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Recognizing ADD Symptoms in Adults

You don't remember appointments or tasks? Maybe you barge into rooms without knocking or interrupting others when they are speaking. If these behaviors cause conflict in your life, they could be symptoms of ADHD.

Adults suffering from ADHD frequently suffer from mental disorders, such as anxiety and mood disorders. Routine questions asked during the clinical interview can reveal signs of ADHD.

Symptoms

A person with ADD isn't able to pay focus on details, organising activities, or executing on commitments. The person with ADD often makes mistakes in school or at work, or forgets important details like bills and appointments, and has trouble staying focused on conversations and leisure activities. A person with this type is unable to control their emotions and is easily distracted by the activities of others.





In order to be diagnosed with ADD individuals over the age of 7 must have been afflicted by inattentive symptoms for at minimum six months. Several of the symptoms must be present on two distinct occasions and the patient's issues are affecting school, social or work functioning. Parents and teachers must provide feedback, in addition to clinical observation and a thorough history. Some patients have a combination of symptoms in both the inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive categories. The symptoms of this type of ADD are not as clear cut and can be difficult for family physicians to identify. However, it is a condition that is diagnosed and treated by primary care providers.

Diagnosis

ADD is a typical mental disorder in children however, it's not always recognized as an adult. Family physicians are a great source of information for diagnosing ADD for adults, especially those who have not been diagnosed or dismissed.

The diagnosis is based on a clinical assessment, which may include self-ratings and interviews, as well as observation of patients in various situations (e.g. at home, work or socially) as well as an extensive medical history that includes both past and current difficulties and the feedback from the employer or school. It is important to exclude other reasons for the symptoms of a person, 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 the clinician is satisfied that there are at least six indicators of inattention for two of the seven subcategories: difficulty focusing or staying focused or in a state of disorganization, failure to follow directions 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.

Generally, in order to be considered to have ADD the symptoms must be present for at minimum 6 months and have caused impairment in two areas of one's life. At least half of people who suffer from ADD have a history of comorbid psychological or psychiatric disorders. These include mood disorders (depressions bipolar affective disorder and dysthymia) as well as addictions, personality disorders and anxiety disorders.

Symptoms of ADD are reversible, however the best approach is to implement strategies to help people organize their lives and make behavioural changes. Goal setting, daily routines and using lists and reminders can be helpful. It is essential to help people learn to manage their impulsive behavior and what causes them. Techniques such as waiting until taking action, or evaluating a situation and coming up with alternatives are useful. Medication is sometimes necessary but a trial of one drug should be administered prior to adding another one to ensure it is effective.

Treatment

Adults who aren't attentive ADD might have trouble at work, at the classroom or in their relationships. They tend to make impulsive mistakes, overlook crucial details and become easily distracted. They are also more likely to be suffering from anxiety, depression or substance abuse. There are a variety of treatment options for people with ADD/ADHD to assist them in living more productive lives.

ADD/ADHD is among the most commonly reported mental health conditions, yet it is often ignored in family practices. This may be because family physicians are unfamiliar with the symptom manifestations in adults or because people who suffer from ADD/ADHD are often suffering from co-occurring disorders, like mood disorders (depression bipolar affective disorder dysthymia) and anxiety or substance use disorders.

A diagnosis of inattention ADD can be derived by a thorough assessment which includes feedback from teachers and other professionals as in addition to clinical observations. The symptoms have to be problematic in different settings on a regular basis and cause significant impairment. To be able to identify inattention ADD children younger than 17 years of age must display at least six symptomatic signs in the category of inattentional behavior. Adults need at minimum five of the 11 inattentional behaviors.

Management

It is vital that family doctors are aware of ADD in adults, as the issues can be serious. Inattentional 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 doctors and many patients are left undiagnosed. Often, the inattentive form of ADD is misdiagnosed with mood disorders (depression bipolar affective disorder, or substance abuse disorders). Treatment is based on support and education, helping patients develop more structure in their lives, and improving self-esteem and social interaction skills as well as encouraging a healthy diet and lifestyle and, if necessary, medication. About add symptoms of ADD sufferers can benefit from medication. It is not recommended for children.