Many people incorrectly assume that ADD is a childhood condition only. Symptoms of ADD often continue into adulthood, however, and left untreated these symptoms can negatively impact daily activities and wreak havoc on relationships. Many people attribute their struggles to stress or the fast-paced world of today, when instead they may be symptoms of undiagnosed ADD.
Possible Signs of ADD
If you think you may have ADD, ask yourself the following questions.
Do you...
- get distracted easily?
- have difficulty concentrating on one thing at a time?
- tend to be disorganized?
- have a hard time focusing or paying attention during conversations, listening to others, or while reading?
- often forget things like appointments or obligations?
- have trouble following directions that have multiple steps?
- have difficulty starting and finishing projects?
- tend to procrastinate?
- have trouble prioritizing information?
- get impatient easily?
- often feel restless and antsy?
- lose track of time and have trouble with time management?
- often misplace or have difficulty finding things at home or at work?
- act before thinking through consequences?
- speak or blurt out before thinking about the impact your words will have on others?
- tend to have lots of racing thoughts?
- get bored easily?
- tend to make careless mistakes when you have to work on a tedious or difficult project?
- take risks frequently?
If you answered “yes” to the majority of these questions and the behaviors are severe enough that they interfere with your daily activities, it is possible that you have ADD. An accurate diagnosis can only be made by a trained professional. Depression, bipolar disorder, substance addictions, anxiety, phobias – all may share some similar symptoms to ADD, so it is important that your doctor rule out other conditions that require different treatment.
Set up an appointment with a doctor or other medical professional who is experienced in assessing and treating adult ADD. You may feel a great sense of relief in finally understanding what is causing the problematic behaviors and you can move forward with your life through treatment.
Read more about the importance of accurate diagnosis and treatment: Gaining a Sense of Control Over One's Life
Find an ADD professional in your area:
ADDA Directory
CHADD Directory
ADD Consults Directory
Find local ADD support groups:
ADDA Support
CHADD Chapters
Learn more about:
Treatment of ADHD
Optimal Treatment of Adult ADHD
Sources:
Lenard Adler, MD, Ronald C. Kessler, PhD, Thomas Spencer, MD. Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale Symptom Checklist. World Health Organization and the Workgroup on Adult ADHD. American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision. Washington, D.C. 2000. Mark Bowes, PhD. ADHD in Adults: Definition and Diagnosis. Neuropsychiatry Reviews. Feb 2001.
