I think the case for most ppl who are classified as ADD is this: When they like something they can focus -- If they don't like something then they lose interest and are given the ADD label. Of course there are extreme cases where people really have ADD but my guess is that this is a very small % of the population.
Some of us belong to this small percentage who have real ADD/ADHD. http://www.helpguide.org/mental/adhd_add_adult_symptoms.htm It is still a challenge for me to follow instructions in aerobics class due to ADHD. Actually, I probably focus better as a trader than in other more mundane tasks.
Hippie, you've got to read (the first 96 pages of) this book: <img src=http://www.elitetrader.com/vb/attachment.php?s=&postid=3022591> You'll understand yourself so much better once you do, I promise!
I second this. Having a personality that borders to OCD, ADD/ADHD and Asperger's, trading is one of the few endeavours in which I can utilize my mind's full potential. My is interest seems to be fading however, which it usually does once a new challenge is "mastered". Now I usually just trade the open, but as I trade the ES and CL you can add size and make a decent living with little screen time. I would also recommend you look into neuroplasticity. Both the mind and the brain can be changed, and it seems to me that far too many just accept and adapt to a diagnosis. Break free! Dr. Jeffrey Schwartz wrote an interesting book on self-directed neuroplasticity. http://www.amazon.com/Mind-Brain-Ne...=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1291222071&sr=1-2
Thanks. I'll check it out. Due to ADHD, I actually cannot sim realistically. I lost focus and sim poorly. I do much better trading the micro futures live as a way to learn.
Cutten, before I get that book I have to ask: Is this a strong or a weak recommendation on your part? Did you personally find that book to be highly beneficial? If your answer is yes, I will read it.
+1 THis is the key for me. People with ADD/ADHD have the tendency to be able to excel at things they find an interest in. Almost in an obsessive way. Especially if you are the type of trader who multitasks.. I worked as a market maker and excelled at it. I had to manage order flow for an entire list of NASDAQ stocks simultaneously, while dealing with 10 other things. I think in cases like this, being "scatterbrained" but being able to focus on the right things, ADD can be a benefit. I have noticed an obstacle that I do have is that I have a tendency to not complete a task (for example, develop a strategy I set out to do) b/c I will jump to something else.. In this instance, the ADD is a detriment. But I think awareness of your tendencies can combat most of this..