Sara Hardee

Recognizing ADD Symptoms in Adults

Do you find yourself forgetting the dates or tasks you have to complete at work? You might be a nuisance in rooms without knocking, or interrupt people when they are speaking. If these behaviors cause conflict in your life, they could be signs of mild adhd symptoms in adults.

Adults who suffer from ADHD typically suffer from mental health conditions like anxiety and mood disorders. Signs of adhd and anxiety symptoms can be discovered through routine questions in the clinical interview.

Symptoms

A person suffering from ADD might have trouble organizing activities, symptoms of adhd in adults nhs paying attention to details or keeping commitments. They make impulsive errors at school or at work, forgets important items such as bills and appointments and has trouble staying focused on conversation and leisure activities. Someone with this kind of personality has difficulty controlling their emotions and is easily distracted by others.

In order to be diagnosed with ADD, people over age 7 must be afflicted by inattentive symptoms for at least six months. Several of the symptoms must be present on two different occasions, and the patient's problems must interfere with the school, social, or work-related functioning. A diagnosis of ADD requires feedback from teachers and parents in addition to clinical observation and a careful history. Some patients have a combination of symptoms in both the inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive categories. The symptoms of this type of ADD are not as clear cut and can be difficult for family doctors to recognize. It is a condition which can be identified by primary care doctors.

Diagnosis

ADD is a typical mental disorder that affects children however, it's not always recognized as an adult. Family physicians are a great source of information to diagnose ADD for adults, especially those who have not been diagnosed or have been dismissed.

The diagnosis is based on a medical assessment, which may include self-ratings, interviews and observation of patients in different situations (e.g. at home, work, or socially) as well as an extensive medical history that takes into account both past and current difficulties as well as feedback from the school or employer. It is important to exclude other causes of a person's symptoms like 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. Inattentive ADD is diagnosed when a doctor is satisfied that there are at least six indicators of inattention in two of the following seven subcategories: difficulty focusing and difficulty staying focused or in a state of disorganization, failure to follow directions or rules, apathy and being 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 order to be diagnosed as having ADD, symptoms must be present in at least two different areas of the person's life for a minimum of six months. In the majority of people men with adhd symptoms ADD it is associated with comorbid mental or psychiatric issues that include mood disorders (depression bipolar affective disorder and dysthymia) as well as addictions, anxiety disorders, and personality disorders.

The symptoms of ADD can be reversed, but the best method to treat it is by implementing strategies that help people organize their lives and alter their habits. Setting goals, routines for the day and using lists and reminders can be beneficial. It is crucial to help people learn to manage their impulsive behavior as well as what causes them. Techniques such as waiting before acting or evaluating a scenario and figuring out alternative options are helpful. Sometimes, medication is necessary, but a test of one medication should be given before adding another to make sure it's effective.

Treatment

Adults with inattentive ADD may have difficulties at work, at school or in their relationships. They are more likely to make mistakes, overlook important details and get easily distracted. They are also more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety or substance abuse. Fortunately, many adults find treatment options that can assist them in living more productive lives with ADD/ADHD.

ADD/ADHD is among the most commonly reported mental health disorders, but it is often ignored in family practice. This may be because family physicians are not familiar with the Symptoms of adhd in adults nhs that manifest in adults or because people with ADD/ADHD often have co-occurring disorders, like mood disorders (depression, bipolar affective disorder dysthymia, bipolar affective disorder) and anxiety, or addiction disorders.

A diagnosis of inattention ADD is determined by an evaluation that includes feedback from teachers or other professionals, clinical observation and a detailed background. The symptoms must be problematic in various settings on a continuous basis and cause significant impairment. In order to diagnose inattentive ADD, children under 17 years of age must display at least six signs symptoms of adhd that are indicative of inattentional behavior. Adults should have at least five of the 11 inattentional behaviors.

Management

Family physicians must recognize ADD in patients of all ages since the condition can be serious. Inattentional ADD in adults is more common than hyperactive impulsive dsm adhd symptoms however, family physicians don't know how to recognize it. A lot of patients are undiagnosed. The inattentive version of ADD is mistakenly categorized as mood disorders (depression or bipolar affective disorders, or substance abuse disorders). Treatment is focused on education and support and helps patients create more discipline in their lives, and improving self-esteem and social interaction skills and promoting a healthy diet and lifestyle and taking medication when needed. As high as 60 percent of ADD sufferers benefit from treatment. It is not recommended for children.