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Recognizing ADD Symptoms in Adults You don't remember appointments or tasks? You might interrupt people while they are talking or barge into rooms without knocking. If these behaviors cause conflict in your life, they could be symptoms of ADHD. Adults often experience comorbid disorders of the psyche, including anxiety and mood disorders as well as their ADHD. The routine questions that are asked during the clinical interview can reveal signs of ADHD. Symptoms A person with ADD isn't able to pay focus on details, organising activities, or executing on commitments. The person with ADD often makes mistakes in school or at work, forgets important things such as bills and appointments and is unable to stay focused on conversations and leisure activities. Furthermore, a person with this type of ADD struggles to keep his or her emotions in check, and can be easily distracted by other people. To be diagnosed with ADD those over 7 must have been afflicted by inattentive symptoms for at minimum six months. The symptoms must be present on two separate occasions, and the patient's problems are affecting the school, social, or work-related functioning. A diagnosis of ADD requires feedback from teachers and parents and also clinical observation and a careful history. female symptoms of adhd have a combination of symptoms in both the inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive categories. The symptoms of the combined type of ADD aren't always clear cut and can be difficult for family physicians to recognize. However, it is a condition that is diagnosed and treated by primary care doctors. Diagnosis ADD is a typical childhood mental disorder however it's often not recognized as an adult. Family physicians can play a significant role in identifying ADD and refer adults to treatment, particularly those who have been discharged from mental health care or do not have a diagnosis. Diagnosis is based upon clinical assessment, which is often aided by self-rating scales, interviews and observation of the patient's behavior in various situations (eg at home, at work or socially) as well as complete medical history, incorporating previous issues and current difficulties and obtaining feedback from the school or employer. It is important to exclude other reasons for the symptoms a person experiences, such as sleep disorders or learning disabilities, as well as 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. Inattentive ADD is diagnosed when the doctor is satisfied that there are at least six inattentive criteria within two of the following seven subcategories: difficulty paying attention or staying focused, disorganization, failing to follow directions or rules, forgetfulness 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. Generally, in order to be diagnosed with ADD, the symptoms must have been present for at least 6 months and have caused impairment in two areas of one's life. In at least half of all people with ADD the disorder is accompanied by a comorbid psychological or psychiatric problems such as mood disorders (depression, bipolar affective disorder and dysthymia), anxiety disorders, addictions and personality disorders. The signs of ADD are reversible. However, the best approach is to implement strategies that aid people to organize their lives and make behavioral changes. Goal setting, daily routines and using lists and reminders are useful. It is essential to teach people to manage their impulsive behavior as well as what causes them. Techniques such as waiting before making a decision or evaluating the situation and working out alternatives are beneficial. Sometimes medication is necessary however it is essential to test one medication prior to adding another. Treatment Adults with inattention ADD might have trouble working, at school, or in their relationships. They are more likely to overlook important details, make impulsive mistakes and become easily distracted. They are also more likely to experience anxiety, depression or abuse. Fortunately, there are many treatment options for adults with ADD/ADHD that can aid them in leading more productive lives. ADD/ADHD, which is among the most frequent mental disorders, is frequently ignored by family doctors. This is likely due to the fact that family physicians are unfamiliar with the symptom presentation in adults or because people who suffer from ADD/ADHD are often suffering from co-occurring disorders, like mood disorders (depression bipolar affective disorder, depression dysthymia, bipolar affective disorder) and anxiety or addiction disorders. A diagnosis of inattentive ADD is through a thorough evaluation, which includes feedback from teachers and other professionals as well as clinical observation. The symptoms have to be problematic in multiple settings on an ongoing basis and cause significant impairment. Children under the age of 17 have to have at minimum six signs of inattention in the category, and adults must have at minimum 5 of the 11 symptoms to meet a diagnosis of inattentive ADD. Management Family physicians need to recognize ADD in adult patients because the problem can be serious. Inattentional ADD is more often recognized in the adult population than the hyperactive impulsive form of ADHD but it is not well-understood by family physicians and many patients are left undiagnosed. Often, the inattentive form of ADD is mistakenly categorized as mood disorders (depression, bipolar affective disorder or addiction disorders). Treatment is based on support and education and helps patients create more discipline in their lives, enhancing self-esteem and social skills as well as encouraging a healthy diet and lifestyle, and medication if needed. Medication is helpful in up to 60 percent of ADD patients. It is not recommended to use in children because it is not safe for children.