to me:
Common Symptoms of ADD in Adults
Common Symptoms of ADD in Adults
1. We are easily distracted and have difficulty paying attention. We have a tendency to tune out or drift away. For example, we might say:
It is a struggle for me to stay focused or centered. When I least expect it, my brain changes channels, and I respond to the beat of another drum.
Although I can hyperfocus a times, I am more often distracted, and have difficulty staying on target.
At times I feel scattered and confused, like iron shavings attracted by competing magnetic fields.
I set out to clean the kitchen, and often find myself reading a cookbook and deciding to try a new recipe. I eventually finish the kitchen, but it takes me a while.
2. We are impulsive, and we make hasty decisions without considering the consequences. For example, we might say:
I make plans without consulting my family, and then wonder why they don't share my enthusiasm. I jump to conclusions before analyzing all the facts. This creates problems in my personal and business life. I make decisions, commitments, purchases, even major life changes without adequately considering the consequences. I buy things I don't need, and then wonder where all my money went. The worst part is having to justify my actions.
3. We are restless, often hyperactive, and full of nervous energy. For example, we might say:
I usually feel edgy and am always "on the go." My insides are constantly churning. I drum my fingers, twist my hair, pace, shift positions while seated, or leave the room frequently. I'm always looking for a way to release my excess energy. I channel-surf with the TV remote control and find it hard to relax. I am an aggressive driver and love to weave in and out of traffic. My favorite game is looking for "hole shots" and creating my own car race.
4. We have a strong sense of underachievement and always feel that we fail to live up to our potential. For example, we might say:
Whether I am highly accomplished or floundering, I feel incapable of realizing my true potential. I feel like a failure and view success as something that only others achieve. In spite of my accomplishments and a satisfying relationship, I find it difficult to feel happy and fulfilled. In school I was called an underachiever, and that message still affects me today. I tend to be critical of my performance, even if others compliment me for a job well done.
5. We have difficulty in relationships. For example, we might say:
My inability to stay focused in the present moment gives others the impression that I don't care. I get bored easily and have a hard time listening to others. I feel uncomfortable in group activities where social interaction is required. I prefer not to be noticed, because I'm afraid I will say the wrong thing. Sometimes I forget to say hello or goodbye, and others accuse me of being rude.
6. We are procrastinators and have trouble getting started or feeling motivated. For example, we might say:
I put things off until the last minute, but the last-minute adrenaline rush makes the task possible, more interesting, and stimulating. I use deadlines as a way to create panic and chaos. This enables me to hyperfocus, so that I can complete the task on time. I allow piles of work to accumulate because I can't get organized. Only in times of hyperfocus can I actually get something accomplished. I'm inclined to start a project the night before it is due, stay up all night to finish it, and be totally burned out the next day.
7. We cannot tolerate boredom and are always looking for something to do. For example, we might say:
I become bored with activities, conversations and situations that do not interest me. I'm always looking for highly stimulating activities that keep my adrenaline flowing. When I sense boredom approaching, I look for something new and stimulating, rather than accept the idea of being bored. All of my waking moments need to be filled with something to do or something to think about. I cannot risk the possibility of having nothing to do.
8. We have difficulty getting organized. For example, we might say:
I have organizational plans, to-do lists, schedules and resolutions, but still end up with piles on my desk, missed appointments and unanswered phone calls. I have difficulty managing my time effectively. I am often late for meetings, and I lose track of everything from keys to commitments. I often feel out of control and confused because I don't know how to organize my time and activities. My kids do a better job of organizing than I do. I do better when others remind me of appointments and give me direction and structure.
9. We are impatient and have a low tolerance for frustration. For example, we might say:
I become impatient when things don't happen fast enough for me. I have a tendency to withdraw or react in anger. I like to know the bottom line without having to listen to all the details that I consider unimportant. If a line is held up because of coupons, price checks or check cashing, I get impatient and want to lash out at the person creating the delay. I don't like waiting for people or dealing with people's problems.
10. We have mood swings with periods of anxiety, depression or loneliness. For example, we might say:
Periods of depression affect my work, relationships and perception of reality. I sometimes withdraw and isolate myself. A simple setback can bring on feelings of overwhelming hopelessness for me. My moods are unpredictable and can cause me to be either verbally and physically active or quiet and inactive. In the midst of a seemingly endless stream of thoughts, a memory of past failure or loss can submerge my mood instantly.
11. We worry excessively and often have a sense of impending doom. For example, we might say:
Within minutes after awakening or after arriving at work, I seem to search my mind for a topic to worry about. I use worry as a way to stay focused. It's like cutting my finger; all my attention can be in one place. A feeling of impending doom seems to hover over me. I worry constantly about my health. I fear that I'm too fat, too thin, or have some fatal or debilitating disease.
12. We have trouble going through established channels or following proper procedures. For example, we might say:
I am a maverick at heart and do not like to follow rules or go through proper channels to complete a task. I tend to be critical of those in charge, and prefer being free to do things my own way. I feel smothered by procedures, policies, and being directed by others. Being required to conform stifles my productivity. I have a hard time teaching my children to respect authority and follow the rules, because I have a hard time doing those things myself.
13. We have many projects going simultaneously, and have trouble following through with a project or task. For example, we might say:
I assume responsibility for more projects than I can realistically accomplish. I lose interest quickly and have difficulty completing one task before starting a new one. I prefer simple tasks that I can complete before I get an urge to start another one. I am capable of juggling lots of projects or commitments at the same time, but it creates anxiety and pressure for me.
14. We are poor observers of ourselves and are often unaware of our effect on others. For example, we might say:
I have difficulty discerning how others perceive me. I rarely pick up the signals that indicate how well I am being received or if I'm talking too much. I tend to monopolize a conversation without knowing it. My friends tell me I talk too much about myself and don't give them a chance to share their story. I often exaggerate a story to make my point, and don't notice that others don't believe me. At work I think others agree with me. In reality they are confused by my "idea-a-minute" mentality.
15. We tend to say what comes to mind without considering the timing or appropriateness of the remark. For example, we might say:
I blurt out inappropriate comments without considering the possible consequences. Later, when I take time to reflect on what I said, I beat myself up for saying something so stupid. I have a hard time waiting my turn in conversations, and I interrupt others while they are talking. I speak out of turn in meetings. This makes people angry, and I often lose the main point of the meeting or lose the respect of those present. I have a reputation for making one-liner comments that hurt people's feelings.
16. We have a tendency toward addictive behavior, and use mood-altering substances to medicate ourselves. For example, we might say:
I use cocaine to help me focus, alcohol or marijuana to calm me down, and food to comfort me. I take prescription drugs as a way to speed up or slow down, depending on my needs of the moment. I use coffee and cigarettes to keep me energized and to numb my feelings. I use work to give me focus, motivation, and a sense of accomplishment. At times I use it as a way to avoid boredom.
17. We have difficulty in the workplace. We either change jobs frequently or have trouble getting along with our coworkers. For example, we might say:
I become bored with a job and cannot convince myself to stay, even though my financial security is at stake. I assume too much responsibility or take on too many tasks, and then cannot fulfill my obligations. I change my mind frequently and create confusion among my coworkers.
I waste time and resources on insignificant projects and spend time on things that keep my interest but have little value to the overall scheme of things.
18. We have a family history of ADD or other disorders of impulse control or mood. For example, we might say:
I have biological family members with strong evidence of ADD or other disorders of impulse control. I can trace ADD symptoms back several generations. I have family members who are considered high-strung and who have unstable careers. A lot of my close relatives have trouble controlling their tempers. I have biological children with ADD, and I learned of my own ADD through their diagnosis.
Adapted from The Twelve Steps: A Key to Living With Attention Deficit Disorder (Friends in Recovery, RPI Publishing Inc
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ADD...Do I have it? by: Heather 9-26-2006
ADD...Do I have it? by: Heather 9-26-2006 no medication please by: abe 9-25-2006 This is why my life is so full of chaos by: Kae 9-21-2006 Good lord help by: Lisa 9-19-2006 ...scary by: savanna 9-13-2006 Whats the best treatment? by: Ken 8-29-2006 so thats why.. by: william 8-28-2006 Umm... what do I do now? by: Paul 8-16-2006 supplements for ADD by: eric 7-27-2006 What do I do now? by: Jack 7-13-2006 Boy can I relate to this article! by: Sandy 6-28-2006 There's hope by: vikki blondin 6-26-2006 Adult ADD, no friends, unemployed! by: Carol 6-20-2006 wow, this may be me by: Kim 6-14-2006 The door just opened by: Dave 6-10-2006 Suck it Up by: Dr. Feelgood 6-3-2006 Help me please by: CRYSTAL 5-31-2006 Now I see the light by: Cass 5-25-2006 add and motivation by: Sonyah 5-21-2006 Dear Alice by: Glenn 5-19-2006 Sounds like me by: Felicia 5-16-2006 ADD by: Alice 5-12-2006 For Janie Torrey by: Glenn 5-12-2006 Does anyone respond? by: Glenn 5-12-2006 Wow, finally I know my problem! by: matt 5-7-2006 So crazy finding out others are like me by: Ricky 5-4-2006 Finally, I know what's going on with me! by: Tina 4-24-2006 This made my day by: Tanya 4-20-2006 Recommend by: Vicky 4-7-2006 help me by: HitHaze 4-6-2006 Scratching and swallowing by: Glenn Whitehead 3-25-2006 No one could ever help me. Now I know what's wrong. by: D 3-16-2006 Adult ADD by: D 3-16-2006 nervous tension by: janie torrey 2-25-2006 I have a Question by: Keith 2-23-2006 my son by: wina 2-21-2006 yup. so what do i do now?? by: chelsea 2-15-2006 aadd means jody by: jody 2-8-2006 Reply to Emily (This is Me) by: Courtney 2-8-2006 This Is Me by: Emily 1-20-2006 struggling college student by: mel 12-23-2005 It's kinda cool to have ADD by: Jeffrey 12-14-2005 ADD in college by: Tachi 12-9-2005 focus by: chris 12-9-2005 ADD treatment by: Deb 12-1-2005 to tuv by: juan 11-21-2005 relief by: ron 11-21-2005 Dyspraxia/ Asperger's/Depression + ADD by: zimo 11-18-2005 ADD by: zimo 11-18-2005 makes sense by: Gordon 11-10-2005 Never thought bout it; Re: Tov, Laura by: Holly 11-3-2005 this is my family by: Fran 11-2-2005 hmm... by: laura Carpenter 10-30-2005 I have been living with this all my life. by: Eddie Thomas 10-7-2005 ADD- this explains what I have been living with for 20 years! by: T 10-6-2005 People always think that I am Stupid, slow, Lazy, Careless and Irresponsible by: Dan 10-1-2005 Look at the spelling of the title of this article by: Wodat 9-18-2005 ADD by: Jen 9-13-2005 omg! by: awe 9-12-2005 MAN people are GULLIBLE! by: Tov 9-7-2005 Is ADD tearing my marriage apart? by: jinglebts 8-29-2005 what kind of medicine is good for add by: julie 8-29-2005 add by: julie 8-29-2005 i need help asap... by: scy 8-24-2005 i cant keep focused by: kitty 7-13-2005 Is ADD tearing my marriage apart? by: ashley 7-11-2005 A.D.D. by: christa 7-7-2005 add by: kate 7-6-2005 A.D.D. by: Perris 7-1-2005 Just go to the DR. by: Jackie 6-24-2005 Don't worry, that means we are special by: sexy braziliana 6-2-2005 BINGO!!! wanted to know what was wrong with me all this time! by: sexy braziliana 6-2-2005 GLORIA by: Lynette 6-2-2005 You are exactly right! by: Lynette 6-2-2005 wow, i think i have it. by: Gloria 5-27-2005 what is the process? by: amy 5-8-2005 What if? by: Melissa 5-5-2005 Help! by: Jill 4-28-2005 how does one go about getting diagnosed by: Corey 4-14-2005 I think I may have it also by: Angie 4-12-2005 getting diagnosed? by: Melissa 4-6-2005 ... by: Ryan 4-4-2005 Add and Ocd by: Patty 3-29-2005 MY PARENTS ARE IN DENIAL!!!!!!!!!!!!! by: MARY 3-29-2005 Who has ADD? by: Lisa 3-21-2005 My goodness by: Ronnie 3-13-2005 I think my fiancee is ADD by: Sherri 2-28-2005 I'VE HAD ADD SINCE I WAS 8 by: Cindy 2-28-2005 social war by: Brent 2-28-2005 RE: I have ADD by: Donalda 2-25-2005 Child with adhd and myself fitting the Illness myself by: Tanya 2-18-2005 myself by: paula 2-17-2005 you just summed up everything i am. by: Nicole 2-16-2005 ADD by: Brooke 1-26-2005 Maybe Me??? by: sunshine 1-23-2005 I have found a way to limit it by: Nas 1-11-2005 just about to give up...but keep reading and feeling bad... by: jennifer 12-14-2004 living in constant struggle by: kim 12-9-2004 ADD or ENTP? by: Peter 12-7-2004 To Johny on 'Any Abuse?' And to anyone who suffers from child abuse. by: Rachelle 11-20-2004 I suffered with this all my life by: Brenda 11-15-2004 Diagnosed today... by: Amy 11-5-2004 You may possess the symptoms.....but by: Rob 11-4-2004 Explains alot... by: Max 11-4-2004 ADHD..does this make you have awful tempers,fly off the handle by: Jenny 10-29-2004 ADD at 50? C'mon! by: Kim 10-28-2004 It all makes sense by: Stephanie 10-17-2004 EVERYONE HAS ADD by: inadequate_nirvana 10-14-2004 MY HUSBANDS BUSINESS PARTNER MIGHT HAVE ADD by: mary 10-6-2004 If I would known this sooner!!! by: Alejandra Rojo 9-18-2004 Now I know what to call it. by: Erika 9-4-2004 add and my husband by: dell wilson 8-23-2004 somone just wrote a story about my life by: Lisa 8-22-2004 I wish I knew this earlier by: Denise 8-21-2004 I TOO HAVE ADD by: Renee 8-18-2004 I see the light! by: Kerry 7-29-2004 I read, I cry, Today is my first day on ADD meds by: Rosie 7-21-2004 This answer is to Mary by: Lisa 7-16-2004 written test for ADHD in adults by: marlena 7-7-2004 help by: chuckj 7-5-2004 ADD by: Michelle 5-24-2004 completely me! Its like someone has been spying on me my whole life! by: Mary 5-23-2004 44 artistic but scattered by: ron 5-21-2004 how to get people with these a job by: theresa schrodt 5-7-2004 homeopathic remedies, ADD, and marijuana by: Michael 4-29-2004 wow by: Jody 4-27-2004 Getting started by: Phil 4-14-2004 Adult ADD and Marijuana by: Peter J 4-7-2004 feeling bad by: Sue 3-28-2004 trying to figure things out by: Erica 3-23-2004 Full bottle of pills.....still by: Shaun 3-23-2004 ADD and me by: Judith Wegren 3-5-2004 ADD by: JJ 3-3-2004 I think my husband has add by: Linda Westerbur 3-1-2004 Give me words...... by: Tori 2-2-2004 I thought I was the problem. by: Jennifer Goddard 1-31-2004 fiance in denial by: Angela 1-27-2004 help! my husband has to have ADD by: KIM 1-20-2004 This sounds just like me! by: Melissa 1-14-2004 almost poitive by: angela 1-13-2004 Any abuse? by: Johny 1-11-2004 How can this be treated? by: William 1-2-2004 I am freaking out....HELP!! by: Twig 12-13-2003 You don't even know....... by: Rachel 12-5-2003 Could I have ADD???? by: Laura 11-24-2003 I am not sure if i have ADD by: ashley 11-12-2003 School work and ADD is scaring me!!!! by: Anthony 11-3-2003 treatment by: k 10-29-2003 everything makes sense now... by: YBS22 10-27-2003 this is sooo me. by: Jay 10-23-2003 Re: my life story (by Justine) by: Jen 10-18-2003 Brings tears to my eyes by: Jen 10-18-2003 Jobs and ADD by: Marius 10-15-2003 Yup, I've got it too, probably by: Marius 10-15-2003 our son by: Sandy 10-9-2003 my life story by: Justine 10-6-2003 My Husband by: Alison Bell 10-2-2003 ADD by: Janine 9-20-2003 just a thought by: erica 8-20-2003 IT'S ALL TOO FAMILIAR by: Danielle 8-19-2003 AADD by: FIDELINA RUIZ 8-10-2003 I am so in need of something or someone for help by: alisa 8-2-2003 Keep trying by: Dave 7-30-2003 Is what I am going through ADD, ADHD? by: DANA 7-21-2003 My doctors keep sending me through loops by: Chris 7-12-2003 question about add and speech? by: Darlene 7-8-2003 It won't go away by: Groth 7-4-2003 ERRRRRRRRRRRR by: shady 6-30-2003 I KNOW THIS IS MY HUSBAND by: TRACY 6-30-2003 ADD in adults by: Lila 6-29-2003 this is my husband by: shelly 6-19-2003 wow by: zaree 6-18-2003 i'm still kinda confused! by: BLM 6-18-2003 Uggh... by: Spence 6-9-2003 help by: Robbie 5-25-2003 OCD,depression...wrong diagnosis by: Teresa 5-20-2003 AHHHHH!! by: Di 5-12-2003 My Soulmates! by: Dave 5-2-2003 Oh great! Now I find out. by: TZ 4-16-2003 this fits me all over by: Ninen 4-13-2003 What do I do now? by: April Clark 4-6-2003 Does this can start at 15 or adolescent??? by: Christian 3-31-2003 Maybe this is me... by: LittleD 3-20-2003 Im so confused by: JorDon Caldwell 3-17-2003 i i have add by: angel undercover 3-12-2003 recovery and ADD by: April 3-11-2003 Confusion? by: Erika 3-10-2003 ADD in adults by: Debra Wildrick 3-10-2003 Forgetfulness by: Claire 2-28-2003 Does it get any worse? by: Kevin 2-25-2003 ADD as an adult by: Living with ADD 2-22-2003 for melissa #2 by: cheri 2-18-2003 for melissa by: cheri 2-18-2003 Is this serious? by: Ali 2-18-2003 I never relized by: Beth 2-18-2003 BIPOLAR,PMDD,ADD,OCD, WITH EATING DISORDERS by: Marla 2-18-2003 This explains my life since I was 6 years old by: Julian 2-18-2003 me by: c 2-17-2003 MAN..... by: Ashley 2-17-2003 I think I have this and want to have kids by: Lis 2-13-2003 Have you been following me? by: Donna 1-15-2003 ADD by: Donna 1-15-2003 ADD by: maryanne 1-13-2003 Thank You by: C.N. 1-13-2003 My Husband by: Darla 1-9-2003 At what age does ADD symptoms start???? by: Melissa 1-9-2003 tried everything... by: sanne 1-1-2003 There is new help available! by: Nathan 12-27-2002 Can you help me by: Brandy 12-20-2002 ADD can be handy, most of the time it sucks by: jeff 12-11-2002 Me too by: Frank 12-10-2002 depression?anxiety?ADD? by: jenni 12-2-2002 ADD in public safety by: Sarah 12-1-2002 MY KNOWLEDGE ON THE MATTER by: BASIL 11-29-2002 TIRED OF IT ALL by: DONNA 11-28-2002 Makes sense to me by: maryann 11-24-2002 ADD cure by: Jim 11-15-2002 upset, frustrated and confused by: Gilbride 11-13-2002 this is definitely me by: donna 11-9-2002 im 15 by: john 11-8-2002 ADD and Irrational Behaviour by: Maggie 11-7-2002 what the hell by: Lunchbox 11-6-2002 ADD??? by: Alicia 11-5-2002 Terry Bradshaw- My idol in more ways than one! by: Brad 11-2-2002 Visit this site as well by: Igor 10-28-2002 *making doctor's appointment* by: Gilbride 10-27-2002 Wisdom to the Gifted ( That's YOU) by: Igor 10-25-2002 No parental support :( by: Courtney 10-21-2002 how do i go about getting help by: rie 10-21-2002 I have add by: michele 10-15-2002 wanted to cry when I read this by: Jack 10-14-2002 I rely on............... by: Michelle 10-14-2002 ADD by: Odiepaul 10-12-2002 that is definitely me by: Josh 10-9-2002 This is me? Is it? Is it you? Be sure.... by: John 10-9-2002 How do you know? by: Danny Boy 10-3-2002 I don't know how I got here, Im supposed to be doing someting else by: will 10-2-2002 Understand what you have! by: Igor 10-1-2002 What about the positive's ? by: Igor 10-1-2002 me too by: Ursula 9-24-2002 comment about this article by: Rainier Tiongco 9-10-2002 AADD me to the list! by: Lisa 8-17-2002 I'm not crazy!Ha! by: Victoria 8-8-2002 treat it without medication by: randy 6-14-2002 Adult ADD by: Cheryl 6-12-2002 ADD Adults by: Joanne 6-11-2002 anyone out there like me??? by: krefto 5-23-2002 My boyfriend by: Bonnie-Lynn 5-9-2002 A.D.D. by: Sandra 5-6-2002 A.D.D. in adults by: angie 5-4-2002 This is me by: Dawn 5-3-2002 can someone help me??? by: trevor 4-15-2002 My husband finally got help by: Amy 4-12-2002 I HAVE ADD!!!!!! by: Sarah 4-9-2002 This explains soooo much!!!! by: Melissa 4-1-2002 lots of this is me by: kay 4-1-2002 Im scared by: SHEILA 2-26-2002 OMG! Me too by: Mick 2-13-2002 If I only I relized this longer ago... by: Ken 1-23-2002 Only time (and effort) will tell ... by: Steve 1-18-2002 my experience by: Christopher 1-14-2002 add by: chrissie 1-10-2002 kinda scary by: Liza 12-9-2001 sounds familar by: Justin 11-21-2001 me by: CHRIS 10-7-2001 |