10 ADD Symptoms In Adults-Related ADD Symptoms In Adults-Related Projects That Will Stretch Your Creativity

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, they may be signs of ADHD.

relevant resource site  with ADHD often have comorbid psychiatric conditions such as anxiety and mood disorders. Questions that are routinely asked during a clinical interview may reveal the signs of ADHD.

Symptoms

A person with ADD is unable to pay close attention to details, organizing activities, or following through on commitments. The person with ADD often makes errors at school or work, forgets important things like bills and appointments and is unable to stay focused on conversations and leisure activities. In addition, a person with this type of ADD is unable to keep their emotions in check and is easily distracted by other people.

To be diagnosed with ADD they must have experienced inattentive symptoms at least six month prior. The symptoms must appear on two separate occasions and impact the patient's school, social or work performance. A diagnosis of ADD requires feedback from teachers and parents, as well as an examination of the patient's clinical condition 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 always evident and are often difficult to identify by family physicians. However, it is a condition that is diagnosed and treated by primary care doctors.

Diagnosis

ADD is a typical mental disorder in children however it's often not recognized as an adult. Family physicians are a good resource to diagnose ADD in adults, especially those who haven't been diagnosed or discharged.

Diagnosis is based upon clinical assessment often assisted by self-rating scales, interview and observation of the patient's behavior in various situations (eg at home, at work and socially) as well as an extensive medical background, including the past and current issues and getting feedback from the school or employer. It is important to rule out any other possible causes for the person's symptoms like sleep issues or learning disabilities, alcohol or mood disorders or drug use because they may have similar presentations 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 can be diagnosed when the clinician finds six or more signs of inattention in two of seven subcategories. These include difficulty paying attention or staying on task, disorganization or forgetfulness, failure to adhere to 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.

To be recognized as having ADD symptoms must have been present in at least two areas of the person's life for at least six months. In the majority of people with ADD the disorder is accompanied by a comorbid mental or psychiatric issues that include mood disorders (depression dysthymia and bipolar affective disorder), anxiety disorders, addictions and personality disorders.

The symptoms of ADD can be reversed however the best way to manage it is by adopting strategies that allow people to establish a structure in their lives and alter their behavior. Setting goals, routines for the day and making lists and reminders are helpful. It is also crucial to educate people about their own triggers for impulsive behavior and offer strategies for controlling them, like taking time before acting, evaluating a situation and determining alternatives to take. Medication is sometimes necessary but a test of one medication must be conducted prior to adding another one to ensure it is effective.

Treatment

Adults who aren't attentive ADD typically have trouble at work, school 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 depression, anxiety or substance abuse. Fortunately, many adults find treatment options that can aid them in living more successful lives with ADD/ADHD.

ADD/ADHD is one of the most commonly reported mental health disorders, yet it is often ignored in family practices. This could be due to the fact that family physicians aren't familiar with the symptom manifestations in adults or because people who have ADD/ADHD frequently have comorbid problems, such as mood disorders (depression bipolar affective disorder, depression, dysthymia) and anxiety, or substance use disorders.

A diagnosis of inattentive ADD is based on an evaluation that includes feedback from teachers or other professionals, a clinical observation, and a thorough background. The symptoms must be a problem in multiple settings on an ongoing basis, and cause significant impairment. To be able to identify inattentive ADD children younger than 17 years old must have at least six signs that are indicative of inattentive behavior. Adults should have at minimum five of the 11 inattentional behaviors.

Management

Family physicians must be aware of ADD in adult patients because the problem can be serious. Inattentional ADD is more frequently recognized in the adult population than the hyperactive impulsive type of ADHD however, it is not widely understood by family doctors and many patients go undiagnosed. The inattentive version of ADD is misdiagnosed with mood disorders (depression, bipolar affective disorder, or addiction disorders). Treatment is focused on education and support and helps patients create more discipline in their lives, improving self-esteem and social interaction skills and promoting an active lifestyle and healthy diet and, if necessary, medication. About 60 percent of ADD sufferers get relief from treatment. It is not recommended for children.