This experience is becoming the norm for overworked managers who suffer from a very real but unrecognized neurological phenomenon called ADT - attention deficit trait. Brain overload is what causes ADT, which is now turning into an epidemic in organizations.
Attention Deficit Trait – What is it?
Attention deficit trait definition: Unlike attention deficit disorder (ADD) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), attention deficit trait (ADT) is not hereditary but entirely due to the environment. This has become a part of office culture – a workplace which is full of distractions, high pressure, noise, and multitasking.
So what is attention deficit trait? People with ADT find it difficult to prioritize, stay organized, and manage time effectively. This causes a downward spiral of decreasing productivity and increasing anxiety. Patients with ADT commonly feel like they can't shut off their brains at night.
Ten Symptoms of Attention Deficit Trait
There are 10 attention deficit trait symptoms that can be identified by a doctor. The ten symptoms are:
1. Difficulty paying attention
People with attention deficit trait may have difficulty paying attention to details or may be easily distracted. They may also have difficulty sustaining attention on a task or activity, which can lead to problems with schoolwork, work performance, and social interactions.
2. Trouble with calculations
There's no doubt that having ADT can be a bit of a hassle when it comes to calculations. Whether you're trying to figure out how much money you'll need to budget for your mobile bill each month, or trying to calculate the ROI of your investment, it can end up to be a difficult task.
3. Impulsiveness
When we think of impulsiveness, the first thing that comes to mind is spontaneity. People think we are just acting without any thought towards how it will affect the near future. But impulsiveness is much more than that. Impulsiveness is an inability to think through consequences, and consequences can be anything - from not being able to think out information to not having self-control over yourself and your actions.
4. Lose Things Often
If you have ADT, you're likely to lose things often. You may misplace your keys, forget your wallet, or leave important papers at home. This can be frustrating and cause you to feel disorganized and scattered.
5. Trouble staying organized
If you constantly have trouble staying organized, it could be a trait associated with ADT. Having ADT can make it incredibly difficult to prioritize and finish tasks, as you are easily distracted.
6. Forgetfulness
People who have ADT have a lower performance on tests that require short-term memory. Such people are unable to recall things as well as those who do not have ADT, and also tend to make more mistakes.
7. Procrastination
Procrastination is something that is commonly associated with ADT, but that isn't always the case. Many reports and studies have been done in the past to try and understand this strange relationship. It's easy to see how people might think that ADT and procrastination go hand in hand, but it isn't as simple as that. They do co-exist often, but that doesn't mean that one causes the other.
8. Poor time management
There are many factors that go into ADT. One of them is a lack of time management. People who have ADT have more difficulty planning ahead, making schedules, and sticking to a plan. This can lead to not meeting goals and procrastination.
9. Lack of focus
Lack of focus is one of the symptoms of ADT. If a person is constantly struggling to focus on one thing, it could be that they have attention deficit trait. ADT usually starts slowly, but a person can develop more symptoms when exposed to overwork conditions. ADT is associated with difficulty in focusing, behaviors that are uncharacteristic, and difficulty regulating emotions.
10. Low self-esteem
Many people with ADT experience low self-esteem. Common symptoms of this include losing track of time, having trouble sleeping, anxiety, and a lack of motivation. People who have attention deficit trait, meaning those with low self-esteem, are commonly not able to keep up with deadlines or schedules. This leads them to feel guilty about it and think of themselves as failures.
How to Deal with Attention Deficit Trait?
If you're like most people, you know that ADT is a serious problem. If you or someone you know struggles with ADT, here are 10 ways to deal with the condition:
- Seek professional help. ADT is a complex condition that requires the help of a qualified therapist or psychiatrist. A professional can help you manage your symptoms and improve your overall quality of life.
- Get organized. ADT can be a major obstacle to getting organized. In order to manage your time and stay on task, you need to be able to identify and follow a plan. Dealing with ADT requires a lot of discipline and self-control.
- Take medication. If self-control is not sufficient to manage your ADT symptoms, your doctor may recommend medication. There are a variety of medications available that can help improve your symptoms.
- Get involved in therapy. If medication does not help, therapy may be a good option. Therapy can help you learn ways to manage your symptoms and improve your overall quality of life.
- Get involved in a support group. ADT support groups can be a great way to connect with others who share your symptoms and experiences. Counselors can offer you resources and advice.
- Get involved in community activities. ADT can be a difficult condition to live with, but it's also an opportunity to get involved in community activities. By participating in community events and activities, you can make friends and build support networks.
- Take care of your physical health. In order to manage your ADT symptoms, you need to take care of your physical health. This means exercising, following a healthy diet, and ensuring that you get enough sleep.
- Take care of your mental health. You will also need to take care of your mental health. This means avoiding stress, staying positive, and getting enough sleep.
- Seek out support groups in offices. A support group can be a positive distraction in a busy office. If someone is identified with ADT, its best to find the help center in an office to become part of a support group. This can help reduce stress and offer a practical way to deal with ADT by following the examples of colleagues who have found a way to reduce their symptoms of ADT.
- Seek out support groups for adults with ADT outside the office. Most adults will face many of the same challenges as you in their respective offices. If you're struggling with ADT, finding a support group can be a great way to feel supported and learn from others.
