Expert: Sharon Crandall - 10/30/2010

Question
Hi,

Over the last year, my "signs" of ADD are becoming worse to the point where I notice it now. I might be overreacting, but I wanted to confirm that I am.

- I lose things once in a while, but now it seems as though I lose or misplace things left and right.
- I've always had a problem sitting still, I can't sit for more than a minute without fidgeting. I play 4 sports year round so I don't think exercise helps my fidgeting.
- I would ask someone a question and "zone out" when they answer so I will ask them again a few minutes later, knowing I had already asked. I just didn't know what they said, and the same thing will happen after I ask them a 2nd time.
- I have so much trouble focusing; it takes me about 4 or 5 hours to write a 1-2 pg paper (which is ALWAYS done at the last minute) where it would take others 1-2 hours because my mind is scattered and I'm constantly distracted by things like my guitar. Similarly, I will read a page of a book to realize I have no idea what I just read.
- I jump from one thing to another. Sometimes, I will start my math hw to then start my history hw and to then go back to finish my math. Likewise, I tend to start projects and never finish them.
- I've ALWAYS had difficulty expressing my thoughts and feelings, but it has gotten better the past years.
- I'm a bad listener. I often zone out when someone is telling a story or when the teacher is giving a lecture.
- VERY recently, I often stop mid-sentence and my mind goes blank and I wouldn't remember what I was saying.
- I underestimate myself in almost everything, even after I proven myself wrong.

Despite all that, I do very well in school

Sorry about the laundry list, but it seems as though I exhibit a lot of ADD symptoms. I am considering going to a psychologist to get tested, but I would like your thoughts on whether or not I should even bother. Thanks!

Answer
Hi. Most of the things you describe are natural for those who have certain personality traits. There are a few things I could help you with if I could coach you but you would have to set up a few coaching sessions with me.

In the meantime I will get started in helping you on Allexperts the best way I can. The first thing I am thinking is that it might be very likely you are using the wrong hand. If you are supposed to be left -handed and using your right hand this in itself could be part of your problem. Is there a possibility that you should be left handed and are using your right hand?

One way to tell is if one foot or one hand is bigger than the other. If you are supposed to be left handed your left side will be slightly bigger. Sometimes you can tell by looking in the mirror when your shoulders are bare. Stand straight with your feet a few inches apart and see if your left shoulder is higher than the other. Also, quickly pick up a tube and look through it with one eye. Is it more natural to use your left eye to sight with? If so, that is another sign you should be left-handed.

If you are using the wrong hand it causes confusion in the brain and some of the symptoms you describe above. You may want to switch hands, or at least write with the other hand for 15 minutes each night, if that is the case.

So, with that in mind can you reply to this with a followup question and let me know if you think you might be using the wrong hand? I need to eliminate one thing at a time here, OK?

Sharon Crandall
Personality Science Consultant