADD sufferers get relief from medication. It is not recommended to use for children since it is not safe for children.