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Symptoms of ADD/ADHD Essay

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You know that person; the one that can’t stay on subject, the one who will be talking then all of a sudden the conversation goes off in a totally different direction, like a squirrel searching for nuts that keeps dropping the one it is carrying because something else caught its eye. Chaotic, frazzled, impulsive, unorganized, daydreamer, procrastinator, inattentive, goof off and lazy are just a few descriptions of an adult that has Attention Deficit Disorder/Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD). At one time ADD/ADHD was thought of as just childhood complications that did not affect adults, but since there is no cure for ADD/ADHD, adults are affected also. Most adults that have ADD/ADHD were not diagnosed with it as children, …show more content…

Along with having trouble focusing on task, adults can also have issues with Hyperfocus. Smith and Segal (2012) define it as “a tendency to become absorbed in tasks that are stimulating and rewarding. Hyperfocus is actually a coping mechanism for distraction- a way of tuning out the chaos. It can be so strong that you tune out everything going on around you”. This can be an asset when doing something productive, but it can also cause problems when you lose track of time and neglect other responsibilities. Hyperactivity can change from being highly energetic and always moving in children to more subtle and more of the internal tendencies shown in adults. Hyperactivity in adults can show as agitation, becoming bored easily, the craving for excitement and taking risks, chaotic and racing thoughts, extreme multi-tasking, trouble sitting still, always fidgeting and moving, and impatience with regular everyday activities.
ADD/ADHD that is undiagnosed and untreated can cause issues in every aspect of one’s life. Health can suffer due to symptoms of ADD/ADHD that can cause other health concerns related to overeating, drug and alcohol abuse, due to poor impulse control (Smith 2012). Because of disorganization and lack of prioritizing there is also the possibility of neglecting to exercise and scheduling

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