ADD/ADHD
Attention Deficit Disorder - What Is It?
What I have listed below is how Attention Deficit Disorder is perceived from a Psychological standpoint. Some say it is also a personality trait. Most of the people I have met who have these traits, also fit the definition of "right-brained." These are the creative people, who tend to be disorganized. There is no blood test for ADHD, so it is based on information gained from the student, teachers, parents, bosses, etc.
We live in a world that doesn't make it easy for people who have these traits to do well in school. Most ADHD/right-brained/disorganized people learn better when the lesson is hands-on. If this is you, you know that the reason you are accused of not paying attention is that you get bored sitting still and listening to lectures, or reading textbooks. You need things to be more active and exciting. Some of this is beginning to change, and teachers/professors are taking extra measures to teach to all learning styles.
Meanwhile, you are responsible for learning what is required for each course to pass. Organized Enough, LLC focuses on helping you organize, study, and learn in a way that works for the way you think. It's not perfectly organized; just organized enough!
The information below is taken from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the American Psychological Association, Fourth Edition, Text Revision. This is the criteria by which ADD is usually diagnosed. Not everyone who has these symptoms has ADD, and only your doctor can diagnose it. It is listed here for informational purposes only. If you think you have Attention Deficit Disorder, you should make an appointment with your doctor to get a proper diagnosis.
Diagnostic criteria for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
A. Either (1) or (2):
(1) Inattention: six (or more) of the following symptoms of inattention have persisted for at least 6 months to a degree that is maladaptive and inconsistent with developmental level:
(a) often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities
(b) often has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities
(c) often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly
(d) often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish school work, chores, or duties in the workplace (not due to oppositional behavior or failure to understand instructions)
(e) often has difficulty organizing tasks and activities
(f) often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort (such as schoolwork or homework)
(g) often loses things necessary for tasks or activities (e.g., toys, school assignments, pencils, books, or tools)
(h) is often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli
(i) is often forgetful in daily activities
(2) Hyperactivity-Impulsivity: six (or more) of the following symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity have persisted for at least 6 months to a degree that is maladaptive and inconsistent with developmental level:
Hyperactivity
(a) often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat
(b) often leaves seat in classroom or in other situations in which remaining seated is expected
(c) often runs about or climbs excessively in situations in which it is inappropriate (in adolescents or adults, may be limited to subjective feelings of restlessness)
(d) often has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly
(e) is often "on the go" or often acts as if "driven by a motor"
(f) often talks excessively
Impulsivity
(g) often blurts out answers before questions have been completed
(h) often has difficulty awaiting turn
(i) often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into conversations or games)
B. Some hyperactive-impulsive or inattentive symptoms that caused impairment were present before age 7 years.
C. Some impairment from the symptoms is present in two or more settings (e.g., at school [or work] and at home).
D. There must be clear evidence of clinically significant impairment in social, academic, or occupational functioning.
E. The symptoms do not occur exclusively during the course of a Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Schizophrenia, or other Psychotic Disorder and are not better accounted for by another mental disorder (e.g., Mood Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, Dissociative Disorders, or a Personality Disorder).
