Why Everyone Is Talking About ADD Symptoms In Adults This Moment

Recognizing ADD Symptoms in Adults

Do you have a tendency to forget important dates or tasks at work? You may interrupt people when they are talking or slam into rooms without knocking. These actions may be ADHD symptoms when they cause you to be in conflict with your everyday life.

Adults with ADHD frequently suffer from mental health conditions like anxiety and mood disorders. Signs of ADHD can be identified through routine questions in the interview.

symptoms of adult adhd with ADD isn't able to pay attention to details, organizing activities, or executing on commitments. He or she makes careless errors at school or at work, forgets important items such as bills and appointments and has trouble staying focussed on conversations and leisure activities. A person who is this type has difficulty controlling their emotions and is easily distracted by other people.

To be diagnosed with ADD they must have experienced inattentive symptoms for at least six months prior. The symptoms must manifest at least twice and interfere with the patient's social, educational or work-related performance. A diagnosis of ADD requires feedback from teachers and parents and also medical observation and a thorough history. Some patients have a combination of symptoms in both the inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive categories. The symptoms of the combined type of ADD are not as distinct and may be difficult for family physicians to identify. However it is a condition that can be diagnosed and treated by primary care providers.

Diagnosis

ADD is a common mental disorder in children, but it's not always recognized when you turn an adult. Family physicians are an excellent source of information for diagnosing ADD in adults, especially those who haven't been diagnosed or discharged.

Diagnosis is based upon clinical assessment often assisted by self-rating scales, interviews and observation of the patient's behavior in various situations (eg at home, at work and socially) and complete medical background, including previous issues and current difficulties, and obtaining feedback from school or the employer. It is essential to rule out any other possible causes for the person's symptoms, such as sleep problems, learning disabilities, alcohol or mood disorders or drug use since they could have similar symptoms 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 diagnosed when the clinician finds six or more inattentive symptoms in two of seven subcategories. These include difficulty in staying focused or focused, disorganization, forgetfulness, failure to adhere to guidelines or rules, and 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 evident in at least two aspects of a person's life for a minimum of six months. In the majority of people with ADD the disorder is accompanied by a comorbid psychological or psychiatric problems such as mood disorders (depression dysthymia and bipolar affective disorder) and addictions, anxiety disorders, and personality disorders.

The symptoms of ADD can be reversed but the best way to manage it is by applying strategies to help people organize their lives and alter their habits. Goal setting, daily routines and using lists and reminders are useful. It is important to teach people how to control their impulsive behavior and to understand what triggers them. Techniques such as waiting until taking action, or evaluating a situation and coming up with alternatives are helpful. The use of medication is sometimes required, but a trial of one drug should be conducted prior to adding another to make sure it's effective.

Treatment

Adults who aren't attentive ADD often find they have trouble at school, at work or in their personal relationships. They tend to miss important details, make impulsive mistakes, and are easily distracted. They are also more likely to be suffering from anxiety, depression or abuse. Many adults are able to are able to find treatment options that help them live more productive lives with ADHD or ADD.

ADD/ADHD is one of the most commonly reported mental health disorders, but it is often ignored in family practice. This is likely due to the fact that family physicians are not familiar with the symptom presentation 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 inattention ADD is determined by an evaluation that includes feedback from teachers or other professionals, a clinical observation, and a thorough background. The symptoms must be persistently challenging and cause significant impairment in a variety of settings. Children under age 17 need to show at least six symptoms that fall into the inattentive category, and adults must have 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 problems can be quite serious. Inattentive ADD is more commonly recognized in the adult population than the hyperactive impulsive form of ADHD but it is not well understood by family physicians and many patients go undiagnosed. Often, the inattentive form of ADD is misdiagnosed with mood disorders (depression, bipolar affective disorder or substance abuse disorders). Treatment is based on education and support to help patients establish more order in their lives, improving self-esteem and social skills and promoting an active lifestyle and healthy diet and, if necessary, medication. As high as 60 percent of ADD sufferers benefit from medication. It should not be used for children since it is not safe for children.

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Pub: 01 Oct 2024 08:24 UTC

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