But, to say the least, not everyone is updated.
(Only dinosaurs say,
"I don't believe in ADD.")
Q: WHAT IS ADD?
A: Theories abound, but it is agreed that ADD is a
genetic syndrome. You are born ADD. Classic signs of
adult ADD are an erratic attention span, disorganization, low
tolerance of frustration or boredom. Though highly
intelligent and motivated, adults, usually have trouble with time
management, decision-making and follow-through. Many are
drawn to high intensity situations or choose careers which keep
one "on-edge."
ADD can be viewed as a blood flow problem of the
prefrontal cortex shown in the SPECT scans on this page.
When the ADD brain is relaxed (playing computer games), it gets normal
blood flow. Under more stress (maybe balancing a checkbook) it
gets less blood unlike other brains. Under more stress (taking a
test) it gets less blood, gets confused or shuts down. "THE
HARDER I TRY THE HARDER IT GETS."
Having said one commonality is frontal lobe
blood flow, you should know ADD effects other brain regions.
It's course varies. It is now seen as a non-linear condition
affecting everyone differently.
If you are ADD, you probably identify with
"thinking outside the box." The condition, itself, doesn't fit a
neat box either.
There is an upside to the complexity of
ADD. We have the varied gifts and talents of such
well-known people (with ADD and related conditions) as Albert
Einstein, Mozart, John Lennon, Robin Williams, John F. Kennedy
and Mariel Hemmingway.
Q: IS ADD A DISORDER?
A: ADD is a disorder found in
the DSM-IV, the diagnostic manual of the American Psychiatric
Association. It is not viewed as a disorder by some
professionals, especially those who author books about ADD
(who are ADD). Today we are redefining "the ADD
experience." Individuals with ADD are often
highly intelligent, creative and imaginative. Once ADD
is diagnosed, the child or adult with help learns to cope, and
it is like an untapped part of the brain comes to view.
Thom Hartmann (ADD: A Different
Perspective) sees ADD as a healthy brain state.
Others say, "Embrace your true nature." (Hallowell/Ratey).
Weiss states "three quarters of the problems
of an ADD life come not from the ADD but from being
misunderstood."
Q: CAN A CHECKLIST DIAGNOSE
ADD?
A: While questionnaires may be
helpful, please be aware that a high percentage of positive
responses does not automatically mean you are ADD. The
very same answers can point to other conditions.
It's not too difficult to identify ADD with typical
features. There are individuals who have a sole
diagnosis of ADD. What requires experience, knowledge and
judgment, is to help those where ADD exists and is part of a larger
pattern or a health problem. Professionals know that by
mid-to-late adolescence, we see ADD often complicated by a
related condition: an Anxiety Disorder, Depression or Dysthymia, OCD, Tourettes,
alcohol/drug abuse or of
rage reactions.
You must also remember that a generation of psychiatrists
(over 30 years) shared the view together with everyone else
that there was no ADD in adults. There are adults now
who were treated as if their depression, panic,
obsessive-compulsive symptoms, eating disorders or addictions
were their primary and only condition. This time period
also failed to recognize that substance abuse can play a part
in self-medication of ADD.
A key to a diagnosis is a careful clinical history.
A time line
is very important. You must have a childhood onset of
ADD to meet the criteria..
Q: CAN ADD BE AN EXCUSE?
A: Thom Hartmann
writes, "If ADD is part of our genetic heritage, it cannot
be an excuse for a person's failings. It's merely an
explanation, one that then provides the first steps toward
overcoming those obstacles which in the past, so often caused
failure."
Q: WHY
DID IT TAKE SO LONG TO FIND ADULT ADD?
A: We are
just learning about the brain. Until about a decade ago,
the brain was considered a "black box." It was a mystery
as to how the brain really worked. Today because of a
revolution in molecular biology and genetics, we've begun to
understand the brain. New tools of imaging technology
help us see actual thoughts and emotions. We've learned
more in the last 10 years than in all previous history.
The prediction is that our knowledge will double every 10
years.
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