Adults: Indicators

The symptoms vary in type, number and intensity. ADD is complex and no two individuals present exactly alike.

Some indicators that can be suggestive of ADD:

• Easily distracted, forgetful, daydreaming
• Procrastination, inability to complete things
• Disorganization, messiness, clutter
• Difficulty with making decisions
• Impulsiveness
• Difficulty with expressing thoughts in words
• Significant periods of depression, low self-esteem
• A sense of failure, not living up to one’s potential
• A sense of being different, unconventional
• Restlessness, constantly active
• Difficulty with falling asleep or waking up
• Very sensitive to teasing, criticism, rejection or disapproval
• Mind is always active, thoughts jump from one topic to the next
• Easily bored
• Difficulty with following rules
• Very impatient, low frustration tolerance
• Easily upset, depressed, anxious or angered
• Difficulty with personal or work relationships
• Frequently late or rushed
• Problems with spending and managing money
• Personal or family history of substance abuse, depression or anxiety
• Frequently changing jobs, interests or activities
• Frequently losing or misplacing things
• Perfectionistic tendencies
• Strong need to control or have things your way
• Poor reading comprehension and retention