Recognizing ADD Symptoms in Adults

Do you find yourself forgetting 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 could be signs of ADHD.

Adults suffering from ADHD frequently suffer from mental health conditions like anxiety and mood disorders. Routine questions asked during the clinical interview can reveal the physical symptoms of adhd (www.optionshare.tw) of adhd core symptoms.

Signs and symptoms

A person suffering from ADD might have trouble organizing activities, paying attention to particulars or keeping commitments. He or she makes impulsive mistakes at school or at work, is unable to remember important details like appointments and bills and has trouble staying focused on conversation and leisure activities. A person with this type has difficulty controlling their emotions and can easily be distracted by other people.

In order to be diagnosed with ADD those over 7 must have been afflicted by inattention-related symptoms for at minimum six months. A number of symptoms have to be present on two distinct occasions and the patient's difficulties have to interfere with social, school or work-related functioning. A diagnosis of ADD requires feedback from parents and teachers and also medical observation and a thorough background. Some patients have a combination of symptoms in both the inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive categories. The symptoms of ADD combined are not as obvious and can be difficult to recognize by family doctors. It is a condition that can be diagnosed by primary care providers.

Diagnosis

Although ADD is one of the most common childhood mental health disorders, it's not always recognized when you reach adulthood. Family physicians are a good source of information to diagnose ADD in adults, particularly those who have not been diagnosed or have been discharged.

The diagnosis is based on a thorough clinical evaluation, which could include self-ratings, an interview and observation of patients in different situations (e.g. at home, work, or socially), as well as a detailed medical history that takes into account the past and present challenges and feedback from the employer or school. It is important to exclude other causes for a person's symptoms such as sleep disorders and 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. Inattentional ADD can be identified when a clinician observes six or more inattentive symptoms within two of the seven subcategories. These include difficulty in staying focused or focused, disorganization, forgetfulness, failure to follow the rules or instructions, or trouble 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.

To be classified as having ADD, symptoms must have been present in at least two aspects of the person's life for a minimum of six months. About half of those with ADD have a history of comorbid psychological or psychiatric disorders. These include mood disorders (depressions bipolar affective disorder and dysthymia), personality disorders, addictions, and anxiety disorders.

The symptoms of ADD are reversible, however the best treatment is to implement strategies to help people put structure in their lives and implement behavioural changes. Setting goals, establishing routines for the day, and using lists and reminding people are all helpful. It is important to help people learn to manage their impulsive behavior as well as what causes them. Techniques like waiting before taking action, or evaluating a situation and working out alternatives are useful. Sometimes, medication is required however it is essential to test one medication prior to adding another.

Treatment

Adults who aren't attentive ADD often struggle at work, school or in their relationships with family and friends. They tend to miss important details, make impulsive 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 aid them in living more productive lives with ADHD or ADD.

ADD/adhd symptoms in adults females, which is among the most common mental disorders, is often ignored by family doctors. This is likely due to the fact that family physicians aren't familiar with the symptom presentation for adults or because those who have ADD/ADHD frequently have multiple disorders, including mood disorders (depression bipolar affective disorder dysthymia) and anxiety, or substance use disorders.

A diagnosis of inattention ADD is based on an evaluation that includes feedback from teachers or other professionals, clinical observation, and a thorough medical background. The symptoms of adhd in adults female have to be problematic in different settings on a regular basis, and cause significant impairment. Children younger than 17 years old need to show at least six symptoms that fall into the inattentive category and adults need at minimum 5 of the 11 symptoms to meet a diagnosis of inattentive ADD.

Management

Family physicians must recognize ADD in adult patients because the problem can be serious. Inattentive ADD is more frequently diagnosed in the adult population than the hyperactive impulsive form of ADHD but it is not well understood by family doctors and many patients go undiagnosed. In many cases, the inattentive form of ADD is mistakenly identified as mood disorders (depression or bipolar affective disorder) or anxiety substance use disorders. The treatment is based on education and support, helping patients to develop more order in the lives they lead and improve their self-esteem as well as social skills, promoting healthy eating and lifestyles and taking medication if necessary. As high as 60 percent of ADD sufferers benefit from treatment. It is not recommended to use for children since it is not safe for them.