Characteristics of ADD
Nearly all people with ADD have difficulty with the following in a non-ADD world:
Attention span/ Concentration | Impulsivity | |||
Sensitivity | Motor Activity | |||
Impatience | Organization (structure) |
These core ADD characteristics seem to surface in adults in three distinct ways. Usually, people with ADD fall predominantly into one of the three categories, but they can exhibit a "blend" of two or even all three forms.
Form I: Outwardly Expressed ADD - The Active Entertainer
Feelings are expressed openly and actively. Impulsivity and activity are expressed. One with this type of ADD can usually succeed in sales, entertainment, entrepreneurship, or another field utilizing quickness and high energy. Has difficulty with:
Activity, verbal & physical | Spreading energy thin | Impulsivity |
Over-achievement | Temper control | Disruptiveness |
High risk taking | Repetitious task | Frustration |
Long term projects | Blaming others too much | Maintaining Relationships |
Wide mood swings | Wanting own way | Reactivity |
Form II: Inwardly Directed ADD -- The Restless Dreamer
Feelings and behavior are not actively displayed; they are "stuffed" inside. Impulsivity and impatience are subtly expressed. One with this type of ADD can find success in most fields utilizing creativity, mechanical, technical and service-oriented jobs. Has difficulty with:
Under-activity | Excessive self-blame | Task completion |
Under-achievement | Burnout/Depression | Ending bad relationships |
Over-commitment | Indecision | Restlessness |
Too much empathy | Procrastination | Failure to follow dreams |
Dreaming | Distractibility |
Form III: Highly Structured ADD -- The Conscientious Controller
Must work within structure. Tends to feel out of control if structure is changed. Impulsivity and impatience are expressed as judgments. Often anxious and demanding. One with this type of ADD can usually succeed in the military, accounting, or another field utilizing computers and attention to detail and precision. Has difficulty with:
Excessive talking | Obsessive worrying | Perfectionism |
Unstructured settings | Temper control | A need to control |
Recovering from interruption | Over focusing | Rigidity |
Over-organization | Cooperation | Being judgmental |
Demanding own way | Negotiation |
This information used with permission of Lynn Weiss.
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APA Reference
Staff, H.
(2003, August 7). Characteristics of ADD, HealthyPlace. Retrieved
on 2024, November 2 from https://www.healthyplace.com/adhd/articles/characteristics-of-add