From: "Reggie Bautista" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Have you ever considered the possibility you might have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or a learning disorder?
The following two articles are mainly about children, but I'm sure you'll be able to find many related links.
I hope this helps.
Reggie Bautista Getting Tested Soon Myself Maru
Reggie (and all):
I'd like to add my support to this thread. I was "diagnosed", if there is such a thing, as an ADD/ADHD about 6 years ago. I dragged the condition thru my natural life without knowing about it. Like most in my generation who exhibited the characteristics of ADD, I was treated the "old fashioned" way; lots of discpline at home and school. Unfortunately, it's not enough.
ADD/ADHD includes a mesh of situations which, if they go unnoticed, can really affect your life in a very, very negative way. It's only very recently that the condition and its' comorbid diseases have been identified.
The school I currently work in has a Learning Center for children and young adults with ADD. It is a humbling experience when you realize that what you see in children around you is such a part of your own life. It's even more painful when you know what's waiting for them in the future.
Of everything I was able to read about ADD, the best texts I can recommend on ADD are "Answers to Distraction" and "Driven to Distraction" by Edward M. Hallowell MD and John Ratey MD. If you are curious about the condition, or if you think you are affected by it, get them. They are widely available, and very engaging to read. If you find that your own image stares back at you from the pages of the book, you'll weep. Take my word for it.
The key to management of ADD is education. Learn about it. Talk about it. Read about it. There is a large number of support groups and organizations out there that deal with ADD/ADHD. Good sources of information are the ADD Association and the Adult ADD Association, among others.
Once you learn ADD is part of your life, you can use it as a gift. ADD brings with it many beautiful qualities; it's like raw energy. It's a matter of self-discipline to help you harness it. Like I said before, the key is education.
I'll close my "intervention" in this email by saying that if you or anybody reading this needs more information, or wishes to share their own experiences, feel free to contact me on- or off-list. I'll be happy to hear from you and to help out in any way possible, if necessary.
Finally, for the benefit of all involved, below are the current diagnostic criteria for ADD/ADHD taken from the text-revised edition of the DSM-IV, which was published in the summer of 2000.
Note that this excerpt comprises only a fraction of the DSM-IV's entry on ADHD, and it should be used only for informational purposes. They apply not only to children, but to adults as well. Although it's clear that adults don't "come down" with ADD, there has to be a clear history that can be traced to the early years.
(A) Either (1) or (2):
(1) six (or more) of the following symptoms of inattention have persisted for at least 6 months to a degree that is maladaptive and inconsistent with developmental level;
*often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities
*often has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities
*often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly
*often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish *schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (not due to oppositional behavior or failure to understand instructions)
*often has difficulty organizing tasks and activities
*often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort (such as schoolwork or homework)
*often loses things necessary for tasks or activities (e.g.,pencils, books, or tools)
*is often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli
*is often forgetful in daily activities
(2) six (or more) of the following symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity have persisted for at least 6 months to a degree that is maladaptive and inconsistent with developmental level:
*often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat
*often leaves seat in classroom or in other situations in which *remaining seated is expected
*often runs about or climbs excessively in situations in which it is inappropriate (in adolescents or adults, may be limited to subjective feelings of restlessness)
*often has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly
is often "on the go" or often acts as if "driven by a motor"
*often talks excessively
*often blurts out answers before questions have been completed
*often has difficulty awaiting turn
*often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into conversations or games)
(B) Some hyperactive-impulsive or inattentive symptoms that caused impairment were present before age 7 years.
(C) Some impairment from the symptoms is present in two or more settings (e.g., at school [or work] and at home).
(D) There must be clear evidence of clinically significant impairment in social, academic, or occupational functioning.
(E) The symptoms do not occur exclusively during the course of a Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Schizophrenia, or other Psychotic Disorder and are not better accounted for by another mental disorder (e.g., Mood Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, Dissociative Disorder, or Personality Disorder).
Take care!!
JJ
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