Recognizing ADD Symptoms in Adults

Do you find yourself forgetting important dates or tasks at work? You might interrupt people while they are talking or slam into rooms without knocking. If these actions cause conflict in your life, symptoms of adhd in adults checklist they may be signs of ADHD.

Adults suffering from ADHD frequently suffer from mental health conditions like anxiety and mood disorders. Routine questions asked during the clinical interview may reveal the signs of adhd adult symptoms.

Signs and symptoms of adhd in Adults Checklist

A person with ADD is unable to pay close focus on details, organising activities, or executing on commitments. He or she makes impulsive errors at school or at work, and forgets important things such as bills and appointments, and has difficulty staying focussed on conversations and leisure activities. In addition, a person with this type of ADD is unable to keep their emotions in check, and may be easily distracted by others.

To be diagnosed with ADD they must have had inattention symptoms at least six month prior symptoms of adhd in adults Checklist to. The symptoms should manifest on two separate occasions and interfere with the patient's social, school or work performance. A diagnosis of ADD requires feedback from parents and teachers and also an examination of the patient's clinical condition and a thorough background. Some patients have a combination of symptoms in both the inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive categories. The symptoms of this type of ADD aren't as distinct and may be difficult for family doctors to identify. However, it is a condition that is diagnosed and treated by primary care doctors.

Diagnosis

Although ADD is one of the most frequent mental health conditions, it's not always recognized in adulthood. Family physicians are an excellent source of information to diagnose ADD for adults, especially those who have not been diagnosed or have been discharged.

The diagnosis is based on a medical assessment, which can include self-ratings, interviews and observation of patients in various situations (e.g. at home, work or socially) as well as a thorough medical history that takes into account both current and past difficulties and the feedback from the employer or school. It is important to exclude other reasons for the symptoms of a person, such as sleep disorders, learning disabilities or 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. Inattentional ADD can be identified when the clinician finds six or more inattentive symptoms in two of seven subcategories. These include: difficulty paying attention or staying focused, disorganization, forgetfulness, failure to follow guidelines or rules, and difficulties in 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.

In general, to be considered to have ADD, the symptoms must be present for at least six months and be affecting functioning in two areas of one's life. A majority of people suffering from ADD suffer from comorbid psychological and psychiatric disorders. These include mood disorders (depressions, bipolar affective disorders and dysthymia) and personality disorders, addictions and anxiety disorders.

Symptoms of ADD are reversible, however the best treatment is to implement strategies that help people to organize their lives and make behavioral changes. Goal setting, daily routines and using lists and reminders are useful. It is also crucial to help people understand their own triggers for impulsive behavior and offer strategies for controlling them, including waiting before acting, evaluating a situation and determining different options for action. The use of medication is sometimes required, but a test of one medication should be administered prior to adding another to make sure it is effective.

Treatment

Adults with inattention ADD may have difficulties at work, at the classroom or in their relationships. They tend to miss important details, make impulsive mistakes, and are easily distracted. They are also more likely to experience anxiety, depression or substance abuse. There are many adults who are able to find treatment options that help them live more productive lives with ADHD or ADD.

ADD/typical adhd symptoms is one of the most prevalent mental health conditions, yet it is often not considered in family practice. This is likely due to the fact that family physicians aren't familiar with adult ADD/ADHD symptoms or because many people with ADD/ADHD suffer from comorbid disorders, including anxiety or mood disorders.

A diagnosis of inattention ADD is dependent on an assessment that includes feedback from teachers or other professionals, a clinical observation, and a thorough background. The symptoms must be a problem in different settings on a regular basis and result in significant impairment. In order to diagnose inattention ADD children who are under 17 years of age must display at least six signs in the category of inattentive behavior. Adults must have at least five of the 11 inattentional behaviors.

Management

It is vital that family physicians recognize ADD in adults as the problems can be quite serious. Inattentive ADD in adults is more common than hyperactive impulsive adhd symptoms uk however, family physicians still don't know how to recognize it. Many patients are left undiagnosed. In many cases, the inattentive form of ADD is mistakenly identified as mood disorders (depression or bipolar affective disorder), anxiety, or addiction disorders. Treatment is based on education and support and helps patients create more structure in their lives, improving self-esteem and social skills, encouraging a healthy diet and lifestyle, and medication if needed. Up to 60 percent of ADD sufferers benefit from treatment. It should not be used in children because it is not safe for them.