I think you'll find the answers in her early life experiences, not something from the DSM.
Oh I love looking at Xena's past, but her versions of the past constantly reflect her proneness towards the unreliable narrator. The DSM can be more like a dictionary or codex of mental schematic probability, a labeling system for patterns in the name of streamlining where, even if it doesn't fit their model 100% (something they don't expect it to do), it still yields even more clues towards their mind's map. Even with some variation or co-morbidity variance it still saves time, and I think finding out what language her brain is speaking would give so much subtext to all that she's typed over the years. Meeting her would make it that much easier to see what to go with from being able to see her physical responses towards it, the tone she'd take, the timing she'd follow.
She's all over the place, and while some of the things are arguably measurable this far along, her cipher isn't completely decoded. The DSM was a helpful tool for understanding myself as well, as so many behaviors prior didn't have an explanation, making them harder to understand, harder to relate to any current thing that already exists. In a weird way, too, being able to explain it with that sort of terminology helped when it came to getting others to understand me as well, as without that it'd be like trying to explain what an orange is without knowing what fruit and colors are.
Turncoat stated: source post
She's all over the place.
I pretty much skimmed this though I saw this quote. I mean she did mention having ADD. I know ADD is different from ADHD (MY DIAGNOSIS). Mayo clinic source...
Adult ADHD symptoms may include:
- Impulsiveness
- Disorganization and problems prioritizing
- Poor time management skills
- Problems focusing on a task
- Trouble multitasking
- Excessive activity or restlessness
- Poor planning
- Low frustration tolerance
- Frequent mood swings
- Problems following through and completing tasks
- Hot temper
- Trouble coping with stress
A government source...
1. Inattention
- Often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, at work, or with other activities.
- Often has trouble holding attention on tasks or play activities.
- Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly.
- Often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (e.g., loses focus, side-tracked).
- Often has trouble organizing tasks and activities.
- Often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to do tasks that require mental effort over a long period of time (such as schoolwork or homework).
- Often loses things necessary for tasks and activities (e.g. school materials, pencils, books, tools, wallets, keys, paperwork, eyeglasses, mobile telephones).
- Is often easily distracted
- Is often forgetful in daily activities.
2. Hyperactivity and Impulsivity
- Often fidgets with or taps hands or feet, or squirms in seat.
- Often leaves seat in situations when remaining seated is expected.
- Often runs about or climbs in situations where it is not appropriate (adolescents or adults may be limited to feeling restless).
- Often unable to play or take part in leisure activities quietly.
- Is often "on the go" acting as if "driven by a motor".
- Often talks excessively.
- Often blurts out an answer before a question has been completed.
- Often has trouble waiting his/her turn.
- Often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into conversations or games)
She's claimed ADD, but doctors throw ADD around like it's cotton candy at the carnival. There's a large range of disorders that, from enough questions being answered without full lucidity or with any predispositions on the doctor's part, can have both that and labels like bipolar slapped on in lieu of further exploration.
This seems a little further along than ADD to me, but that could just be based on those with the label that I've met.