ADD, or Attention Deficit Disorder, is becoming increasingly common not just in the United States but all across the world. In fact, 3 to 5% of the world’s children are affected by ADD. And that doesn’t include the amount of adults who are currently living with the disorder as well. If you think you have ADD, see if your symptoms match up and then see a doctor to see if you’re right.
What Is ADD?
Put simply, ADD is a psychiatric disorder that is usually characterized by a very persistent pattern of inattention and impulsiveness. If someone from ADD also suffers from hyperactivity, they are diagnosed with ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder. Most people think of ADD as a disorder only children have but in truth more and more adults are being diagnosed with it.
What Are The Symptoms Of ADD?
Unlike some diseases, the symptoms of ADD aren’t physical symptoms. Instead, people who have ADD suffer from inattention problems, impulsivity problems and hyperactivity problems. These ADD symptoms can be a bit hard to pin down at first because it’s confusing to determine when someone is just having a hard time concentrating one day or just felt particularly impulsive for a brief period. However, if these types of things persist for a period of time instead of going away, that’s when they become symptoms of ADD instead of just being one of life’s quirks.
But how do you recognize if concentration problems are a symptom of ADD? Well, people with ADD don’t just have a small problem concentrating – it’s actually extremely difficult for them to concentrate for any period of time on anything. “Zoning out” is a common symptom of ADD, for instance. They have trouble finishing tasks and may in fact have several tasks begun at the same time. However, they will then be unable to complete those projects. They also have severe problems with organization – their living spaces are usually very messy. They may also have problems completing large projects because they have very big problems with procrastination.
And what about the impulsive symptoms of ADD? How do you define those? Well, that area’s a bit grayer but there are a few guidelines. People suffering from ADD symptoms have a habit of making all kinds of decisions – both large and small – “on a whim” without putting any real thought into it. They also have a hard time listening to friends when they warn them that they are being impulsive. They also have problems following conversations because they have a habit of interrupting others.
If you believe you have the symptoms of ADD, see a doctor who will be able to give you treatment for your ADD!
