Once thought to be a disorder that affected only children, Attention Deficit Disorder (also known as Adult Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is now known to affect more than 4.4% of the adult population in the United States and over 7% in San Francisco itself. Marked by an inability to focus, disorganized thinking, distractibility and poor impulse control, undiagnosed ADD can have disastrous consequences on both your personal and professional life. Fortunately, as more research comes to the forefront, ADD treatment options are widely available and those who have suffered in silence for years are now finding ways to get help. The first step, of course, is to get a diagnosis. If you think you might have adult ADD, read on to see what you should know and when it’s time to see a professional ADD
Recognize There Is More Than One Type of ADD
When most of us think about ADD, we think of what is now known as ‘Classic ADD’. Core ADD symptoms include hyperactivity, an inability to concentrate, and chronic procrastination. While this is still the most common form of ADD diagnosed, there are actually seven different types of ADD—all of which have slightly different symptoms. Limbic ADD, for example, has the added symptoms of sadness, low energy, and chronic self-esteem issues. Another form of ADD, Ring of Fire ADD, can cause sufferers to lash out with mean or nasty behavior. The point here is that even if you don’t suffer from the typical ADD symptoms, you may still have one of the other types. Take an online self-assessment to see if any of the symptoms you experience match up, then see a doctor for a professional ADD testing in San Francisco.
Interesting Facts About Adult ADHD Test
Ask Yourself These Questions:
To further determine if you are suffering from adult ADD, try asking yourself the following questions:
Do Any of My Family Members Have ADD?
Did you know that more than 25% of those diagnosed with adult ADD have a family member who also has the disorder? If you have a sibling that was diagnosed in childhood or if you have other family members who have been diagnosed, there is a higher chance that you may have the disorder as well.
Are Time Management or Focus Techniques Helpful to Me?
There is sometimes a fine line between actual ADD and a simple lack of focus or time management skills. If you have tried different techniques to keep yourself organized or to better manage your time and find that you simply cannot stick with them no matter how hard you try, you may have ADD.
Treating ADHD Without Drugs – Read more.
Am I Constantly Late?
It’s one thing to be late occasionally due to weather, traffic, or unforeseen circumstances. However, those with adult ADD symptoms are chronically late—mostly because they get absorbed or distracted by something and completely lose track of time. If you’ve lost friends or jobs because you can’t seem to be on time no matter how hard you try, ADD could be the culprit.
Common ADHD Medications for Adults
Do I Find Myself Being Bored All the Time?
Due to a lack of focus, those with adult ADD often find themselves fighting boredom. While those without ADD can easily get interested in a movie, book, television show, or hobby, the ADD sufferer has trouble taking pleasure in these simple tasks and can be chronically restless or looking for something new and exciting to do. This can manifest itself in risky behavior like gambling or extreme sports or in addictions to drugs or alcohol.
Top 5 Adult ADHD Treatment Centers in San Francisco
If you have adult ADD, you can finally come out of the shadows and get the help you deserve. If any of the above strike a chord with you, it’s vital that you see a professional to get a proper diagnosis and the treatment you need. To schedule an appointment at our San Francisco ADD clinic, please call
(415) 966-0848.
