Millions of adults may be walking around with a condition that can be treated, if only it was diagnosed: Adult ADD.
Adult ADD is similar to the ADD (Attention Deficient Disorder) that affects children. The difference is that there was not a recognition of this condition when most adults were children. Instead, they may have been been given other labels in the classroom, from slow to the class clown. The fact that they may have adult ADD may never even occur to them.
The difference with most adults is that with maturity, they either adapt or accept their self-perceived limitations. While adults may choose or find themselves in careers where they can cope, they may not be reaching their full potential. Their spouses or bosses may become frustrated with them because they are always late, disorganized or cannot seem to set proper priorities. They aren’t sure why they never can get ahead.
Adult ADD can cause significant stress in your life.
The World Health Organization and the Workgroup on Adult ADHD put together a list of questions that may help you identify if you or a loved one has Adult ADD. You can rate the answers on a scale of 0 to 4. The higher your numbers, the more consistent your answers are with a Adult ADD diagnosis, although of course you need to see a doctor to confirm your suspicions.
How often do you have difficulty getting things in order when you have to do a task that requires organization?
When you have a task that requires a lot of thought, how often do you avoid or delay getting started?
How often are you distracted by activity or noise around you?
How often do you leave your seat in meetings or other situations in which you are expected to remain seated?
How often do you feel restless or fidgety?
How often do you have difficulty waiting your turn in situations when turn taking is required?