If you have been trading for several years and you feel as though you have become your own worst enemy, this may the the most important section of this website for you.
The following information on Trading Psychology is the life work and passion of Dr. Kenneth Reid. Kenneth is a practicing psychotherapist, trading coach and trader. He also works as a Senior Analyst and Editor for three national stock market newsletters with thousands of subscribers. He has appeared on CNBC and written for Forbes.com and SmartMoney.com.
This page describes Adult ADD, the symptoms of which are common among aspiring traders and are made much worse by Aversive Conditioning & Random Rewards. Follow the links to read about the other causes.
If you have been trading for several years and you feel as though you have become your own worst enemy, this may the the most important section of this website for you.
THE DISORGANIZED BRAIN
Successful trading requires the ability to execute your Trading Plan in a methodical manner. Pilots are among the best traders because they respect rules and don’t make procedural errors. Neither do they make up new rules or destinations on the fly.
If you have difficulty formulating or consistently following your own trading rules, even when you want to, you may have the symptoms of a condition known as Adult ADD. Adult ADD limits the ability of an individual to organize, plan and execute those plans, particularly when under stress. In this state, we become our own worst enemy.
ADD looks different in adults than it does in children and runs on a continuum from mild to severe, so you can have it and not know it. (I did.)
There are now a number of “natural” approaches that address the symptoms of Adult ADD without recourse to prescription drugs. I specialize in helping traders optimize their own mental functioning to compete successfully. That said, if you think you have Adult ADD, I strongly recommend you consult with a medical professional before engaging in self-treatment and I provide referrals for my clients
The Risk Profile on this website is similar to an Adult ADD self-test, so if you want to know more about this condition, please be sure to request the profile. It is free.
Your brain also needs certain raw materials in order for you to think clearly and sustain emotional stability under the stress of trading. The symptoms of Adult ADD typically get worse after the age of 40. I have developed special trader supplements, designed to enhance cognitive function while trading. I take them every morning and I personally would not trade without them.
BOTTOMLINE: To trade successfully, you need to reduce the symptoms of Adult ADD to minimal levels. My FREE Risk Profile is one way to evaluate yourself. My coaching program is focused on helping traders reduce their own symptoms of Adult ADD using various natural, non-drug methods.