ADD and ADHD... OH Shiny! Pt. 1 Defining the Several Types

The Several Types of ADD and ADHD/ Part One


Okay, we've all used this excuse.
"Sorry I can't focus, I'm just totally ADD right now."

Or something similar. Admit, you have. Anytime there's a moment of sporadic thought that crosses your mind and diverts your attention, it's easy to classify it as ADD or ADHD. But in reality, it's probably not.


But what about the people who really DO have to live with ADD or ADHD?


ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) and ADHD seem to be one in the same. However, in reality there are several significant differences that can play a part in how one goes about treating this disorder. In addition there are also several types of ADD/ADHD. Here are the most prevalent:

The Common Variety of ADD/ ADHD
This is what you probably associate with when you hear ADD and ADHD.


1. Easily distracted by irrelevant sights, sounds and thoughts
2. Extreme difficulty with focusing on tasks like reading or listening to others
3. Often struggles to finish seemingly simple tasks on time
4. Really poor listening skills especially in regards to remembering key details and following directions
5. Often overlooks important details in projects or at work.
   
   The "Where the flip did I put the keys?" Disorganized and Forgetfulness Type


6. Serious trouble with organization and maintaining organization
   -Everything is always cluttered whether it be at home, school, and work
7. Trouble with starting and finishing projects
8. They tend to procrastinate…everything. No matter how small or large, it's generally always, "I can do this tomorrow." attitude.
9. Frequently forgets important dates, appointments and deadlines for things
10. Under estimating the time in which something takes to do or how long it takes to get somewhere
11. CONSTANTLY losing important things, (your keys, wallet, papers, shoes, your sanity…)




 The "Don't you have a shut-up filter? What about a think ahead button?" Impulsivity Type


12. A nearly impossible to control habit of blurting out things that are inappropriate or rude
13. Poor levels of self control
14. Reckless tendencies
15. Low levels of regard for personal safety (the constant high-risk taker)
16. Has trouble sitting still for long periods of time
17. Often interrupts people and talks over them
18. Usually portrays addictive tendencies



The Sensitive Type


19. Difficult time managing feelings like frustration and anger
20. Short fuse, explosive anger outburst
21. Easily flusters and quickly gets stressed out
22. Constant sense of underachievement
23. Problems with long term motivation
24. Hypersensitivity to suggestions and criticism
25. Very low sense of self esteem and high levels of insecurities




The "Seriously though. Where is the off button?" Hyper-Active Type


26. Highly energetic
27. Always on the go
28. Doing a trillion things all at once
29. Excessively talking… All the freaking time
30. Constantly fidgeting
31. Craving for excitement
32. Inner feeling of agitation and restlessness




So which do you have?

Keep in mind, that several types and symptoms can be combined. Every person is unique and each case is often different than the next.


In most of my other posts, I talk about ways to help combat the symptoms of whatever the problem is. But because ADD and ADHD is such a huge topic, I want to do it justice. I too suffer from ADD and I know the legit challenges that it comes with both mentally and in every day life.  Look for my next few posts on different ways to help treat the disorder and to learn better ways of handling it.
 


My final note?


Life with ADD and ADHD can be one of the most exciting rides out there. With our ability to think at lightning speed, our creative pursuits and our often charming and bubbly dispositions; people with this disorder are often the life of any party.


But as many of you who live with it know, it can also be debilitating and overwhelming. It can reek havoc on relationships at home and destroy friendships. It can lead to serious financial issues as well as trouble at work. With all of these strains bringing you down, ADD and ADHD can be huge contributors to depression.


But there is HOPE. I promise you that.

I hope that you'll check in or subscribe to learn more about different ways to help :)