Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder also known as ADHD is common in children and teens but lately has been found in adults as well. The symptoms of ADHD can vary from one person to another but here are some symptoms that are typically associated with this disorder.
Typical Symptoms of ADHD
These are just symptoms. Just because you have a couple of these symptoms doesn't necessarily mean you have ADHD. Please refer to your doctor.
- Easily distracted.
- Difficulty concentrating on a set task.
- Inability to sustain attention
- Difficulty completing projects, homework, etc.
- Disorganized home, office, work space, school locker.
- Inability to wait your turn in a conversation. Constantly talking over others while they are talking.
- always on the go.
- Fidgeting or constantly moving around.
- Constantly looking for something new and interesting to work on.
- Many unfinished projects.
- Participating in risky and adrenaline filled activities. some examples would be bungee jumping, skydiving, rock climbing. Excessive risk taking to feel satisfied.
- Learning problems in school mainly due to lack of focus and attention on "boring tasks" like homework and studying for tests.
Does this sound like you? I know when I was finally diagnosed with ADHD I had mixed feelings. On the one hand I felt relieved that I finally had a name to put on the way I felt and the symptoms I had. On the other hand, I felt like I was truly broken and that made me ashamed of myself. Often ADHD gets a bad name in society. Some people think of the disorder as the "lazy disorder" and that everyone who has ADHD is just making up an excuse to slack off. After doing my research and getting treated I can confidently tell you that nothing can be further from the truth! Once I fully embraced my situation, I no longer felt ashamed and if you have the same feelings you shouldn't feel ashamed either.
Famous People with ADHD or ADD
I wanted to put this list in for a couple of reasons. One reason is to show you that even with ADHD you can still live a great life and be successful. The second reason is for encouragement. I have this list posted in my office so when I'm having a rough time I can reflect and re-focus.
Here is my list of 25 successful people with ADHD.
- Michael Phelps
- Ty Pennington
- Howie Mandel
- Cammi Granato
- Justin Timberlake
- Andrew Carnegie
- Bill Cosby
- Tom Cruise
- Walt Disney
- Thomas Edison
- John Lennon
- Jason Kidd
- John F. Kennedy
- Babe Ruth
- Will Smith
- Sylvester Stallone
- Steven Spielberg
- Michael Jordan
- Magic Johnson
- Albert Einstein
- Abraham Lincoln
- Robin Williams
- Stevie Wonder
- Issac Newton
The next step is to go the doctor and get tested for ADHD. Your doctor will put your thru several possible tests including:
- Physical Examination
- Blood test
- Urine test
- Behavior assessment
- Review or past academic/employment work
- MRI to check for brain discrepancies
Living with ADHD can be difficult at times but with a little encouragement and the right diagnosis, you can lead a successful life like any other person.