Recognizing ADD Symptoms in Adults<br /><br />You don't remember appointments or tasks? You may interrupt others when they are talking or slam into rooms without knocking. If these actions cause conflicts in your life, they could be symptoms of ADHD.<br /><br />Adults frequently suffer from comorbid psychiatric disorders such as anxiety and mood disorders that are associated with their ADHD. <a href="https://bain-greene.federatedjournals.com/its-the-one-signs-of-adhd-trick-every-person-should-know">what are symptoms of adhd in adults</a> that are asked during the clinical interview can reveal the symptoms of ADHD.<br /><br />Symptoms<br /><br />A person suffering from ADD may have difficulty organizing activities paying attention to particulars or keeping commitments. The person with ADD often makes mistakes in school or at work, forgets important things like appointments and bills, and has trouble staying focused on conversations and leisure activities. Furthermore, a person with this kind of ADD is unable to keep their emotions in check and can be easily distracted by other people.<br /><br />To be diagnosed with ADD, people over age 7 must have been affected by inattention symptoms for at minimum six months. The symptoms must appear at least twice and interfere with the patient's social, school or work performance. A diagnosis of ADD requires feedback from parents and teachers, as well as clinical observation and a careful medical 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 clear cut and can be difficult for family doctors to recognize. It is a condition that can be diagnosed by primary care providers.<br /><br />Diagnosis<br /><br />Although ADD is among the most prevalent mental health conditions however, it is not always recognized in adulthood. Family physicians can be a crucial factor in identifying ADD and refer adults to treatment, specifically those who have been discharged from mental health services or do not have a diagnosis at all.<br /><br />The diagnosis is based on a clinical assessment, which may include self-ratings and interviews, as well as observation of patients in different situations (e.g. at work, at home or socially), as well as a thorough medical history that takes into account both past and current difficulties and the feedback from the employer or school. It is important to rule out other reasons for the person's symptoms that could be related to sleep issues, learning disabilities, alcohol and drug use or mood disorders because they may have similar symptoms to ADD.<br /><br />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 clinician is satisfied that there are at least six inattentive criteria for two of the seven subcategories: difficulty in paying attention or staying focused and disorganization, inability to follow directions or rules, 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.<br /><br />In general, to be diagnosed with ADD, the symptoms must be present for at least 6 months and have caused impairment in two areas of one's life. In the majority of people suffering from ADD, the disorder is associated with comorbid mental or psychiatric disorders such as mood disorders (depression, dysthymia and bipolar affective disorder) and addictions, anxiety disorders and personality disorders.<br /><br />Symptoms of ADD are reversible, however the best way to treat it is to implement strategies that aid people organize their lives and make behavioral changes. Setting goals, routines for the day and using lists and reminders are helpful. It is also important to help people understand their triggers for impulsive behaviour and offer strategies for controlling them, including taking time before making a decision, evaluating a situation and coming up with alternative courses of action. Sometimes, medication is necessary, but a trial of one drug should be conducted prior to adding another to make sure it is effective.<br /><br />Treatment<br /><br />Adults with inattentive ADD can have difficulty at work, in the classroom or in their relationships. They tend to forget important details, make impulsive mistakes, and are easily distracted. They are also more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety or substance abuse. There are many treatment options for people with ADD/ADHD to assist them in living more productive lives.<br /><br />ADD/ADHD, one of the most prevalent mental disorders, is often neglected by family physicians. This may be because family physicians are unfamiliar with the symptom manifestations in adults, or because those who have ADD/ADHD frequently have comorbid problems, such as mood disorders (depression, bipolar affective disorder dysthymia, bipolar affective disorder) and anxiety, or alcohol-related disorders.<br /><br />A diagnosis of inattention ADD is dependent on an assessment that includes feedback from teachers or other professionals, as well as clinical observation, and a thorough history. The symptoms have to be problematic in various settings on a continuous basis and result in significant impairment. Children under the age of 17 have to have at minimum six signs of inattention in the category and adults need at minimum 5 of the 11 inattentive symptoms to be diagnosed of inattentive ADD.<br /><br /><br /><br />Management<br /><br />Family physicians must be aware of ADD in patients who are adults because the problem can be serious. Inattentive ADD in adults is more prevalent than hyperactive impulsive ADHD however, family physicians do not understand it well. A lot of patients are undiagnosed. In many cases, the inattentive form of ADD is mistakenly identified as mood disorders (depression or bipolar affective disorder) or anxiety addiction disorders. Treatment is based on support and education, helping patients develop more order in their lives, improving self-esteem and social interaction skills and promoting a healthy diet and lifestyle, and medication if needed. Medication is helpful in up to 60 percent of ADD patients. It is not recommended for children.<br /><br />