I have always looked for praise of my achievements. Just knowing that I've done well does not seem to cut it. I need that external confirmation. It hasn't been until recently that I've realized that this is an ADD oriented behavior and probably stems from my ADD. It seems, however, that our culture in the United States is biased against that kind of feedback in the work arena. Am I alone in feeling under-rated and under-appreciated?

Case in point, last month I was working 60 and 70 hour weeks, solved a handful of really hard problems, and got nothing but criticism and nagging about other, insignificant, issues for my troubles. More than once did I stay until the wee hours of the morning to solve a problem that is important to my company, only to be chastised for my tardiness the next day. Am I being unreasonable in looking for some commendation on my efforts and achievements?

Hmmmmm. Since you're from Seattle, I wonder if you work for the same evil corporation I do...

I once took over 3 people's jobs (including my boss' who was away for 3 months), and instead of appreciating me for it, they pointed fingers at what went wrong. Umm, yeah, if you spread yourself thin more things will go wrong. They totally ignored the facts that they were unable to hire people or load-balance. So I got an average review that year. I changed groups and got two promotions in as many years :) It's much, much better to be in a work environment that recognizes your worth rather than treat you like a robot. Maybe you ought to look into a different role or a different team within your group or company.

Am I being unreasonable in looking for some commendation on my efforts and achievements?
In my last job my boss told me that I was always looking for praise and attention, in fact she even went as far as calling me needy. Mabe I am a little bit needy and yes mabe I do need a little praise for what I do, but I truly think it comes more from my own low self image than looking for the praise and attention of others. it does feel good to know we are doing the right thing and that we are doing a good job. So no you are not alone in feeling under apreciated. So far in the job i am in I have gotten more praise and more reconition than in the two years in my old one. that does not mean however that my own second guessing and self image does not crop up and kind of put me in a funk. But with the knowlage that my boss see's the good job i am trying to do, it helps keep the low moods to a minimum.