I’ve had enough — I must have ADD.
I’ve said this before a bunch of times, and it elicits of two responses:
1. “Oh my goddd, you do NOT have ADD!”
2. “Of course you do. You’re like a walking definition of it.”
I’ve never gotten tested for it because my parents take the “you’ve done well in school this far, you couldn’t have done that if you can’t concentrate” stance. But, me and my friend Google looked into the matter, and we think it’s pretty serious, according to this list of symptoms from the Department of Health and Services website:
1. Often does not give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities.
It’s not that remembering details is so bad — I just can’t remember anything.
2. Often has trouble keeping attention on tasks or play activities.
I often find myself starting one task, going to the second, then going to a third, and then realizing I started a first task five minutes before that has not yet been completed.
3. Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly.
I can’t remember anyone’s name, ever. If we’re talking, and you introduce myself, I will have no idea what your name is. I just skip over it entirely.
4. Often does not follow instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (not due to oppositional behavior or failure to understand instructions).
Whenever I’m given a list of instructions, I have to write them all down, even the tiniest simplest ones, because I know I won’t be able to concentrate and remember it.
5. Often has trouble organizing activities.
Nah, I’m solid with this one. I love leadership positions.
6. Often avoids, dislikes, or doesn’t want to do things that take a lot of mental effort for a long period of time (such as schoolwork or homework).
Well, duh — I’m putting off my magazine journalism interview transcriptions as long as possible — but I feel like we all do this, so I won’t count this one.
7. Often loses things needed for tasks and activities (e.g. toys, school assignments, pencils, books, or tools).
If you give me a sheet of paper, I will 100% lose it, which is part of the reason why I bought a shiny new MacBook this year and type everything up on it. Every meeting itinerary, every class syllabus, every essay-grading instruction sheet I’ve received…Poof! Gone.
8. Is often easily distracted.
I was at a party last night and couldn’t hold a conversation because there were too many people moving around in the room. This one’s real bad.
9. Is often forgetful in daily activities.
If I’m going to Walgreens or a similar store for more than 2 objects, I have to make a list, because I will forget what I went there for. Last week, I went to get chocolate chips, a roll of film and a candy bar for Gillman, and I forgot the candy bar until I was two blocks away.
7 out of 9? That’s a 78% on the ADD test. I’m passing with a C+ in No Concentration 101, not to mention that I’m at the office and have a shitload of stuff to do, but haven’t yet.
Anyone know a good doc?
