A confession

In the course of wearing my Occupational Therapy hat the other day I had to review the official diagnostic manual's definition of hyperactive. I recognised someone as I read the following (and it wasn't my client):

1. Often fidgets with hands or squirms in seat;
2. Is often "on the go" or often acts as if "driven by a motor";
3. Often blurts out answers before questions have been completed;
4. Often interrupts or intrudes on others (eg butts into conversations or games)
5. Often talks excessively; 
6. Often has difficulty awaiting turn;
7. Often has difficult playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly;
8. Often runs about or climbs excessively in which it is inappropriate (in adolescents and adults, may be limited to subjective feelings of restlessness);
9. Often leaves seat in classroom or in other situations in which remaining seated is expected.

I could argue that most of these are present in me at some time or other. I'm better at concealing it than I used to be! I've particularly noticing 3 and 4 recently, and annoyed at myself when I don't notice until too late! Number 5 comes out when I've not had enough people time. Number 9 is probably the least of my concerns, I'm pretty socially competent these days, but definitely have feelings of restlessness, especially when I'm uncomfortable.

Number 6 is interesting - I hate waiting. I'm always aiming to be exactly on time or just a minute or two late (except for trains and planes) so that I don't have to wait. I'm always bringing stuff with me to do or read if I anticipate I'll have to sit and wait. I hate sitting in the park or playground while the kids play. Dreadful confession, I know!

Good thing I was born in the 70s, a decade or two later and I'd probably have been on some kind of drug!