Recognizing ADD Symptoms in Adults<br /><br />Do you forget appointments or responsibilities? Perhaps you enter rooms without knocking, or interrupt people when they speak. If these actions cause conflict in your life, they could be symptoms of ADHD.<br /><br />Adults often experience comorbid mental disorders, such as mood and anxiety disorders with their ADHD. Signs of ADHD can be identified through routine questions in the clinical interview.<br /><br />Symptoms<br /><br />A person with ADD may have difficulty organizing activities, paying attention to particulars or keeping commitments. The person with ADD often makes careless mistakes at school or work, and forgets important details such as bills and appointments and is unable to stay focused on conversations and leisure activities. Additionally, someone with this kind of ADD has trouble keeping his or her emotions in check, and may be easily distracted by others.<br /><br />To be diagnosed with ADD, people over age 7 must have been afflicted by inattentive symptoms for at minimum six months. The symptoms must appear on two separate occasions and impact the patient's school, social, or work functioning. Teachers and parents must provide feedback, in addition to medical observation and a thorough history. Some patients have a combination of symptoms in both the inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive categories. The symptoms of ADD combined aren't as evident and are often difficult to identify by family doctors. However it is a condition that is diagnosed and treated by primary care doctors.<br /><br />Diagnosis<br /><br />Although ADD is one of the most frequent mental health conditions however, it is not always recognized until later in life. Family physicians can be a crucial factor in diagnosing ADD and refer adults to treatment, specifically those who have been dismissed 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, an interview and observation of patients in different situations (e.g. at home, work, or socially), as well as a detailed medical history that takes into account the past and present challenges and the feedback from the employer or school. It is important to exclude other reasons for the symptoms a person experiences, such as sleep disorders, learning disabilities or mood disorders.<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 can be diagnosed when the clinician finds six or more signs of inattention within two of the seven subcategories. This includes: difficulty paying attention or staying focused, disorganization, forgetfulness, failure to follow guidelines or rules, and 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.<br /><br />To be classified as having ADD, symptoms must be present in at least two different areas of the person's life for a minimum of six months. A majority of people who suffer from ADD have a history of comorbid psychological or mental disorders. These include mood disorders (depressions bipolar affective disorder and dysthymia) and personality disorders, addictions, and anxiety disorders.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/adhd-symptoms-in-adults/">iampsychiatry.uk</a> of ADD can be reversed, but the best way to manage it is by adopting strategies that allow people to create structure in their life and alter their behavior. Setting goals, routines for the day and using lists and reminders can be useful. It is crucial to help people learn to control their impulsive behavior and to understand what causes them. Techniques such as waiting before acting or evaluating a scenario and figuring out alternative options are beneficial. Sometimes, medication is required however it is important to test one medication before adding another.<br /><br />Treatment<br /><br />Adults with inattention ADD can have difficulty working, at school, or in their relationships. They tend to make careless errors, miss important details, and are easily distracted. They are more likely to be suffering from anxiety, depression, or substance abuse. Fortunately, many adults have treatment options to help them live more productive lives with ADHD or ADD.<br /><br />ADD/ADHD, one of the most frequent mental disorders, is often ignored by family doctors. This is likely due to the fact that family physicians are unfamiliar with the symptom manifestations for adults or because those who suffer from ADD/ADHD are often suffering from comorbid problems, such as mood disorders (depression bipolar affective disorder, depression dysthymia) and anxiety, or alcohol-related disorders.<br /><br />A diagnosis of inattention ADD is based on an evaluation that includes feedback from teachers or other professionals, clinical observation, and a thorough background. The symptoms must be persistently problematic and cause significant impairment in multiple situations. Children under age 17 need to show at least 6 symptoms in the inattentive category and adults need at least 5 of the 11 inattentive symptoms to be diagnosed of inattentive ADD.<br /><br />Management<br /><br />It is crucial that family physicians recognize ADD in adults as the symptoms can be grave. Inattentive ADD in adults is more prevalent than hyperactive impulsive ADHD however, doctors of the family aren't aware of it. Many patients remain undiagnosed. In many cases, the inattentive type of ADD is misdiagnosed as mood disorders (depression or bipolar affective disorders or substance abuse disorders). The treatment is based on education and support, assisting patients develop more order in their lives, improving their self-esteem and social skills, encouraging healthy lifestyles and eating habits and taking medication when needed. As high as 60% of ADD sufferers get relief from treatment. It should not be used in children as it is not safe for children.<br /><br />