Day 2 of the Two-A-Day Challenge

OK, because AD/HD so often goes undiagnosed in adults, for my first two-a-day topic for today I wanted to highlight some of the symptoms of adult AD/HD, especially the ones that often get overlooked and/or cause a person to be viewed as being lazy or just inept.

Taken from http://www.drhallowell.com/add-adhd/adult-add/

1. A sense of underachievement, of not meeting one’s goals (regardless of how much one has actually accomplished).
2. Difficulty getting organized.
3. Chronic procrastination or trouble getting started.
4. Many projects going simultaneously; trouble with follow through.
5. A tendency to say what comes to mind without necessarily considering the timing or appropriateness of the remark.
6. A frequent search for high stimulation.
7. An intolerance of boredom.
8. Easy distractibility; trouble focusing attention, tendency to tune out or drift away in the middle of a page or conversation, often coupled with an inability to focus at times.
9. Often creative, intuitive, highly intelligent
10. Trouble in going through established channels and following “proper” procedure.
11. Impatient; low tolerance of frustration.
12. Impulsive, either verbally or in action, as an impulsive spending of money.
13. Changing plans, enacting new schemes or career plans and the like; hot-tempered.
14. A tendency to worry needlessly, endlessly; a tendency to scan the horizon looking for something to worry about, alternating with attention to or disregard for actual dangers.
15. A sense of insecurity.
16. Mood swings, mood lability, especially when disengaged from a person or a project.
17. Physical or cognitive restlessness.
18. A tendency toward addictive behavior.
19. Chronic problems with self-esteem.
20. Inaccurate self-observation.
21. Family history of AD/HD or manic depressive illness or depression or substance abuse or other disorders of impulse control or mood.

And for the second topic for today's Two-A-Day Challenge, here are some of the problems that can arise from undiagnosed adult AD/HD from http://www.helpguide.org/mental/adhd_add_adult_symptoms.htm

Physical and mental health problems. The symptoms of ADD/ADHD can contribute to a variety of health problems, including compulsive eating, substance abuse, anxiety, chronic stress and tension, and low self-esteem. You may also run into trouble due to neglecting important check-ups, skipping doctor appointments, ignoring medical instructions, and forgetting to take vital medications.

Work and financial difficulties. Adults with ADD/ADHD often experience career difficulties and feel a strong sense of underachievement. You may have trouble keeping a job, following corporate rules, meeting deadlines, and sticking to a 9-to-5 routine. Managing finances may also be a problem: you may struggle with unpaid bills, lost paperwork, late fees, or debt due to impulsive spending.

Relationship problems. The symptoms of ADD/ADHD can put a strain on your work, love, and family relationships. You may be fed up with constant nagging from loved ones to tidy up, listen more closely, or get organized. Those close to you, on the other hand, may feel hurt and resentful over your perceived “irresponsibility” or “insensitivity.”

After this week I plan to dig a little deeper into these two topics, perhaps with a full post for each topic to go a little more in depth.  Also, in the next week or so I plan to post about places to get help and resources available for those with AD/HD.

AND, for two chores (I intended to go to the gym at lunch and do one chore when I got home but that didn't work out).  I ran my Shark Cordless Floor & Carpet Sweeper in the living room and changed two lightbulbs (hey, I never said all my chores would be difficult, lol).

Well, I'm one day closer to two pairs of Yellowbox sandals, I've spread a little more knowledge, and two more chores can get knocked off my to-do list!  Have a great evening!