Symptoms of ADD in Adults
Wondering If You Have Adult ADD?
By Keath Low, About.com Guide
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board
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Many people incorrectly assume that ADD is a childhood condition only. Symptoms of ADD often continue into adulthood, however, and left untreated these symptoms can negatively impact daily activities and wreak havoc on relationships. Many people attribute their struggles to stress or the fast-paced world of today, when instead they may be symptoms of undiagnosed ADD.
Possible Signs of ADD
If you think you may have ADD, ask yourself the following questions.
Do you...
* get distracted easily?
* have difficulty concentrating on one thing at a time?
* tend to be disorganized?
* have a hard time focusing or paying attention during conversations, listening to others, or while reading?
* often forget things like appointments or obligations?
* have trouble following directions that have multiple steps?
* have difficulty starting and finishing projects?
* tend to procrastinate?
* have trouble prioritizing information?
* get impatient easily?
* often feel restless and antsy?
* lose track of time and have trouble with time management?
* often misplace or have difficulty finding things at home or at work?
* act before thinking through consequences?
* speak or blurt out before thinking about the impact your words will have on others?
* tend to have lots of racing thoughts?
* get bored easily?
* tend to make careless mistakes when you have to work on a tedious or difficult project?
* take risks frequently?
If you answered “yes” to the majority of these questions and the behaviors are severe enough that they interfere with your daily activities, it is possible that you have ADD. An accurate diagnosis can only be made by a trained professional. Depression, bipolar disorder, substance addictions, anxiety, phobias – all may share some similar symptoms to ADD, so it is important that your doctor rule out other conditions that require different treatment.