What ADD Symptoms In Adults Experts Want You To Know

Recognizing ADD Symptoms in Adults

You don't remember appointments or tasks? Maybe you barge into 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 are often diagnosed with mental disorders, such as anxiety and mood disorders as well as their ADHD. Routine questions asked during the clinical interview may reveal the signs of ADHD.

Symptoms

A person with ADD has difficulty paying close attention to details, organizing tasks, or executing on commitments. He or she often makes errors at school or work, and forgets important details such as bills and appointments, and has trouble staying focused on conversations and leisure activities. A person who is this type struggles to control their emotions and is easily distracted by the activities of others.

To be diagnosed with ADD, people over age 7 must have been afflicted by inattention symptoms for at least six months. The symptoms must appear at least twice and interfere with the patient's social, educational, or work functioning.  signs of adult add  and parents must provide feedback, in addition to 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 always distinct and may be difficult for family doctors to identify. This is a condition that can be identified by primary care doctors.

Diagnosis

Although ADD is among the most prevalent mental health issues but it's not always acknowledged until later in life. Family physicians play a key role in identifying ADD and referring adults to treatment, specifically those who have been discharged from mental health care or do not have a diagnosis.

The diagnosis is based on a the clinical assessment of a patient, often supported by self-rating scales and interviews and observation of the patient's behavior in various situations (eg at work, at home, socially), an extensive medical history, taking into account past problems and present difficulties and obtaining feedback from the school or the 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. Inattentional ADD can be diagnosed when a doctor observes six or more inattentive symptoms in two of seven subcategories. This includes: difficulty in staying focused or on track, disorganization or forgetfulness, inability to follow rules or instructions, 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 person's life for a minimum of six months. About half of those suffering from ADD suffer from comorbid psychological and psychiatric disorders. These include mood disorders (depressions, bipolar affective disorders and dysthymia) as well as personality disorders, addictions and anxiety disorders.

Symptoms of ADD are reversible. However, the best treatment is to implement strategies that help people to organize their lives and implement behavioural changes. Setting goals, routines for the day and using lists and reminders are useful. It is important to teach people how to manage their impulsive behavior and to understand what causes them. Techniques like waiting before taking action, or evaluating a situation and figuring out alternative options are beneficial. Sometimes, medication is necessary, but a test of one medication must be conducted prior to adding another one to ensure it's effective.

Treatment

Adults with inattentive ADD can have difficulty working, at the classroom or in their relationships. They tend to make careless mistakes, forget crucial details and become easily distracted. They are also more likely to suffer from anxiety, depression or abuse. Fortunately, many adults have treatment options to aid them in living more successful lives with ADHD or ADD.

ADD/ADHD is among the most common mental health disorders, yet it is often overlooked in family practices. This may be because family physicians are not familiar with the symptoms that manifest for adults or because those who have ADD/ADHD frequently have comorbid problems, such as mood disorders (depression, bipolar affective disorder dysthymia) and anxiety or addiction disorders.

A diagnosis of inattention ADD is determined by an evaluation that includes feedback from teachers or other professionals, as well as clinical observation and a detailed background. The symptoms must be a problem in various settings on a continuous basis, and cause significant impairment. To diagnose inattention ADD, children under 17 years of age must display at least six symptomatic signs that are indicative of inattentional behavior. Adults must have at least five of the 11 inattentional behaviors.

Management

It is vital that family doctors are aware of ADD in adults, as the problems can be quite grave. Inattentive ADD in adults is more common than hyperactive impulsive ADHD, but family physicians don't know how to recognize it. Many patients are left undiagnosed. In  signs of adult add , the inattentive type of ADD is misdiagnosed as mood disorders (depression or bipolar affective disorders, or substance abuse disorders). The treatment is based on education and support, which helps patients develop more order in the lives they lead and improve their self-esteem as well as social skills, and encouraging healthy lifestyles and eating habits and taking medication, when needed. Medication is helpful in up to 60% of ADD patients. It should not be used for children since it is not safe for children.