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Adult ADD and Entrepreneurs
Post by Jan Pavis (Jan’s Ideas)
There seems to be a high percentage of entrepreneurs that have been diagnosed with or display the symptoms of adult ADD. I am one of the ones who displays the symptoms, but have not been diagnosed by a medical professional. It has caused one of my blogs, Jan’s Group Home Support, to be in the works for years. Even after I finally got it started, it was another year before I got it launched. I have abundant ideas with the inability to focus on any of them. My list of project ideas is excessively long. My list of completed projects is nearly non-existent. It is a constant struggle to be focused.
It can be a blessing and a curse to be medically diagnosed or self-diagnosed with adult ADD. Building on the blessings and managing the curse will help entrepreneurs to be more productive and efficient.
Today’s post will be information about ADD and include the following:
- Symptoms
- Causes
- Treatments
Next week I will post on how to get focused and work with adult ADD instead of fighting adult ADD.
The symptoms of adult ADD:
Inattentive type of ADD
- Difficulty paying close attention to details
- Makes careless mistakes regularly
- Gives the appearance of not paying attention when in a conversation
- Inability to organize tasks and activities
- Unable to follow through with instructions, schoolwork, jobs, household responsibilities, and other tasks
- Extremely forgetful
- Can’t keep track of tools, materials, and other items needed to complete tasks
- Avoids, resists, and dislikes any activity that requires extended mental focus is needed
- Anything and everything in the external environment can become a distraction
- Forgetful in common daily activities
- Random thoughts, ideas, and memories are distractive
Hyperactive/impulsive type of ADD
- Hands and feet are fidgety
- Squirmy when sitting
- Unable to sit for extended periods when it is expected in situations
- Situational inappropriate excessive movement and restlessness
- Difficulty in quiet engagement of leisure activities
- Constantly on the go and in motion
- Excessively talks
- Answers questions before question is finished and finishes sentences for others
- Inability to wait when taking turns, standing in line, etc.
- Interrupts and intrudes
- Always “thinking” and thinking at an accelerated rate
Most people with ADD have a combination of both types of ADD with one being the predominant type.
The causes of adult ADD
ADD is biologically based. Some studies suggest a link to lower levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine in critical areas of the brain. Recently, the National Institute of Mental Health researchers using PET scans have observed significantly lower metabolic activity. This lowered levels of activity are in regions of the brain controlling attention, social judgment, and movement.
The treatments for adult ADD
- Medication-stimulants are usually prescribed to increase activity in the parts of the brain that are under active. Antidepressants, major tranquilizers, and antihypertensive clonidine have sometimes been helpful. New treatment includes non-stimulant medication that is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor.
- Behavior therapy-Strategies such as rewarding positive behavior changes and communicating clear expectations of those with ADHD have proven effective. It is extremely helpful when family members and teachers or employers are patient and understanding.
- Self-education and evaluation-learning about the strengths and weaknesses of having ADD and learning to work with the symptoms instead of fighting them.
- Other treatments-these may be effective but have no scientific documentation of being successful; biofeedback, special diets, allergy treatment, supplements, megavitamins, chiropractic adjustment, and special-colored glasses.
Depending on the degree and severity of adult ADD, it is up to each individual to choose which treatment if any is needed. When the symptoms interfere with daily living activities and keeping a job, it may be time to see a medical professional.
Ready to take the next big leap with your career? You can study anything from a distance learning psychology degree to an accredited online MBA. The psychology degree will help you figure out the ADD and the MBA will help with your business.
