Recognizing ADD Symptoms in Adults

You don't remember appointments or tasks? You may interrupt people when they're talking or sneak into rooms without knocking. If these behaviors cause conflict in your life, they could be symptoms of ADHD.

Adults are often diagnosed with psychiatric disorders such as anxiety and mood disorders that are associated with their adhd symptoms in women. The routine questions that are asked during the clinical interview may reveal the signs of ADHD.

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A person with ADD may have difficulty organizing activities paying attention to particulars or keeping commitments. They often make errors at school or work, forgets important things such as bills and appointments, and has trouble staying focused on conversations and leisure activities. Additionally, someone with this kind of ADD has trouble keeping his or her emotions in check and can be easily distracted by other people.

For a person to be diagnosed with ADD they must have had inattention symptoms at least six months prior to. The symptoms must be present on two distinct occasions and the patient's issues are affecting school, social or work-related functioning. A diagnosis of ADD requires feedback from teachers and parents and also an examination of the patient's clinical condition and a thorough background. Some patients have a combination of symptoms in both the inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive categories. The symptoms of this type of ADD aren't as distinct and may be difficult for family doctors to identify. However it is a condition that can be diagnosed and treated by primary care physicians.

Diagnosis

Although ADD is one of the most common childhood mental health disorders, it's not always recognized in adulthood. Family physicians are an excellent resource to diagnose ADD in adults, especially those who haven't been diagnosed or have been dismissed.

Diagnosis is based on clinical assessment often assisted by self-rating scales, interviews and observation of the patient in various situations (eg at home, at work and socially), a thorough medical background, including the past and current issues and getting feedback from a school or employer. It is important to rule out other reasons for the symptoms of a person that could be related to sleep issues, learning disabilities, alcohol and mood disorders or drug use 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 can be identified when a doctor observes six or more inattentive symptoms within two of the seven subcategories. These include difficulties in paying attention or staying focused, disorganization, forgetfulness, failure to follow the rules or instructions, or difficulty 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 different areas of a person's life for at least six months. In at least half of all people suffering from ADD the disorder is associated with a variety of comorbid mental or psychiatric issues such as 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 put structure in 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 behavior and to provide methods for reducing them, like taking time before acting, evaluating a situation and coming up with alternative courses of action. The use of medication is sometimes required, but a test of one medication must be conducted prior to adding another to ensure that it is 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 more likely to be suffering from depression, anxiety, or substance abuse. There are many treatment options for people with ADD/ADHD to help them lead more productive lives.

ADD/ADHD is among the most common mental health disorders, yet it is often ignored in family practice. This is likely due to the fact that family physicians aren't familiar with the symptoms that manifest for adults or because those with ADD/ADHD often have comorbid problems, such as mood disorders (depression bipolar affective disorder, depression dysthymia) and anxiety or alcohol-related disorders.

A diagnosis of inattentive ADD can be derived through a thorough evaluation which includes feedback from teachers and other professionals as well as clinical observation. The symptoms must be a problem in multiple settings on an ongoing basis, and cause significant impairment. Children under the age of 17 have to have at minimum 6 symptoms of adhd in adults in the inattentive category and adults need at least five of the 11 inattentive symptoms to be diagnosed of inattentive ADD.

Management

It is very important that family doctors are aware of ADD in adults as the issues can be serious. Inattentional ADD is more frequently recognized in the adult population than the hyperactive impulsive form of ADHD however, it is not well-understood by family physicians and many patients are not diagnosed. Frequently, the inattentive type of ADD is mistakenly identified as mood disorders (depression or bipolar affective disorder) or anxiety addiction disorders. Treatment is based on education and support, helping patients develop more order in their lives, enhancing self-esteem and social interaction skills as well as encouraging the healthy lifestyle and diet and, if necessary, medication. About 60% of ADD sufferers get relief from treatment. It is not recommended for children.