Common Symptoms of ADD in Adults
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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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I haven’t been formerly diagnosed with add, but I am completely certain that it is the demon I have been battling my entire life. Depression is a daily struggle, and I absolutely feel as though I’m at my wits end. My lack of health insurance and financial means has lead me to the conclusion that I’m at the mercy of home remedies or non conventional medicine. Please email me any info you may have to combat this naturally.
When i was in junior school i was beaten everyday by the headmaster due to the fact that i never did my work, i got the feeling my teacher loved sending me to him. I could not concentrate and me not doing my work caused my dad to get angry and i spent my years being afraid of him, im now 36 yrs old and i still cant concentrate and get things done. Im slowly but surely ruining my life due to ADD, cant keep a girlfriend and i have a daughter who is a year old. I fear im gonna mess that relationship up too. ????????????????????????????????????
This has been very helpful.
Thank you
after reading this article i,m convinced my husband has add,our son has been diagnosed with add,and i beleive it runs in the family, i dont have it, but it makes sense to me now about my hubs ways.he hasnt been diagnosed but i will speak to my sons phycologist about this,he wont admit he has it,but ive lived with it for 23 years and now i know wots wrong with him, he suffers froma lack of disipline,and does wot he wants to do,when he wants to do it, last minute,etc,like father like som, omg, thanks this has been a huge help,
Well Im 23 years old an I constantly live in a state of disorganization and stress. I plan ahead and always end up falling way behind. I get distracted so easily, I lose my train of thought when I’m talking, I have to read things over and over again like a word is just letters to me. I struggled with the word class yesterday. I read it about ten times before comprehending it. I always thought people would just think I was making it up so I’ve never been tested. Plus now I don’t have insurance. I just feel ridiculous saying I have it but I know things will get even worse if if I don’t get treated.
Thank you, thank you, thank you. I am 31 years old and just literally cried through this article. I have never even considered this and it has affected me my whole life. I am known as the very quick-witted, knows a little something about everything friend… but no one knows the price that is paid in my head for that label. The piles in my drawers at work, the countless books with bookmarks a third of the way in, the half-finished ideas, the forgotten appointment made just that morning, the fence-setting due to immediately seeing all sides of a situation, the 15 tabs opened up in my browser within 5 minutes of web-surfing, etc. I feel like this is a huge moment- it is like waking from a long, confusing dream.
I know exactly what you mean. I have always been the joker of the group, always very well liked among all my peer groups. I often find it difficult to maintain a stable personality because I find it challenging and engaging to understand where people are coming from, then emulate that environment to better get to know them. I am almost certain I have ADD now, and am in the process of seeking treatment. Has anyone here been on Ritalin or a similar drug or therapy? What has helped? I have always thought that I was just a little bit different to most people I could never place the feeling but it was always one difference, despite being popular. I think I have found the difference.
I’m with Paul on this one, I’ve had a few friends and relatives tell me recently I should look into the symptoms of ADD—but havent taken them seriousley. Until now.
My girlfriend has ADD as do two of her children. She suffers from all the above mentioned symptoms. As much as I love and care for her she is driving me away with her drug addiction. She says she uses cocaine to become more focused. She becomes so hyper-focused that she is not even aware anyone else is in the room. I fear for her safety and am at my wits end. Please tell me how I might help her as her addiction is totally out of control.
Hey, good for you for sticking by her side. I was in her situation myself 4 years ago and lost a close friend b/c they said they couldn’t deal with it; however, he didn’t tell me that until he was too fed up, which didn’t even give me the chance to change. Then my husband passed away and my drug abuse and addiction got worse, until my “new” fiance came along and helped me through it. She can’t do it by herself and if you leave her feeling abandoned, it will get worse and her kids may lose her as well as her loosing them. What got me focused on rehabilitation was being reminded of the type of mom that I used to be and that I want to be and the kind of mom that my kids need. but i couldn’t do it alone. to this day i know if my fiance’ would have left me i know i would’ve died the way i was going. She needs you; however, you must let her know that you will stand by her as long as she’s getting help with her addiction. Good Luck and hang in there.
I was researching this for my 8 year old son, who has trouble at school, and I had a revelation…I have ADD! It all made sense to me! I had a horrible time in school, I’m constantly bouncing my legs when I sit, I have a dozen projects STARTED, I have trouble focusing on things due to the 20 other things going on in my head, I lose my temper very quickly, I’m extremely creative, I will jumble up my words because my head works faster than my lips,I get bored in relationships…I took a few different ADD tests online and blew the numbers out of the water!
I saw my doctor 3 days ago and he gave me Strattera. I truly felt a difference the 1st day! And today I FINISHED my remodeling project that’s been forgotten for the last month! Then I took the kids out to eat, put away all the Christmas decorations, cleaned the kitchen, and more! Strattera isn’t a stimulant, but I went to 2 classes at the YMCA this morning and accoding to the computer, I burned about 600 calories! If you are struggling with this, PLEASE see your doctor!!!! I’m so happy that I finally know why I am the way I am!
Most everything that was said in the article describes me so much, with the exception– although my brain is running fast and I start all these projects I sort of feel run down, like I feel exhausted most day. I don’t know if it’s where my brain and mouth are constantly running a mile a minute or what, anyone else have that symptom? They thought I was bi-polar and gave me Lithium, which knocked me out, all the time. and i had to take it 3x a day, so every time i would wake up it would be time to take another pill and out I would go. I had to stop taking them.
As someone else wrote, I cried through this entire article & comments. I am 48 yrs old and I am just now realizing what has been wrong with me all these years. I am so sad that no one, especially myself has figured out that I have ADD until now. Just composing this comment, I’ve had to rewrite it 2, 3 or more times. I see my doctor in 3 days for the first time. I sure hope medication will help me.
I have a question, I am diagnosed with ADD. I find that at times I will just stare at things, say a color, for minutes. Almost hyperfocussed I guess. Does anyone else notice this or is it just a wierd thing I do? It is frustrating because it will often be a shirt with a pattern on it, or a solid color that attracts my eye. I will be hyperfocussed on it. I think it might make some people uncomfortable, especially women, if I am staring at their shirt, not in a perverted way, just because of the pattern or the color.
I still have not been able to get through to my girlfriend who suffers from ADD and cocaine addiction. I want to stick by her for I love her so very much but she has stolen from me cosistenly and promised to go to rehab but when the time comes she won’t go. I want to stick by her because I know her history and she is essentially a very good and loving person. This is destroying both of us. Does anyone know of a rehab program tailored to her special kind of problem. I will be glad to foot the bill. I love her so much that I just can’t let her go. I am begging for help and at the end of my rope.
Thank you. This article was as enlightening as it was upsetting. Upon reading through the numerous responses, I was overwhelmed by how keenly I could empathise.
I was diagnosed with ADHD has a child, however my parents were reluctant medicate me from such a young age. I don’t blame them and would probably feel similarly if presented with that kind of decision.
Now 20 years on, I still present all the same behaviours, albeit in different contexts. But as an adult I no longer have “growing-up” as an excuse.
After researching Adult ADD, it’s clear as crystal that the untreated ADHD as a child has been accountable for a quarter of a century’s worth of unfinished work; of confusion, procrastination, social isolation, depression, anxiety and hearing “But she has so much potential!” over and over again.
I’ve heard scary things about Ritalin and the like, and am generally opposed to pharmaceuticals (I’ve seen my father, my friend, my boyfriend become zombies on mood-monitoring medications). But I am becoming desperate, as my struggle seems to be getting worse, rather than better, with age. I’m returning to study soon and after having underachieved consistenly through procrastination, disorganisation and distractability in the past, I can only hope that medication may be my only chance to stop this string of failures from continuing.
i’ve just read the whole article and based on it i could say i definitely have ADD..i went to the doctor this morning and told him about it but he dismissed the possibility of me having ADD and that it’s something that we all deal in life…blah-blah-blah!!!. i’m so fed up…i wish there is a doctor somewhere who is sympathetic…i’ve been feeling like this for about 6 years now…i thought i had SAD (seasonal affective disorder)or mild depression from time to time but now i can see clearly this is not the case and that i think i have ADD.
Thank you for this . I always had this shadowy feeling that something is not quite right me. 99% of what is said in this article is practically a dictionary description of me…no wonder i always felt crappy and depressed and mood swings and all that. I have tons and tons of ideas and things and set out accomplishing them but they are always half-done coz i always finds somthing more interesting along the way…and this is tearing my life apart. It’s kinda u know you have a hidden potential somehow, but just never quite get it to the right path even when u know u’re not getting any younger….heck, I even have a hard time clearing up my room….it was like a bomb-out shelter.
And I feel like I’m constantly all over the place. Can’t even sit still in a room for more than 15 minutes I have to paced in and out. COnstantly got bombarded for being disorganized. Tried doing up a timetable routine for myself, try sticking to it, try focusing hard…as always, it flutters. Evrything, just evrything said here is so true…so help me God.
What about consistently being late? Difficulty waking up–sleeping very deeply?
Thanks so much for this-reading it has made the tears flow. Almost every number applies to me, and Mei, I completely identify with everything you said. But I am a Christian and I believe very strongly in God’s power to heal. I believe me finding this article is him revealing to me what is going on because my prayer this year was to find wisdom, vision, and his purpose for me on earth. So this article is a good start and the fact that it is from The National Association of Christian Recovery(never heard of them before)means something to me. Funny how identifying the problem makes it so much easier to deal with than just not knowing:)