Recognizing ADD Symptoms in Adults

Do you find yourself forgetting the dates or tasks you have to complete at work? You might interrupt people while they are talking or slam into rooms without knocking. If these actions cause conflict in your life, they could be symptoms of adhd test symptoms.

Adults often experience comorbid psychiatric disorders such as mood and anxiety disorders with their ADHD. Routine questions asked during the clinical interview can reveal signs of ADHD.

Signs and physical symptoms Of adhd in Adults

A person suffering from ADD isn't able to pay attention to details, organizing activities, or following through on commitments. He or she makes careless mistakes at school or work, is unable to remember important details such as bills and appointments and has trouble staying focused on conversations and leisure activities. Someone with this kind of personality has difficulty controlling their emotions and can easily be distracted by other people.

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 have to interfere with social, school or work functioning. A diagnosis of ADD requires feedback from teachers and parents in addition to medical observation and physical symptoms of adhd in adults a thorough medical history. Some patients have a combination of symptoms in both the inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive categories. The symptoms adhd in adults of ADD combined aren't as apparent and may be difficult to identify by family physicians. However, it is a condition that is diagnosed and treated by primary care providers.

Diagnosis

Although ADD is one of the most common adhd symptoms frequent mental health issues however, it is not always recognized in adulthood. Family physicians play a key role in identifying ADD and referring adults to treatment, especially those who have been relegated to mental health services or do not have a diagnosis at all.

The diagnosis is based on a clinical assessment, which can include self-ratings, an interview and observation of patients in different situations (e.g. at home, work or socially) and an extensive medical history that considers the past and present challenges and feedback from the school or employer. It is important to exclude other reasons for the symptoms of a person, such as 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 doctor is satisfied that there are six or more inattentive symptoms in two of the following seven subcategories: difficulty in paying attention or staying focused or in a state of disorganization, failure to follow directions or rules, forgetfulness 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 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. A majority of people who suffer from ADD have a history of comorbid psychological or mental disorders. These include mood disorders (depressions, bipolar affective disorders and dysthymia) as well as personality disorders, addictions and anxiety disorders.

The symptoms of ADD can be reversed but the best method to manage it is by implementing strategies that help people establish a structure in their lives and alter their behavior. Goal setting, daily routines and making lists and reminders are beneficial. It is also essential to teach people about their own triggers for impulsive behavior and to provide methods for reducing them, such as taking time before taking action, evaluating the situation and working out alternative courses of action. Medication is sometimes necessary but a test of one medication should be administered prior to adding another one to ensure it is effective.

Treatment

Adults who aren't attentive ADD often struggle at work, school or in their personal relationships. They tend to miss important details, make impulsive mistakes, and are easily distracted. They are more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety or addiction issues. Many adults are able to find treatment options that can assist them in living more productive lives with ADHD or ADD.

ADD/ADHD is one of the most commonly reported mental health disorders, yet it is often not considered in family practice. This is likely due to the fact that family physicians are not familiar with the symptoms that manifest in adults or because people with ADD/ADHD often have co-occurring disorders, like mood disorders (depression, bipolar affective disorder dysthymia) and anxiety, or alcohol-related disorders.

A diagnosis of inattentive ADD is based on an evaluation that includes feedback from teachers or other professionals, clinical observation and a detailed background. The symptoms must be consistently difficult to manage and result in significant impairment in multiple settings. To be able to identify inattention ADD, children under 17 years old must show at least six signs that are indicative of inattentional behavior. Adults need at minimum five of the 11 inattentive behaviors.

Management

It is very important that family doctors recognize ADD in adults, as the problems can be quite grave. Inattentive ADD is more frequently acknowledged in the adult population than the hyperactive impulsive type of ADHD but it is not well-understood by family physicians and many patients what are adhd symptoms in adults not diagnosed. The inattentive version of ADD is misdiagnosed with mood disorders (depression, bipolar affective disorder or substance abuse disorders). The treatment is based on education and support, which helps patients to establish more order in their lives, improving their self-esteem and social skills, promoting healthy lifestyles and eating habits, and medication, should it be required. As high as 60% of ADD sufferers can benefit from treatment. It is not recommended for children.