What could men like Albert Einstein, Winston Churchill, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Charles Schwab possibly have understood about Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)? All of these men became prominent figures in history. Scientist, statesman, author and economist; each excelled in a different field, yet all shared a common challenge. All four men suffered with symptoms of Adult Attention Deficit Disorder. If they were able to rise above the challenge of living with a mental health disorder like ADD, then so can you.

Attention Deficit Disorder is the most common mental health issue in this country and yet fifty percent of all children with ADD go undiagnosed. Many enter adulthood believing that they are stupid or slow. Some experience failure in careers and interpersonal relationships without understanding why. Others move from job to job, because of a lack of organizational skills and the inability to complete tasks. Loved ones describe them as "fun-loving, well-intentioned, individuals who live in a world of craziness;" a world that is characterized by half-finished projects, poor decisions made impulsively, and the inability to listen to others.

If you are an adult with symptoms like these you may be suffering from one of the most common mental health issues and not realize it. Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder report many of the following symptoms:

1. Difficulty getting started on new tasks. At times this may feel like a lack of motivation or other time you may feel excited and full of ideas but can't seem to take the next step towards action.  You become overwhelmed and confused.

2. Frequent job changes due to poor performance or boredom. You have difficulty being keep attention on the day-to-day tasks and lack the focus in defining and achieving long-term goals.

3. A history of failed relationships. There are many factors that might have contributed to your past relationships but one over- arching theme is your inability to be clear on what you really want in a partnership and other relationships.

4. Intermittent feelings of frustration and anxiety about daily performance. You feel burdened and suffer from your lack of follow through. Your intentions are good but your actions don't seem to support them.

5. Problems with attention to details. You're a big picture thinker, which is great. However, the details of events, people, situations, work items, etc. gets lost and forgotten.

6. A history of missed appointments and forgotten obligations. Your ability to keep your word, appointments and obligations are compromised because you're pre-occupied elsewhere.

The symptoms of ADD can be lessened with the right treatment for your situation. Online resources exist in abundance to help you learn to manage your life without letting your symptoms overwhelm you. The National Institute of Mental Health ( http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd/index.shtml) offers a wealth of information about the symptoms, assessment, and treatment of ADD. You can find websites that suggest alternative treatment strategies utilizing nutritional supplements and homeopathic remedies, talk therapy rather than mainstream pharmaceuticals. Just remember that self-assessment is not a substitute for a proper evaluation by a mental health care provider.

Psychiatrists, Licensed Professional Counselors, Licensed Clinical Social Workers, and Family Physicians all assess and treat individuals with ADD. The recommended course of treatment usually involves a combination of medication and/or nutritional supplements and psychotherapy. Adults who have struggled for years to compensate for the challenges of Attention Deficit Disorder frequently need help with stress management, time management strategies, and organizational skills. Healthy Psychology Center site is a good place to start to seek anonymous and private phone advice from counselors and therapist.

Perhaps the most important thing to remember is that you are your strongest advocate. Only you can make the decision to get help. Use the resources that are as close as the click of your mouse or phone call away to educate you and help you find licensed professionals who can help you treat Attention Deficit Disorder.

Who knows? Your name may one day be right up there alongside the names of Churchill and Fitzgerald because of something truly amazing that you have accomplished.