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Recognizing ADD Symptoms in Adults

Do you have a tendency to forget important dates or tasks at work? You might be a nuisance in rooms without knocking, or interrupt people when they're speaking. If these behaviors cause conflict in your life, they could be symptoms of ADHD.

Adults with ADHD typically suffer from mental health conditions like anxiety and mood disorders. Signs of ADHD can be identified through routine questions that are asked during the interview.

Signs and symptoms

A person with ADD might have trouble coordinating activities paying attention to specifics or committing to commitments. He or she makes impulsive errors at school or at work, is unable to remember important details such as bills and appointments and has trouble staying focused on conversation and leisure activities. Someone with this kind of personality struggles to control their emotions and can easily be distracted by others.

In order to be diagnosed with ADD individuals over the age of 7 must have been affected by inattention symptoms for at minimum six months. The symptoms must manifest at least twice and impact the patient's school, social or work performance. Teachers and parents must provide feedback, in addition to medical observation and a thorough assessment. Some patients have a combination of symptoms in both the inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive categories. The symptoms of this type of ADD aren't as evident and can be difficult for family doctors to identify. This is a condition that can be identified by primary care doctors.

Diagnosis

ADD is a common childhood mental disorder however it's often not recognized when you turn an adult. Family physicians can play a significant role in diagnosing ADD and referring adults to treatment, specifically those who have been relegated to mental health services or don't have a diagnosis at all.

The diagnosis is based on a medical evaluation, which could include self-ratings, interviews and observation of patients in various situations (e.g. at home, work or socially) as well as a thorough medical history that takes into account the past and present challenges and feedback from the employer or school. It is crucial to rule out other causes of the symptoms of a person, 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 criteria within two of the following seven subcategories: difficulty in paying attention and difficulty staying focused and disorganization, inability to follow instructions or rules, 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.

In general, to be able to identify ADD, the symptoms must have been present for at least 6 months and be affecting functioning in two areas of a person's daily life. In at least half of all people suffering from ADD, the disorder is associated with comorbid mental or psychiatric disorders, including mood disorders (depression dysthymia and bipolar affective disorder), addictions, anxiety disorders, and personality disorders.

The symptoms of ADD can be reversed but the best way to treat it is by implementing strategies that help people establish a structure in their lives and alter their habits. Setting goals, establishing routines for the day and using lists and reminding people are all beneficial. It is also important to teach people about their triggers for impulsive behavior and offer strategies for controlling them, such as taking time before making a decision, evaluating a situation and working out alternatives to take. Sometimes, medication is required however it is important to test one medication before adding another.

Treatment

Adults with inattentive ADD can have difficulty at work, in the classroom or in their relationships. They tend to miss important details, make careless mistakes, and are easily distracted. They are also more likely to be suffering from anxiety, depression or abuse. There are many treatment options for those suffering from ADD/ADHD, which can help them lead more productive lives.

ADD/ADHD, one of the most prevalent mental disorders, is often overlooked by family physicians. This could be due to the fact that family physicians aren't familiar with symptoms of adult ADD/ADHD or because a lot of people suffering from ADD/ADHD have comorbid disorders, such as anxiety or mood disorders.

A diagnosis of inattention ADD is based on an evaluation that includes feedback from teachers or other professionals, a clinical observation, and a thorough history. The symptoms have to be problematic in multiple settings on an ongoing basis and cause significant impairment. To diagnose inattentive ADD children younger than 17 years of age must display at least six signs in the category of inattentional behavior. Adults need at least five of the eleven inattentive behaviors.

Management





It is crucial that family physicians recognize ADD in adults because the symptoms can be serious. Inattentive ADD is more frequently acknowledged in the adult population than the hyperactive impulsive form of ADHD but it is still not well understood by family physicians, and a lot of patients are left undiagnosed. Often, the inattentive form of ADD is mistakenly categorized as mood disorders (depression bipolar affective disorder, or substance abuse disorders). Treatment is based on support and education and helps patients create more structure in their lives, improving self-esteem and social interactions and promoting the healthy lifestyle and diet and taking medication when needed. adult adhd symptoms women of medication can help up to 60 percent of ADD patients. It is not recommended for children.