In the past it was believed that ADD / ADHD was restricted to children and adolescents. Not anymore. It is now estimated that 70% of children with ADD / ADHD will demonstrate the signs of ADD / ADHD all their lives.
According to Dr. Hallowell , if you have exhibited at least twelve of the following behaviors since childhood and if these symptoms are not associated with any other medical or psychiatric condition, consider an evaluation by a team of ADD / ADHD professionals:
- A sense of underachievement, of not meeting one’s goals (regardless of how much one has actually accomplished).
- Difficulty getting organized.
- Chronic procrastination or trouble getting started.
- Many projects going simultaneously; trouble with follow through.
- A tendency to say what comes to mind without necessarily considering the timing or appropriateness of the remark.
- A frequent search for high stimulation.
- An intolerance of boredom.
- Easy distractibility; trouble focusing attention, tendency to tune out or drift away in the middle of a page or conversation, often coupled with an inability to focus at times.
- Often creative, intuitive, highly intelligent
- Trouble in going through established channels and following “proper” procedure.
- Impatient; low tolerance of frustration.
- Impulsive, either verbally or in action, as an impulsive spending of money.
- Changing plans, enacting new schemes or career plans and the like; hot-tempered.
- A tendency to worry needlessly, endlessly; a tendency to scan the horizon looking for something to worry about, alternating with attention to or disregard for actual dangers.
- A sense of insecurity.
- Mood swings, moodlability, especially when disengaged from a person or a project.
- Physical or cognitive restlessness
- A tendency toward addictive behavior.
- Chronic problems with self-esteem.
- Inaccurate self-observation.
- Family history of ADD / ADHD or manic depressive illness or depression or substance abuse or other disorders of impulse control or mood.
If according to the above you are suspecting that you have ADD / ADHD, I suggest you get a professional evaluation immediately. I know, I know – you have ADD / ADHD and you think (like all of us), I will look into it tomorrow, and then forget all about it. Don’t wait for tomorrow, do it now, look for professional help NOW! You will not regret it.
Remember, ADD/ ADHD is not a bad thing, unless the ADD / ADHD is not diagnosed and not treated. Here is a quick way to check if you may have ADHD.
Where to go next:
- Look for Someone who specialized in ADD / ADHD.
- Look for someone you are comfortable with.
- Try Pediatrician – Yes, Pediatrician! They are probably the most knowledgeable about ADHD, and they may as well be ready to evaluate you, even as adult. I, for one, was evaluated by a pediatrician at the age of 46.
- Try a psychiatrist, preferably one with an experience with ADD / ADHD
- If you have hard time to find a specialist, try at the closet University Hospital. They are usually well updated and informed and will be able to either evaluate you or refer you to a specialist.
External Resources:
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