Quote Originally Posted by wasup View Post
I'd just like to point out here that there is not a "non-laid out form" of ADD. That form to which you are referring is known as "ADHD." I have ADHD. Moving on.
ADHD stands for "Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder". Until recently, there were ADHD and ADD. The latter stood for the same thing except without the "Hyperactivity". Now ADHD is used to encompass both of them, which I think is ridiculous. I was diagnosed with ADD.

Quote Originally Posted by wasup View Post
Agreed... to an extent.
I notice how you go ahead and say how ADD is certainly real, because you have experienced the sensations of seemingly uncontrollable lack of ability to pay attention. But because you have not experienced what it is like to not be able to control hyperactivity you assume that is not real. I could just as easily say "oh, well if you really focus hard the entire time during class you will be able to pay attention. If you think about your actions more often you will not do things like bringing laundry into grocery stores." Would you say your symptoms were uncontrollable? Well, it can be for hyperactivity as well.
The strong tendency is definitely there, so the phenomenon is real. I also think that even with trying the hyperactive kids will be more hyper than average kids in all cases. But I do know from being a teacher that it is very often used as an excuse and that the phenomenon can be controlled with discipline much more that many realize. I have seen with my own eyes on zillions of occasions kids' not caring at all about the fact that they are being obnoxiously hyper in terms that they know very well. Discipline is a significant factor that can work on them. I have used it.

Quote Originally Posted by wasup View Post
Is it entirely uncontrollable? Well, no. Clearly, if I started throwing spitballs and ripping up paper, this is controllable. Just like to point out here, as a sensible older person, it is.
That is precisely what I am saying.

Quote Originally Posted by wasup View Post
The American Neurological Association has recognized ADD/ADHD as a real disorder.
They should have. Both forms are real. I am just saying the hyperactive form is too often used as an excuse for behavior that discipline can control in most cases and that it is way overly diagnosed. But there is definitely something extreme happening neurologically in cases where it exists.