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Recognizing ADD Symptoms in Adults

Do you find yourself unable to remember appointments or tasks at work? You might interrupt people while they are talking or barge into rooms without knocking. If these behaviors cause conflict in your life, they may be signs of ADHD.

Adults are often diagnosed with disorders of the psyche, including mood and anxiety disorders with their ADHD. The routine questions that are asked during the clinical interview can reveal the symptoms of ADHD.

Signs and symptoms

A person with ADD isn't able to pay attention to the details, arranging activities, or executing on commitments. They make impulsive mistakes at school or work, forgets important items like appointments and bills, and has difficulty staying focused on conversations and leisure activities. Furthermore, a person with this kind of ADD has trouble keeping his or her emotions in check and is easily distracted by others.

To be diagnosed with ADD they must have experienced inattentive symptoms at least six month prior. The symptoms should manifest on two separate occasions and affect the patient's school, social or work performance. Parents and teachers must 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 aren't always evident and are often difficult to recognize by family physicians. However it is an illness that can be diagnosed and treated by primary care physicians.


Diagnosis

Although ADD is one of the most common childhood mental health conditions however, it is not always recognized when you reach adulthood. Family physicians are a great source to diagnose ADD for adults, especially those who haven't been diagnosed or dismissed.

The diagnosis is based on a clinical assessment often assisted by self-rating scales, interview and observation of the patient in different situations (eg at work, at home and socially), complete medical history, incorporating previous issues and current difficulties and obtaining feedback from school or employer. It is essential to rule out other causes for a person's symptoms 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. Inattentional ADD is diagnosed when a clinician observes six or more symptoms of inattention in two of seven subcategories. These include: difficulties in paying attention or staying on track, 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 considered to have ADD the symptoms must be present for at minimum 6 months and have impaired functioning in two areas of a person's life. About half of those suffering from ADD suffer from comorbid psychological and mental disorders. These include mood disorders (depressions bipolar affective disorder and dysthymia), personality disorders, addictions and anxiety disorders.

The symptoms of ADD are reversible, but the best approach is to implement strategies to help people organize their lives and implement behavioural changes. Setting goals, establishing routines for the day and using lists and reminding people are all helpful. It is crucial to teach people how to control their impulsive behavior and to understand what causes them. Techniques such as waiting until taking action, or evaluating a situation and working out alternatives are helpful. Sometimes, adhd in adults symptoms is required however it is important to test one medication before adding another.

Treatment

Adults with inattentive ADD may have difficulties at work, in school, or in their relationships. They tend to miss important details, make careless mistakes and get distracted easily. They are also more likely to be suffering from anxiety, depression or substance abuse. Many adults are able to have treatment options to help them live more productive lives with ADD/ADHD.

ADD/ADHD is among the most common mental health conditions, yet it is often ignored in family practices. This is likely due to the fact that family physicians aren't familiar with the symptom manifestations for adults or because those who suffer from ADD/ADHD are often suffering from co-occurring disorders, like mood disorders (depression bipolar affective disorder, depression dysthymia) and anxiety, or alcohol-related disorders.

A diagnosis of inattentive ADD can be made based on a thorough evaluation, which includes feedback from teachers and other professionals as well as clinical observation. The symptoms must be persistently challenging and cause significant impairment in a variety of situations. Children under the age of 17 have to show at least 6 symptoms in the inattentive category and adults need at minimum 5 of the 11 symptoms to qualify as a diagnosis of inattentive ADD.

Management

It is crucial that family physicians recognize ADD in adults as the issues can be serious. Inattentional ADD is more often recognized in the adult population than the hyperactive impulsive form of ADHD however, it is not well understood by family doctors and many patients are not diagnosed. In many cases, the inattentive type of ADD is mistakenly categorized as mood disorders (depression or bipolar affective disorders, or substance abuse disorders). Treatment is focused on education and support to help patients establish more order in their lives, improving self-esteem and social interactions and promoting an active lifestyle and healthy diet and taking medication when needed. About 60 percent of ADD sufferers can benefit from treatment. It should not be used in children as it is not safe for children.

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