Recognizing ADD Symptoms in Adults

Do you have a tendency to forget the dates or tasks you have to complete at work? You may interrupt people when they are talking or slam into rooms without knocking. If these actions cause conflict in your life, they may be signs of ADHD.

Adults suffering from ADHD often have comorbid mental health conditions like anxiety and mood disorders. Routine questions asked during the clinical interview may reveal the signs of Adhd symptoms anger.

Signs and symptoms for adhd in adults

A person suffering from ADD isn't able to pay attention to the details, arranging activities, or executing on commitments. They often make careless mistakes at school or work, or forgets important details like bills and appointments and has difficulty staying focused on conversations and leisure activities. Furthermore, a person with this kind of ADD is unable to keep their emotions in check, and may be easily distracted by people around them.

To be diagnosed with ADD, people over age 7 must have been afflicted by inattentive symptoms for at least six months. The hidden symptoms of adhd in adults must be present on two distinct occasions, and the patient's problems are affecting the school, social, or work performance. Teachers and parents should provide feedback, in addition to medical observation and a thorough history. Some patients have a combination of symptoms in both the inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive categories. The symptoms of ADD combined are not as apparent and may be difficult to recognize by family physicians. It is a condition which can be diagnosed by primary care providers.

Diagnosis

ADD is a common childhood mental disorder, but it's not always recognized as an adult. Family physicians can play a significant role in diagnosing ADD and referring adults to treatment, particularly those who have been dismissed from mental health services or don't have a diagnosis.

Diagnosis is based on 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 home, at work and socially) as well as a thorough medical background, including past problems and present difficulties, and obtaining feedback from a school or the employer. It is crucial to rule out other reasons for the symptoms of a person, such as sleep problems or learning disabilities, alcohol or drug use or mood disorders since they could be similar 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 is diagnosed when a clinician observes six or more inattentive symptoms within two of the seven subcategories. These include: difficulty paying attention or staying on task, disorganization or forgetfulness, failure to follow the rules or instructions, or difficulties in 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.

In general, to be diagnosed with ADD, the symptoms must have been present for at least six months and have impaired functioning in two areas of a person's life. In at least half of all people with ADD it is associated with comorbid mental or psychiatric issues, including mood disorders (depression, dysthymia and bipolar affective disorder) as well as addictions, anxiety disorders, and personality disorders.

Symptoms of ADD are reversible, but the best approach is to implement strategies that aid people to organize their lives and make behavioural changes. Setting goals, routines for the day and using lists and reminders can be helpful. It is also important to teach people about their triggers for impulsive behaviour and offer strategies for controlling them, including taking time before acting, evaluating a situation and coming up with alternatives to take. The use of medication is sometimes required, but a trial of one drug should be administered prior to adding another to ensure that it's effective.

Treatment

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

ADD/adhd and odd symptoms, which is among the most common mental disorders, is frequently overlooked by family physicians. This could be because family physicians aren't familiar with the symptoms of ADD/ADHD in adults or because many people with ADD/ADHD suffer from comorbid disorders, such as mood disorders or anxiety.

A diagnosis of inattentive ADD is determined by an evaluation that includes feedback from teachers or other professionals, a clinical observation and a detailed background. The symptoms must be persistently challenging and cause significant impairment in multiple situations. Children under age 17 need to have at minimum six symptoms that fall into the inattentive category, and adults must have at minimum five of the 11 inattentive symptoms to be diagnosed of inattentive ADD.

Management

Family physicians must be aware of ADD in patients of all ages because the problem can be serious. Inattentional ADD in adults is more prevalent than hyperactive impulsive ADHD however, family physicians still don't know how to recognize it. Many 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 education and support and helps patients create more order in their lives, and improving self-esteem and social skills as well as encouraging the healthy lifestyle and diet and taking medication when needed. Treatment is beneficial for up to 60% of ADD patients. It is not recommended for children.