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What really happened. Maureen saw a few small things around the house that she needed to get done, which delayed her getting out the door for 45 minutes.

Grabbing her cell for a quick call, she accidentally drove through a red light, got pulled over and was issued a ticket (dammit, the 3rd one this year; her husband would be furious).

At the gym, she remembered that she needed to hit the grocery for dinner items, but couldn't find her list.

On her way out the gym's door, Maureen's daughter called to remind her to pick her up by 5, and not to be late again. It was 4:15 but she just needed a few things at the store; it would only take 10 minutes.

For some reason traffic was moving more slowly than usual. At 5:45 it was a quick swing through the drug store for some forgotten items.

Dinner was ready at 7 and served on paper plates (the dishes were still in the dishwasher).

At 11:00 the kids were still struggling with their homework, no where near ready for bed. Maureen's husband was yelling that he needed clean shirts for his trip tomorrow, and had she forgotten them, again?

Sadly, Maureen was left wondering where she went wrong, why couldn't she manage her life better? Those old feelings of depression and anxiety continue to follow her around like lost puppies nipping at her heels.

Maureen was convinced that today would be the day that she would really get her life under control. No more lost car keys or cell phone. No more feeling that she was one step away from disaster. Dinner would be on the table at 6, the kids would have their homework done by 9, and everyone would be in bed by 10. First though, she had to run a couple of errands, get in an hour at her fitness class, and pick up her husband's shirts. It was 2:00. If she left now she would have plenty of time. Shouldn't take long, right?

Doesn't everyone have a little ADD? As an AD/HD Coach, I frequently hear that idea. It’s true, we all have those moments of forgetfulness, overwhelm, frustration and feeling somewhat stupid. But that’s the real difference between someone with and without AD/HD Moments.

For someone like Maureen, she may wake up committed to making her day go the way it “should.” But without a treatment plan* that includes education, structure, guidance, strategies and coping skills, it’s likely that tomorrow will look the same as the day before: scattered, disorganized, out-of sync, overwhelming, full of anxiety and depressing.

Until more recently, AD/HD in girls and women was significantly under-diagnosed versus males. The rambunctious and hyperactive action of boys was easier to identify and harder to control than the dreamy, quiet and compliant good girls. These girls were more in line with societal expectations; not as much was expected of them so it really didn’t matter that they struggled in school, were undereducated and underemployed.

But as women started to buy into the “having it all” lifestyle, believing "everyone is equal," expectations changed and the gap between those that could and those that tried, widened greatly.

While it may look like depression, that may not be the complete picture. They are missing out on two counts: the opportunity to reduce their depression, AND live a more satisfying and productive life.

Doesn't everyone have a little ADD?

AD/HD isn’t a moment, it is everyday, all the time.

Until more recently, AD/HD in girls and women was significantly under-diagnosed.

Depression floated to the top as a leading cause of the many complaints voiced by women who felt that they weren’t living the life that they wanted and should have.

Treating depression alone can leave many women with undiagnosed AD/HD.

For many women their AD/HD isn't diagnosed until they bring their child for treatment.

AD/HD symptoms women report are:

A lot of “static on the line” or “cotton in my brain”; that it’s hard to focus and concentrate consistently;

Rush around but get nothing done/is constantly late;

Have great intentions, but have a hard time getting started, and/or get sidetracked;

Put off doing the things off until the last minute, if at all;

Clutter and disorganization seem to reign;

Fret or worry alot;

Can't make decisions, or act impulsively;

Yell at the kids a lot;

Marriage/relationship is shaky;

Feel overwhelmed;

Forget to do stuff unless it’s on a list, and forget where the list is;

Say yes to everything, but accomplish very little;

Make the same mistakes over and over;

Talk a mile-a-minute; have random comments, interrupt frequently;

Remember a lot of criticism as a child such as: “try harder”; “get your act together”, “earth to (your name)”

And still feel inadequate and dumb;

Struggle to make decisions; , with regret later;

Need to self-medicate the pain with alcohol, cigarettes, illegal drugs, shopping, gambling, etc.

If you identify with even some of the these issues, and they're getting in the way of your ability to realize a life of fulfillment, happiness and success, don't hesitate to get help.