People with ADD have difficulty maintaining their attention, completing tasks they have started, and are easily distracted. They may go from one uncompleted task to another. They may have poor time-management skills and be very disorganized. Other symptoms of ADD include forgetfulness, procrastination, chronic tardiness, chronic boredom, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and mood swings. Children with ADD may be mislabeled as “daydreamers,” “slow-learners,” or “spacey.” Adults may be mislabeled as “lazy” or “incompetent.” ADD can be problematic if it interferes with a person’s schoolwork, job performance, home management, or social relationships.
ADD is technically considered Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Predominantly Inattentive Type. This means that people with ADD may or may not have the hyperactivity or impulsivity that is associated with Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD). People with ADD may experience purely inattention or inattention with a lesser degree of hyperactivity and impulsivity than people with ADHD.