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Recognizing ADD Symptoms in Adults

You forget appointments or tasks? Maybe you barge into rooms without knocking, or interrupt people when they speak. If these actions cause conflict in your life, they could be symptoms of autistic adhd symptoms.

Adults are often diagnosed with psychiatric disorders such as anxiety and mood disorders that are associated with their ADHD. Questions that are routinely asked during a clinical interview can reveal signs of ADHD.

Signs and symptoms

A person with ADD might have trouble coordinating activities paying attention to details or keeping commitments. He or she often makes mistakes in school or at work, and forgets important details such as bills and appointments, and has trouble staying focused on conversations and leisure activities. Furthermore, a person with this type of ADD is unable to keep his or her emotions in check and can be easily distracted by people around them.

For a person to be diagnosed with ADD they must have had inattention symptoms at least six month prior. Several of the symptoms must be present on two different occasions and the patient's difficulties must interfere with the school, social, or work performance. A diagnosis of ADD requires feedback from teachers and parents in addition to 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 aren't always evident and are often difficult to diagnose by family physicians. However it is a condition that is diagnosed and treated by primary care providers.

Diagnosis

ADD is a common mental disorder that affects children however, it's not always recognized as an adult. Family physicians can play a key role in identifying ADD and referring adults to treatment, particularly those who have been dismissed from mental health services or do not have a diagnosis.

Diagnosis is based on clinical assessment, which is often aided by self-rating scales and interviews and observation of the patient in various situations (eg at work, at home, socially) and an extensive medical history, taking into account previous issues and current difficulties and obtaining feedback from a school or employer. It is essential to rule out any other possible causes for the symptoms of a person like sleep issues as well as learning disabilities, alcohol or drug use or mood disorders 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. Inattentive ADD is diagnosed when the doctor is satisfied that there are at least six indicators of inattention for two of the seven subcategories: difficulty paying attention and difficulty staying focused, disorganization, failing to follow instructions or rules, apathy and 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 have been evident in at least two aspects of a persons life for a minimum of six months. In at least half of all people suffering from ADD it is associated with a variety of comorbid mental or psychiatric issues such as mood disorders (depression, dysthymia and bipolar affective disorder) and anxiety disorders, addictions and personality disorders.

The signs of ADD are reversible, however the best approach is to implement strategies that help people put structure in their lives and make behavioral changes. Goal setting, daily routines and using lists and reminders are helpful. It is crucial to teach people to control their impulsive behavior as well as what causes them. Techniques like waiting before making a decision or evaluating the situation and coming up with alternatives are beneficial. Medication is sometimes necessary but a test of one medication must be administered prior to adding another to make sure it is effective.

Treatment

Adults with inattentive ADD often struggle at school, at work or in their personal relationships. They tend to make impulsive mistakes, overlook crucial details and become easily distracted. They are more likely to be suffering from anxiety, depression, or substance abuse. Fortunately, many adults find treatment options that can assist them in living more successful lives with ADD/ADHD.

ADD/adhd adult symptoms is one of the most common mental health disorders, yet it is often ignored in family practices. This could be because doctors in the family are not familiar with the symptoms of ADD/adhd symptoms symptoms in adults or because a large number of people with ADD/lesser known adhd symptoms suffer from comorbid disorders, like anxiety or mood disorders.

A diagnosis of inattention ADD can be made by a thorough assessment, which includes feedback from teachers and other professionals, as and clinical observation. The symptoms have to be persistently difficult to manage and result in significant impairment in multiple environments. Children younger than 17 years old need to have at least six symptoms that fall into the inattentive category, and adults must have at least five of the 11 inattentive 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 in adults is more common than hyperactive impulsive ADHD however, doctors of the family do not understand it well. Many patients remain undiagnosed. The inattentive version of ADD is misdiagnosed as mood disorders (depression or bipolar affective disorders, or addiction disorders). The treatment is based on education and support, assisting patients develop more order in their lives and improve their self-esteem as well as social skills, and encouraging healthy eating and lifestyles, and medication, when needed. Up to 60% of ADD sufferers benefit from medication. It is not recommended for children.