I have yet to be diagnosed with ADD. My question is as follows: although I am organized, can I still have ADD?

I feel that I am very organized and have a good sense of time. That is, I heavily rely on lists and other external organizational techniques to keep me organized. Internally, however, I do not feel focused, and without these external aids, I would have great difficulties "being with it".

My ADD symptoms
- Bored easily, innatentive, hyperfocus
- Very inconsistent with motivation. Chronic procrastination.
- Terrible working memory
- Writting difficulties, especially college essays
- mental hyperactivity. frequent pacing and difficulty sitting still

I rely heavily on lists too. But...do you have piles of stuff? Is your car clean? Is your notebook organized? Backpack? Computer Desk?

I think you can be organized to some extent. There are things where I can be organized, and others where I am very vulnerable to not finding anything. Depending no how important it is, or how quick I can remember to try and organize it.
However, I don't think you can be a neat freak and say you have ADD. Unless you are that because of OCD and have ADD as well...
Anyway....doctors know best. Make an appointment. =)

Yes, it is possible to be downright hyperorganized and have ADD.

ME :D

I have yet to be diagnosed with ADD. My question is as follows: although I am organized, can I still have ADD?

I feel that I am very organized and have a good sense of time. That is, I heavily rely on lists and other external organizational techniques to keep me organized. Internally, however, I do not feel focused, and without these external aids, I would have great difficulties "being with it".

My ADD symptoms
- Bored easily, innatentive, hyperfocus
- Very inconsistent with motivation. Chronic procrastination.
- Terrible working memory
- Writting difficulties, especially college essays
- mental hyperactivity. frequent pacing and difficulty sitting still

But...do you have piles of stuff? Is your car clean? Is your notebook organized? Backpack? Computer Desk?
Okay, I'm very well-organized, but do not at all appear to be.

I don't rely on lists, but I do have piles of stuff everywhere and my car is ALWAYS a wreck. I spend a great deal of time there, so....

My notebooks and bags are organized, but they're sometimes like another pile.

But, I'm the one who plans the vacations (to the last detail), pays the bills, gets the kids where they need to go, etc. etc. etc.

Anxiety or obsessions/compulsions can lead to being clean. Both traits can pair up with ADHD.

Thank you all for responding to my original thread!

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I need to think some more about the possibility of mild OCD as well, although I don’t think I have OCD, but it’s an interesting idea.

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Also, I think the idea that organization is an area of hyperfocus on my part is also a likely explanation.

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Sometimes, I wish I could find a book with a chapter entitled, “You know you DON’T have ADD when…”

Sometimes, I wish I could find a book with a chapter entitled, “You know you DON’T have ADD when…”

Interesting idea, hope you don't mind that I started a new thread using that idea.

Definitely not!:)

Interesting idea, hope you don't mind that I started a new thread using that idea.

I have ADD and am fairly organized. At least what you can see. If you look in my closets and drawers, well, that's a whole other story! ;)

I would always get very anxious if my house was a mess, and the anxiety drove me to keep it somewhat organized, even though keeping it that was was always such a chore. I couldn't understand why I'd get so upset and irritable trying to keep it clean.

At first my doctor diagnosed me with depression and put me on Cymbalta....at one point, my house would be a mess, but because of the Cymbalta, I didn't care. I had no anxiety to drive me to clean it, therefore it would be one big unorganized mess and I didn't like it, but it didn't bother me enough, nor did I have the energy to clean it.

When my doctor realized I had ADD, she cut the Cymbalta dose in half and started me on Concerta at first, then Adderall.....

Now I have no anxiety, I'm calm, and my house is clean. I also wonder why was it such a big deal before to be organized!

One of the reasons I never thought I could have ADD, is because for the most part, I am pretty organized. It is just a very major effort (without meds) to be that way.

Yes, it is possible to be downright hyperorganized and have ADD.

ME :D

Why couldn't I be so lucky?

I have inconsistent organizational spots. Some thing are organized like my closet and drawers. I could dress in the dark.

I keep good records, pay bills, and can maintain a file system. By all means do NOT look in the car!!!!!!! Don't ask me what is in that box on the shelf dated 1993, maybe one day I will find out:)

Welcome to the forums Bored!!!! Nikki too

I am extrememly good with paying bills as well. I don't forget appointments, but I am ALWAYS running late.
My house and car are ALWAYS a wreck. I have a cleaning lady come once a month & 3 days after she cleaned it is right back where it started from & I don't know how this happens. I
I make lists every single day. If I don't make a list of what needs to get done that day, then I will get nothing accomplished, but still be worn out because I ran around all day getting alot of nothing done.

Don't ask me what is in that box on the shelf dated 1993, maybe one day I will find out:)

OMG, I hope it's not food! :p