ADD-ADHD . . . General Information

This is a topic most of us can relate to even if we’ve not been diagnosed as having ADD. This is more than just the occasional senior moment. Many people suffer from ADD. They also experience organizing difficulties because of it.

Okay we made all the lawyers happy!

This page is being provided to you to give you the benefit of some of the information I’ve gathered on the topic. It is intended as an overview of the topic and how it relates to organizing.

There are tips on ADD and organizing below for those who need them. There are links to other sites (see information at the bottom of this page) where you can get more in-depth information if you need it.

There are various definitions of ADD-ADHD, but the most common is:

ADD-ADHD is a disorder of the central nervous system. Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) is considered a developmental disorder. It is characterized by extremes of behavior such as inattentiveness and impulsivity. When coupled with hyperactivity, it is classified as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). It is considered a congenital condition that lasts for the person’s entire life span.

ADD and ADHD are separate disorders. ADD is more frequently linked with ADHD than as a separate disorder by itself. Some statistics state that men are six to ten times more likely to be diagnosed with ADD than females. However, other researchers state that this is only because girls are more likely to internalize their symptoms and suffer quietly.

Don’t suffer in silence ladies – ask for help!

Children diagnosed with ADHD can sometimes outgrow the hyperactivity portion by the time he/she reaches their teens.

These are some of the most common complaints:

• Unfinished multiple projects
• Over-committing to anything anyone asks
• Clutter
• Pack-ratting or hiding (sometimes can be hoarding that is misdiagnosed)

Some people are very good at looking organized. They have learned how to disguise their symptoms by stashing things in drawers, closets, etc. Often they are embarrassed to ask for help organizing because they feel they should be able to do these things for themselves. That's where organizing tips can help.

Due to their ability to think globally or outside the box, many inventors and scientists (who made significant discoveries) are thought to have had ADD-ADHD. The list includes:

• Leonardo da Vinci
• Benjamin Franklin
• Louis Pasteur
• Alexander Graham Bell
• Issac Newton
• Galileo
• Thomas Edison
• Albert Einstein

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  COMMON TRAIT DESCRIPTIONS:

  This is not an exhaustive list. Not everyone has every trait. However, the most common traits are:

  1. High energy and restless (hyperactivity)
  2. Impulsivity
  3. Take on too many projects
  4. Easily bored and lose interest quickly
  5. Highly impatient
  6. Lack of follow through
  7. Forget appointments
  8. Tendency to hyper focus (can’t break out of it)
  9. Tendency to think globally (see everything at once) – making it difficult to make certain decisions
  10. Higher tolerance for chaos and change than the average person
      
  11. High risk taking and seeks high stimulation (your adrenaline junkie)
  12. Hyper-reactive and sometimes hypersensitive. High reaction to noise, thoughts, people talking, etc.
  13. Tends to be very self-critical
  14. Tendency to always be scanning or hunting for anything and everything
  15. Very high marks on intuitive thinking (very creative)
  16. Moody
  17. Can’t get excited about routines of daily maintenance
  18. Would rather improvise rather than create and stick to a detailed plan (can cause the look of not being prepared)
  19. Unusually enthusiastic
  20. Can be successful in various occupations as long is there is not a lot of boring repetivity
  21. Becomes restless if a project is no longer challenging
  22. Tendency to lose interest and fail to follow through
  23. Outstanding intuitive powers
  24. Tends to proceed into action without necessary preparation (the ready-shoot-aim without the ready or aim part)
  25. Daring and adventurous (which could lead to physical and economic problems)
  26. Takes great delight finding solutions to a crisis
  27. May get discouraged easily

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  I hope this information was helpful.

  Here are some links to other sites that may be of benefit.

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  Web MD Page on ADD-ADHD
  
  Link to About.com ADD Page
  
  Link to Wikipedia Information on ADD-ADHD

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  For information on organizing hints, tips and tricks see the information under Declutter Articles below.

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  Return to top of page
  
  Go to: Declutter Articles
  
  Go to: ADD ADHD Information
  
  Go to: ADD and Organizing
  
  Go to: Are You a Compulsive Hoarder
  
  Go to: Why Do People Procrastinate?

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