by Don Mordasini
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by Don Mordasini
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Are you an adult
with A.D.D.? The Inattentive Type. This subtype is seen more frequently in women than men. Because this person does not experience physical hyperactivity, the inattentive person is usually misdiagnosed or overlooked in childhood. The primary feature of this subtype is the hyperactive brain. The restless/scanning brain unable to focus has trouble focusing, studying, paying attention, listening, and remembering because of its easy distractibility. Frequently the scanning brain seeking to calm itself would do so through obsessing on oneself or becoming hyper sensitive to internal and external stimuli. The Hyperactive Impulsive Type. This subtype is characterized by a high degree of motor activity and impulsivity. As an adult this person gets "revved up" and has trouble winding down. The hyperactive type is constantly on the move, easily bored, and highly impulsive. S/he has trouble with procrastination, disorganization, not completing projects, forgetting, and disappointing others. This impulsiveness cause the person trouble in making good decisions, waiting (i.e. jumping into projects, relationships, etc.), and shooting from the hip. Frequently, impulsiveness causes problems with emotional control and frustration tolerance. The Combined Type. This subtype has many characteristics of both the inattentive and the hyperactive type and is most frequently seen in different combinations. The combined type is the classic ADDer. My clinical experience has shown me that nearly all ADDers have two major characteristics: SCANNING/RESTLESS MIND AND/OR HYPERACTIVITY PLUS EMOTIONAL LABILITY. Notice the PLUS in the above sentence. Most ADDers have some trouble with their emotions. Generally, they tend to be more excitable, have wider mood swings and experience lower frustration tolerance than their peers. Although the key feature of A.D.D. is the restless mind, they are frequently challenged by emotional swings. A list of the areas in which the ADDer might experience difficulties looks like this:
The ADDer tends to move quickly, get bored easily, seeks stimulation (in work, relationships, thrill activities, addictions, etc..), has trouble remaining still long enough to listen, is disorganized, procrastinates and experiences mood instability. Some ADDers are high achievers because their unique hyper focus brain allows them to become successful workaholics. Others feel as though they have never lived up to their abilities. The common denominator is the restless scanning brain that seeks to calm itself through hyper focus or stimulation. RESTLESS MIND = TENDENCY to HYPERFOCUS or seek out STIMULATION The adult ADDer frequently has emotional challenges that make interpersonal relationships more difficult. The characteristic of inattentiveness for example can make the ADDer seem to be a poor listener, or not care for, or appear to be not interested in his/her partner. Frequently the ADDer has trouble managing anger appropriately, this stems in part from low frustration tolerance and irritability. Other ADDers may feel poorly about themselves as a result of earlier struggles, and bring dependency or intimacy problems into relationships. ADDers tend to be poor observers of themselves and may have a tendency to blame others for their problems. Frequently the characteristics of excitability, irritability, low frustration tolerance, impulsivity, and low self esteem cause the ADDer to be on an emotional roller coaster. EMOTIONAL LABILITY = EXCITABILITY, IRRITABILITY. LOW FRUSTRATION TOLERANCE, IMPULSIVITY, LOW SELF ESTEEM, MOODINESS ATTENTION DEFICIT DISORDER is not an emotional or psychological illness as such. Rather it represents the way the brain and nervous system work. It is not uncommon however, to have A.D.D. overlaid with depression, panic, or an anxiety disorder. For this reason it is important to get a clinical diagnosis so appropriate treatment can follow. I offer a carefully planned, positive approach to A.D.D. in adults which includes:
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