articles

Information about Attention Deficit Disorder.
What it is and how we see it.

cont.

The person with ADD is at extremely high risk for addictive behaviors including the use of alcohol, drugs and cigarettes. The same high risk applies to "process addictions" such as gambling and overwork. The use of drugs will consistently make the management of ADD behaviors more difficult, especially marijuana due to the manner in which it distorts the sense of time, impairs memory and decreases motivation.

Missed social cues are often a major problem, this can led to major misunderstandings, especially when linked to denial or inability to accept their role in the situation that caused the problem. Denial may have become a major survival technique for the ADDer as they were growing up, and become deeply rooted in their behaviors as an adult.

The newly diagnosed ADDer will seldom have a clear perspective of how non-ADDer think and live their lives, not understanding the difference between the "ADD way" of thinking and everyone else's. It can be very helpful to use metaphors or stories to explain how the situation looks to someone else, and how the behaviors of the ADDer impact another person.

An ADDer may be very good at creating rationalizations for their behaviors or coming up with "creative" story telling when necessary. They may have difficulty telling the difference between their version of reality and someone else's.

The ADDer is usually poor at reading subtle clues or understanding the consequences of their actions. Often communication must be direct, clear, and , focused on a specific topic to be effective. ADDers are often poor listeners, but developing their ability to listen can be one of the most critical skills for their success.

Understanding that the typical ADD brain is constantly filled with ideas can be helpful. With unrestrained free association, one idea leads to another and then another. The ADD brain, seldom at rest is constantly filled with ideas. With a shortage of Dopamine to inhibit free association and keep the ADDer "on track" they can frequently go from project to project. The result of this is often a failure to stick with any one task long enough to complete it.

Interruptions and distractions can be deadly for the ADDer who is struggling to stay focused. Recovery time from interruptions and a return to the desired task or activity for the non-ADDer may be anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes. The recovery time and return to task for the ADDer may be anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes, if indeed they return to the previous task at all. Frequent interruptions such as phone calls, casual visits or interruptions by children can make it nearly impossible to stay on task.

ADD can include an occurrence know as "blinking out" which "interrupts" normal processing, creating a situation in which information is not being processed. When this occurs the ADDer may be totally unaware that they are missing information in either written, visual, verbal or kinesthetic form. This may not be apparent to the non-ADDer, who can mistakenly assume that the ADDer is listening and trying to understand.

Keeping perspective on problems can be very difficult for the ADDer. Small problems can quickly seem overwhelming, and easily shift the focus off of more important ones. It can be easy for the ADDer to get "stuck" on a problem and at the same time immobilized by their inability to resolve it. Loss of perspective can feed depression and feelings of hopelessness further discouraging motivation and lowering self-esteem.

All of these challenges may make you wonder are there any good aspects of the ADD mind? Many of the greatest thinkers of our time including; Hans Christian Anderson, Leonardo da Vinci, Walt Disney, Henry Food, Thomas Edison, Beethoven, Winston Churchhill, John Lennon, Mozart, Louis Pasteur and many others clearly show ADD-type behaviors. Many of the attributes of the ADD mind are the same as those shared with creative individuals in many fields.

ADDers often show ability as extremely creative problem solvers and can find solutions in unexpected areas. ADDers can be fiercely loyal and motivated by higher principal or following a cause. The ADD mind is one that can follow a problem in an infinite number of directions and possibilities. Need someone who will work "unusual" hours to discover a solution or is driven by the challenge of the task, the ADDer just might be the type of person you are looking for.

Want to be with someone who can be great fun to party or travel with, or perhaps is a talented artist, computer programmer or musician? Does the idea of never being content to just be "one of the gang" sound good to you? All of these positive traits show up in the ADD brain, and in the right circumstances can be terrific qualities.

top | next | table of contents

home | about me | diagnosis | behaviors | faqs | personal stories | parenting
education | workplace | articles | humor | resources |