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 Even though Attention Deficit Disorder has been studied for years
as a disorder of childhood, there is mounting evidence that a large
percentage of the population have characteristics or personality
traits consistent with the diagnostic criteria of ADD. This
includes adults as well as children. Impulsive behavior in
different areas such as impulsive spending, inability to delay
gratification, excessive use of drugs and/or alcohol, extreme
impatience, risk-taking behavior, etc. are notable in many adults.
Children may ride bicycles into the street in front of cars,
destroy toys, have temper tantrums, be overly rough with pets
or younger siblings (even though very fond of them), etc. Easy
distractibility evidenced by a need to have quiet or orderliness in
order to perform a task, or a tendency to move from project to
project without completing the preceding one are also indicators of
ADD. Difficulty with modulating affect is another symptom common to
ADD. Individuals who quickly move from one "extreme" to the other,
i.e. ecstasy when happy to rage when upset or disappointed may fall
into this category. Individuals with ADD often complain of feeling
disorganized or easily overwhelmed or frustrated. They often feel
out of step or "different" from the rest of the world. Individuals
who have the characteristics of ADD may be hyperactive and outgoing
and unable to entertain themselves. But they may also be withdrawn, 
introspective and have a tendency to daydream, often appearing
almost unsociable. These folks are sometimes referred to as
"shy", but they lack the characteristic fear and desire for social
contact of a shy person. They actually prefer to be alone. They
enjoy their own company, but when confronted with a social
situation they are able to respond. |
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ADD people are often
uncomfortable in social situations, however, because they are
frequently rejected. This is due to their tendency to be
"outspoken" (which is actually the abovementioned impulsivity),
emotional and forceful about their beliefs (again a result of
previously discussed difficulty with modulation of affect), and a
stubborn, opinionated, argumentative style of relating.
The research data varies about prevalence of this problem,
depending on the criteria used for the diagnosis, but some studies
show 20% of the population as being ADD. I believe this to be a
conservative estimate. Even if one accepts that only 1/5 of the
population meets criteria for diagnosis, it gives one pause to
consider, is this a disorder or is it a character trait? It would
stand to reason that the high energy characteristic of these
individuals, drive toward goals of interest to them and lack of
concern about possible risks involved as they work to achieve these
goals, as well as their sense of individuality and fierce
independence, may in many cases be adaptive and of great benefit.
In a rural society, these character traits might have been hailed
as enormously beneficial. I submit that it is our urban society,
which has boxed people into certain "molds", that has created the
"disorder". It is important to understand, that no matter how
adaptive a personality trait might be, there will always be varying
degrees of severity, defined according to society's expectations.
Whether or not one believes that society has created ADD or not,
one still must live within the framework of that society.
Therefore, if the "disorder" or the "personality trait" results in
dysfunction, it is necessary to look realistically at treatment.
Pharmacologic treatment is beyond the scope of this discussion, but
there are some adaptive mechanisms that may be used to assist the
unfortunate possessor of this personality style. The first, of
course, is to be aware that others may perceive you differently
than you intend. If you are at a party and make some brilliant
remark which is then met  with incredulous stares and others turning
away in embarrassment, take a moment to contemplate the wisdom of
your oratory. You may learn to keep some things to yourself. It
may behoove the ADD person to write things down, make lists, move
around when he feels restless and then return to his task. Keeping
the environment organized may help prevent distractions and improve
concentration and focus. Believe it or not, playing a radio or TV
in the background assists some ADD people in staying alert and
focused. It can be helpful to set up some guidelines for yourself,
such as, never buy anything impulsively. Always leave the store
and think about a purchase at least 24 hours before making it.
Attempt to put yourself into work situations where you can have
some autonomy, since ADD people tend to have more difficulty
cooperating in a group situation (remember the obstinate,
know-it-all tendency). The same applies to recreation. Tennis,
swimming, track, golf, karate and other sports where individual
competition is the modus operendi are better and more rewarding for
ADD'ers. In fact, in these settings the ADD individual may excel
due to his high energy and competitive, independent mindset. In
team settings the same person might feel inadequate and incompetent
due to his difficulty with impulsiveness, lack of attention to
instructions, distractibility and obstinance which only serves to
bring disapproval and rejection from his cohorts.
In short, individuals with the symptoms of Attention Deficit
Disorder appear to think differently from the majority of their
peers, but this is not necessarily a negative. If recognized and
acknowledged by it's possessor, these traits may be turned to his
advantage. If his symptoms are so severe as to interfere in his
successful functioning, even after applying the above suggestions,
pharmacologic treatment targeting specific biochemical imbalances
in the brain may be in order. This will be discussed at a later
time, for those who are interested. There are currently many
excellent publications on this topic available in most quality
bookstores.
* Copyright 1995 by D. Victoria Martin, M.D. All rights reserved.
Except for one-time personal use, no part
of this article may
be reproduced for public or private use without prior written
permission of the author.
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