The procedure of psychological testing involves all three of these “treatments” for ADD. It is done one-on-one, with the psychologist guiding the individual orally through the tests, making it difficult for him to tune out. The subject is typically highly motivated, trying to “do well” on the test. And the testing situation is highly stimulating

Even when they look calm and sedate, they are usually churning inside, taking this piece of data and moving it there, pushing this thought through their emotional network, putting

Structure refers to the set of external controls that one sets up to compensate for unreliable internal controls.

It is easy to set up. You start by making a list of all the regular tasks, obligations, and appointments you have every week—your fixed-time expenditures, so to speak. You then make a grid of your week on a calendar or appointment book and plug each fixed obligation into a regular time slot.

Irascible impatience

While most people with ADD are easily bored and seek diversion quickly, the adult with high-stim ADD particularly abhors boredom. He—and it is usually a he—may seek high stimulation through relatively safe avenues—creating tight deadlines to work under; regularly

I don’t think I’ve ever really been happy. For as long as I can remember, there’s always been a sadness tugging at me. Sometimes I forget about it. I guess that’s when you could say I was happy. But the minute I start to think,

More than most people, individuals with ADD have visionary imaginations. They think big thoughts and dream big dreams.

phobia. Only if the symptoms are more intense than is normal, if they last a long while, and if they interfere with one’s everyday life, only then can one entertain an actual diagnosis.