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What Are the Ten Warning Signs of ADD?

ADD, or attention deficit disorder, is also called ADHD and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It can affect both children and adults and has clearly defined signs and symptoms. ADD can be challenging, for both sufferers and the people in their lives, but it is treatable with education, support and some creative ways of dealing with problems. Many people with ADD/ADHD are intellectually and artistically gifted.

  1. Characteristics

    • The primary characteristics of ADD/ADHD include inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity, and these characteristics vary in their prominence from person to person. People with the inattentive type can pay attention to things they enjoy hearing about, but quickly tune out when the task is boring or repetitive. They bounce from one task to another, leaving out necessary steps and not finishing. They work best in a quiet environment without distractions. People with the hyperactive element are always on the go, even tapping a foot or shaking a leg when sitting still. They might try to do several things simultaneously. The impulsivity element causes problems with self-control. These people often interrupt conversations, invade others' space and ask overly personal or irrelevant questions. They tend to be moody and emotional.

    Ten Warning Signs

    • The following 10 behaviors are hallmarks of ADD/ADHD, according to the Helpguide website: "zoning out" in the middle of a conversation, without even realizing it; poor listening skills with difficulty remembering conversations and directions; a struggle to finish tasks, even simple ones; difficulty focusing or paying attention, especially when reading or listening to others; very distractable with wandering attention, causing difficulties staying on track; the tendency to procrastinate; chronic lateness; regularly misplacing things like keys, wallet or bills; always on the go, as if driven by some outside force; and inability to keep strong feelings under control, resulting in temper flare-ups or angry outbursts.

    Positive Aspects of ADD/ADHD

    • A lot of the conversation about ADD tends to focus on the negative aspects of the disorder, but ADD people have positive traits as well. Children with ADD have vivid imaginations and are creative. A daydreaming child can become a great problem solver or inventive artist. They can become distracted, but sometimes pick up on what others don't. Because they might consider a number of options simultaneously, they become more flexible and open to different ideas. Because of their interest in many different things, children with ADD are never boring. This makes them fun and interesting to be with. When motivated, they work hard to succeed and have the ability to hyperfocus on something that interests them.

    Living With ADD/ADHD

    • You can still lead a happy and rewarding life with ADD/ADHD. By exercising and eating right, you can release excess energy, soothe your body and even out mood swings with healthy foods low in sugar. By getting a good night's rest of between seven to eight hours of sleep, according to Helpguide, you can stay productive and energetic. Prioritizing tasks and managing your time wisely can help with organization. Choose relationships that are sympathetic and supportive of your struggles and schedule activities with friends often. Make use of lists, color codes and reminders at work and choose work that interests you. Team up with more organized people.

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