Arlette Wilkes

Recognizing ADD Symptoms in Adults

You don't remember appointments or tasks? You might interrupt people while they are talking or slam into rooms without knocking. If these actions cause conflicts in your life, they may be symptoms of lesser known adhd symptoms.

Adults suffering from adhd and bpd symptoms frequently suffer from mental health conditions like anxiety and mood disorders. Routine questions asked during the clinical interview may reveal the signs of ADHD.

Symptoms

A person suffering from ADD is unable to pay close attention to details, organizing tasks, or executing on commitments. He or she makes careless mistakes at school or at work, forgets important items such as bills and appointments and has trouble staying focussed on conversations and leisure activities. In addition, a person who suffers from this type of ADD is unable to keep their emotions in check and may be easily distracted by other people.

To be diagnosed with ADD, people over age 7 must be afflicted by inattention symptoms for at least six months. The symptoms must appear on two separate occasions and interfere with the patient's school, social, or work functioning. Teachers and parents must provide feedback, along with an examination of the patient's clinical condition and a thorough assessment. Some patients have a combination of symptoms in both the inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive categories. The symptoms of ADD combined aren't as apparent and may be difficult to recognize by family doctors. It is a condition which can be diagnosed by primary care providers.

Diagnosis

ADD is a common mental disorder in children, but it's not always recognized when you turn an adult. Family physicians are a great source of information to diagnose ADD in adults, particularly those who have not been diagnosed or have been dismissed.

Diagnosis is based on clinical assessment, which is often aided by self-rating scales and interviews and observation of the patient in different situations (eg at work, at home and socially) as well as a thorough medical background, including previous issues and current difficulties and getting feedback from school or employer. It is important to exclude other reasons for the symptoms a person experiences, like sleep disorders or learning disabilities, as well as 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 doctor is satisfied that there are six or more inattentive symptoms for two of the seven subcategories: difficulty paying attention or staying focused, disorganization, failing to follow instructions or rules, and 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.

In order to be diagnosed as having ADD symptoms must have been evident in at least two areas of the person's life for a minimum of six months. In at least half of all people suffering from ADD, the disorder is associated with comorbid mental or psychiatric issues such as mood disorders (depression dysthymia and bipolar affective disorder) and addictions, anxiety disorders and personality disorders.

Symptoms of ADD are reversible. However, the best way to treat it is to implement strategies to help people organize their lives and make behavioral changes. Setting goals, establishing routines for the day, and using lists and reminding people are all helpful. It is important to teach people how to control their impulsive behavior and to understand what triggers them. Techniques such as waiting until acting or evaluating a scenario and coming up with alternatives are beneficial. Sometimes, medication is necessary, but a test of one medication must be administered prior to adding another one to ensure it's effective.

Treatment

Adults with inattention ADD may have difficulties at work, at school, or in their relationships. They are more likely to overlook important details, make careless mistakes and become easily distracted. 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 symptoms in young adults, which can aid them in leading more productive lives.

ADD/adhd and adults symptoms, which is among the most common mental disorders, is frequently overlooked by family physicians. This may be because family physicians aren't familiar with the symptom presentation for adults or because those who suffer from ADD/ADHD are often suffering from comorbid problems, such as mood disorders (depression, bipolar affective disorder dysthymia, bipolar affective disorder) and anxiety or substance use disorders.

A diagnosis of inattentive ADD is determined by an evaluation that includes feedback from teachers or other professionals, as well as clinical observation, and a thorough medical background. The symptoms must be persistently challenging and cause significant impairment in a variety of situations. Children under age 17 need to show at least 6 symptoms in the inattentive category, while adults require at minimum five of the 11 inattentive symptoms to meet a diagnosis of inattentive ADD.

Management

Family physicians must be aware of ADD in patients who are adults since the condition can be serious. Inattentive ADD is more commonly diagnosed in the adult population than the hyperactive impulsive type of adhd anxiety symptoms however, it is not widely understood by family doctors and many patients are not diagnosed. Often, the inattentive form of add and adhd symptoms is misdiagnosed as mood disorders (depression bipolar affective disorder or substance abuse disorders). The treatment is based on education and support, helping patients to establish more order in their lives by enhancing their self-esteem and social skills, promoting healthy eating and lifestyles and taking medication if necessary. Medication is helpful in up to 60 percent of ADD patients. It is not recommended to use for children since it is not safe for children.