Community Profile

ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) or ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a neurological condition that is usually genetically transmitted. It is characterized by distractibility, impulsivity and restlessness or hyperactivity. In both disorders these symptoms are present from childhood on, and with a much greater intensity than in the everyday person, so that they interfere with everyday functioning.

ADD/ADHD in Adults

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 AD/HD 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, mood lability, 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 AD/HD or manic depressive illness or depression or substance abuse or other disorders of impulse control or mood.


DSM-IV Criteria for ADHD

I. Either A or B:

A) Six or more of the following symptoms of inattention have been present for at least 6 months to a point that is inappropriate for developmental level:

Inattention

* Often does not give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities.
* Often has trouble keeping attention on tasks or play activities.
* Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly.
* Often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (not due to oppositional behavior or failure to understand instructions).
* Often has trouble organizing activities.
* Often avoids, dislikes, or doesn’t want to do things that take a lot of mental effort for a long period of time (such as schoolwork or homework).
* Often loses things needed for tasks and activities (e.g. toys, school assignments, pencils, books, or tools).
* Is often easily distracted.
* Is often forgetful in daily activities.

B) Six or more of the following symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity have been present for at least 6 months to an extent that is disruptive and inappropriate for developmental level:

Hyperactivity

* Often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat when sitting still is expected.
* Often gets up from seat when remaining in seat is expected.
* Often excessively runs about or climbs when and where it is not appropriate (adolescents or adults may feel very restless).
* Often has trouble playing or doing leisure activities quietly.
* Is often “on the go” or often acts as if “driven by a motor”.
* Often talks excessively.

Impulsivity

* Often blurts out answers before questions have been finished.
* Often has trouble waiting one’s turn.
* Often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into conversations or games).

II. Some symptoms that cause impairment were present before age 7 years.

III. Some impairment from the symptoms is present in two or more settings (e.g. at school/work and at home).

IV. There must be clear evidence of clinically significant impairment in social, school, or work functioning.

V. The symptoms do not happen only during the course of a Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Schizophrenia, or other Psychotic Disorder. The symptoms are not better accounted for by another mental disorder (e.g. Mood Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, Dissociative Disorder, or a Personality Disorder).

This community is for anyone over 18 who is living with ADD/ADHD. The basic focus is to share information, support and methods with each other seeing as support for adults with ADD and ADHD isn't all that great in areas.

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