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The textbook symptoms of ADD — inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity — fail to reflect several of its most powerful characteristics; the ones that shape your perceptions, emotions, and motivation. Here, Dr. William Dodson explains how to recognize and manage ADHD's true defining features.
The DSM-V – the bible of psychiatric diagnosis – lists 18 diagnostic criteria for attention deficit disorder (ADHD or ADD). Clinicians use this to identify symptoms, insurance companies use it to determine coverage, and researchers use it to determine areas of worthwhile study.
The problem: These criteria only describe how ADHD affects children ages 6-12, and that has led to misdiagnosis, misunderstanding, and failed treatment for teens, adults, and the elderly.
Most people, clinicians included, have only a vague understanding of what ADHD means. They assume it equates to hyperactivity and poor focus, mostly in children. They are wrong.
When we step back and ask, "What does everyone with ADHD have in common, that people without ADHD don't experience?" a different set of symptoms take shape.
From this perspective, three defining features of ADHD emerge that explain every aspect of the condition:
1. an interest-based nervous system
2. emotional hyperarousal
3. rejection sensitivity
Not precisely news but damned if it's not an interesting read if it has any relevance in your life.
Source: https://www.additudemag.com/symptoms-of-add-hyperarousal-rejection-sensitivity/
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Friday March 16 2018, @09:27AM
I have never really considered myself ADHD before, but after reading this, I'm pretty sure I must be.
I'm not really hyperactive. Never have been. Not extraverted either. Not by a long shot.
But interest-based nervous system? Check. That distinction explains a lot about why I procrastinate, and is right on the mark as to how I can focus on things that interest me, but ignore priorities and consequences.
Emotional hyperarousal? Check. Explains why others have called me passionate in the past, and explains how I can get super-angry in some situations, even after having taken steps to counteract the problems.
Rejection sensitivity? Oh hell yes. Explains a lot about my relationships with parents, friends, and especially my love life.
This also explains my night-owl behavior, and sleeplessness.
From what I read, it looks like there's some room for hope, as some medicines seem to help, and can restore more balance. Can't say that I'm ready for that yet, but I will definitely consider it now.
I am still preoccupied with *her*. She's the only thing that means anything to me right now, but she won't talk to me anymore. I wonder if I could ever see things differently, and understand how she could have hurt me so badly.