I'm apparently ADHD - done the tests, had second, third and fourth opinions. Hate the meds and quit taking them some time ago - they make me more focused but play merry hell with my emotions.
I told my doc that my main issue is that I'm a dickhead and he said there's no cure for that ... cool
Being ADHD doesn't mean you have to take meds. I much prefer coffee, nicotine and pot, but of course I can't recommend that as "treatment" haha ... but seriously, cognitive strategies, good food and lots of exercise and simply accepting that you ain't normal (and convincing others that it's okay not to be normal) are also good coping strategies. I also advise, avoiding any work that even smells like it's administrative or clerical - I can't organise stuff to save my life.
Agree with Flamboy ... "musicians need to have a keen sense of attention, to play music, especially drummers who have to stay on tempo".
ADDers actually can pay
great attention when they're engaged, to the point of hyperfocus but if we ain't turned on, despite the best of intentions (really, we're trying!) we simply zone out. The problem is being able to regulate and control your attention. So, when playing, if I'm on I'm
really on, and when I'm off you'd do better bringing in a kid who's been playing for three weeks.
Biggest issues for me are practice pads and playing non-exciting parts in songs that don't turn me on. Of course, they're a bummer for almost everyone but it's a matter of degree.
The disorder is caused by an inability to produce dopamine in normal amounts, which ultimately comes down to "ah cain't get no satisfac-shun" ... "and ah I and ah try and ah try" ... and then people start hinting that I'm being a dickhead
Can't say for sure if music attracts ADDers or not but the scene is absolutely chock full of flaky loonies, isn't it? Definitely seen some sociopathy in the scene (great for not being nervous, I'd imagine). Also narcissistic personality disorder. The self obsession at times is legendary. Lots of anxious, depressive screwballs as well.
A lot of us are pretty emotional types so maybe we're naturally attracted something as wonderfully expressive as music??