The following list includes behaviours, feelings and attitudes that are commonly experienced by individuals with ADD/ADHD. Keep in mind however, that not every individual with ADD will experience all of these characteristics since they are the result of the combination of many factors including developmental (family) environment, personality, intelligence level, and life experiences.

It will help you to more clearly identify and work on those characteristics that define your A.D.D. and the issues that are of most concern to you and/or others. It is useful after a comprehensive assessment and accurate diagnosis of ADD/ADHD has been made. 

A sense of underachievement regardless of how much you have accomplished. 

Often feeling overwhelmed. "Little things" in your life add up to create huge obstacles. Not knowing where to start first - you may simply not do anything.

Chronic procrastination or trouble getting started on tasks. You may experience anxiety and be fearful that you won't do it right. 

Many projects going simultaneously. You may either have a difficult time saying - NO or everything just may be so interesting to you. But - since you may have trouble seeing each project to the end, you wind up with many things unfinished. 

A tendency to say what comes to mind without necessarily considering the timing or appropriateness of the remark. The adult (or child) with ADD gets carried away with enthusiasm. As the idea comes, it must be spoken. An explanation often heard is "I'm just very honest!" While "honesty is the best policy", this often reveals that you haven't been able to consider your words before they are spoken.

A frequent search for high stimulation. Since the ADD brain needs to be stimulated, you may always looking for something novel to do. However, sometimes this can be dangerous or unhealthy (i.e. sexual promiscuity, gambling, etc.)

A tendency to be easily bored. However, you're probably never bored for long, because the moment you sense boredom, you immediately find something new (i.e. channel surfing, etc.).

Easily distracted and trouble focusing your attention on something not of interest (i.e. not stimulating to you). You may tune out or drift away in the middle of a page or a conversation. When you are interested in something (i.e. stimulating to you) you can hyperfocus on it and be difficult to reach.

Often creative, intuitive, highly intelligent. You look at the world differently from someone who is not ADD. Although you may be creative and intuitive, you're probably very often the only one who sees the situation as you do. 

Trouble going through established channels or following "proper" procedures. Since you see the world differently, the "rule" may not make any sense to you, or you may be bored with the same routine. However, we all sometimes have to follow rules.

Impatient and have a low tolerance for frustration. The impatience comes from your need for constant stimulation. Getting frustrated may remind you of previous failures. 

Impulsive, either verbally or in action. The need for stimulation is exhibited as impulsive behaviour. Spending money, changing plans, developing new schemes or changing careers or jobs often are some examples. This is one of the more dangerous of the adult symptoms, or depending on the impulse, one of the more advantageous.

Tendency to worry needlessly. You may always be looking for something to worry about, however, you may be inattentive and disregard dangerous situations. 

Sense of insecurity. Many adults with ADD feel chronically insecure, no matter how stable their life situation may be. They often feel as if their world could collapse around them ("the bubble is always about to burst")

Frequent mood swings. You may find yourself going in and out of moods. You may get excited about something and then be let down. You may be feeling good one moment and then something (may be unconscious) may pull you back into unpleasant thoughts. 

A restlessness or "nervous energy". You may have a difficult time "relaxing". You may pace, shift positions often while sitting, frequently have to leave a room or table and feel edgy while at rest.

Tendency towards addictive behaviours. As a result of your impulsivity and seeking stimulation you look to substances such as alcohol or cocaine, or to an activity, such as gambling, or shopping, or eating, or overworking for your excitement.

Inaccurate self-observation. Whether you realize it or not, you are a poor observer of others and yourself. You don't accurately gauge the impact you have on other people and probably see yourself as less effective or more powerful than other people do.

Adapted from Driven to Distraction by Ed Hallowell, M.D. and John Ratey, M.D.

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