Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurobehavioral, or psychiatric, disorder that commonly appears in childhood and often persists into adulthood. ADHD is characterized by chronic inattention and/or impulsive hyperactivity severe enough to interfere with daily functioning. While professionals began to use the term “attention deficit disorder” to describe these characteristics in the 1970s, the causes of the disorder are still unknown. It is estimated that as many as half of those with ADHD have other mental disorders, making it more difficult to diagnose and presenting more challenges for those affected.1 2
The best estimate of ADHD prevalence among adults is from a 2001–2003 study which found that 3.2 percent of women and 5.4 percent of men had ADHD.3 Symptoms of ADHD in adulthood can include distractibility, disorganization, forgetfulness, procrastination, chronic boredom, chronic lateness, and employment problems.4 Anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, mood swings, and restlessness are other symptoms that may easily mask ADHD, making it more likely that affected individuals will be diagnosed with depression. Many women with ADHD may also feel disorganized, overwhelmed, ashamed, inadequate, and out of control.5
Adults with ADHD may face particular problems in the workplace, finding time management, problem solving, and environmental distractions extremely challenging. An estimated 35 days of work are lost annually among adults with ADHD due to their condition.6
While there is no cure for ADHD, diagnosing the disorder in adults has many benefits. Interventions and treatment can improve work performance and skills and educational achievement, as well as self-esteem. Treatments may include patient and family education, educational or employment accommodations, medication, and counseling. While medications are often used to help individuals manage their symptoms, those with resulting social problems may choose to work with a therapist or coach to set goals to learn and apply new social skills. In addition, some adults with ADHD may choose to work with a career counselor to address workplace issues that arise as a result of their condition.
Common Adulthood Symptoms of ADHD
- Poor attention; excessive distractibility
- Physical restlessness or hyperactivity
- Excessive forgetfulness
- Excessive impulsivity; saying or doing things without thinking
- Excessive and chronic procrastination
- Difficulty getting started on tasks
- Frequently losing things
- Poor organization, planning, and time management skills
Source: Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, National Resource Center on AD/HD. Living with AD/HD: A lifespan disorder [online]. http://www.help4adhd.org/en/living/workplace, accessed 02/25/08.
1 U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Attention- Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder [online]. September 20, 2005. http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/what.htm, accessed 02/25/08.↑
2 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women’s Health. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder [online]. May 2007. http://www.4woman.gov/mh/conditions/adhd.cfm?style=large, accessed 02/25/08.↑
3 Kessler RC, Adler L, Ames M, Barkley RA, Birnbaum H, Greenberg P, Johnston JA, Spencer T, Ustun TB. The Prevalence and Effects of Adult Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder on Work Performance in a Nationally Representative Sample of Workers. Journal of Occupational & Environmental Medicine. 2005; 47(6): 565-572.↑
4 Mental Health America. Factsheet: AD/HD and Adults [online]. Jan 9, 2007. http://mentalhealthamerica.net/go/information/get-info/ad/hd/ad/hd-and-adults, accessed 02/25/08.↑
5 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women’s Health. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder [online]. May 2007. http://www.4woman.gov/mh/conditions/adhd.cfm?style=large, accessed 02/25/08.↑
6 Kessler RC, Adler L, Ames M, Barkley RA, Birnbaum H, Greenberg P, Johnston JA, Spencer T, Ustun TB. The Prevalence and Effects of Adult Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder on Work Performance in a Nationally Representative Sample of Workers. Journal of Occupational & Environmental Medicine. 2005; 47(6): 565-572.↑
