[QUOTE=reneeeileen]Is it possible to have adhd if the only symptoms are impulsivity, hitting,
inability to process other people feelings but not inattention or lack of
focus? [/QUOTE]
Hi,
Some information about the ADHD
The definition of ADHD is misconstrued by many people. If
you think that you or somebody you care about is suffering
from ADHD, you will need to know what it is and what
symptoms accompany the disorder. This information can be
very broad and quite difficult to find on your own.
ADHD is a neurobiological disorder located in the prefrontal
cortex, and it is also a type of brain wiring different than
the general population. It can be considered a disorder and
a gift, and it affects all areas of functioning to a degree.
But the main area of life it will affect is your executive
function, or the area of the brain that organizes, plans and
executes goals.
What is generally focused on with ADHD is a short attention
span, or the inability to focus for long periods of time.
People with ADD have minds that tend to wander, drift and
get distracted by other things. What is very interesting
about ADD is that sufferers can pay attention very well to
things that are new, very stimulating, interesting or
upsetting. These events provide enough stimulation in and
of themselves that they activate the part of the brain that
enables concentration. This is because people with ADD do
not have enough adrenaline and need this in order to focus.
People with ADD have trouble paying attention to daily,
routine activities that do not provide high stimulation such
as chores, homework, and paperwork. Unfortunately, these
activities are everywhere and are needed in order to
function in society.
Another prevalent aspect of ADHD is distractibility. This
is often confused with having a short attention span, but it
is actually a hypersensitivity to the environment around
you. People with regular brain wiring do not have trouble
blocking out extraneous sounds such as traffic sounds, the
birds outside, people around us, etc. But people with ADD
often have trouble blocking these things out due to their
hypersensitivity. This is most likely due to the under-
activity in their prefrontal cortex.
Organization is a very common problem for people with ADD,
specifically issues with projects involving, time, space and
long-term projects. Disorganization involving space is what
causes the extreme messiness of ADDers, and why they may
have trouble keeping things neat even after they have
cleaned. It is something that others surrounding people
with ADD really have trouble with, and many times cannot
understand or accept. The problems ADDers have with keeping
things clean extends to their whole life, especially in the
area of long-term planning. Many people with ADD live from
crisis to crisis, or from worry to worry. These stimulating
events provide the focus that mundane planning does not.
Poor follow through is an extension of the inability to
organize, and is also a real burden on an ADDer's life.
Many people with ADD have an overabundance of ideas that
seem very interesting and stimulating in the beginning. But
it is when the details and preparation come into play that
sufferers of ADD have problems. Any interest or passion
that requires long-term attention and maintenance will cause
the ADDer to lose interest, even if it is something they
enjoy. This is where counseling and medication may be of
help.