Mental Health: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Adults

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD) is one of the most well-recognized childhood developmental problems. This condition is characterized by inattention, hyperactivity and impulsiveness. It is now known that these symptoms continue as problems into adulthood for about 60% of children with ADHD. That translates into 4% of the U.S. adult population, or 8 million adults have ADHD. However, few adults are identified or treated for ADHD.

ADHD in Adults

Adults with ADHD may have difficulty following directions, remembering information, concentrating, organizing tasks or completing work within time limits. If these difficulties are not managed appropriately, they can cause associated behavioral, emotional, social, vocational and academic problems.

Common Behaviors and Problems of Adult ADHD

The following behaviors and problems may stem directly from ADHD or may be the result of related adjustment difficulties:

• Chronic lateness and forgetfulness
• Anxiety
• Low self-esteem
• Employment problems
• Difficulty controlling anger
• Impulsiveness
• Substance abuse or addiction
• Poor organization skills
• Procrastination
• Low frustration tolerance
• Chronic boredom
• Difficulty concentrating when reading
• Mood swings
• Depression
• Relationship problems

These behaviors may be mild to severe and can vary with the situation or be present all of the time. Some adults with ADHD may be able to concentrate if they are interested in or excited about what they are doing. Others may have difficulty focusing under any circumstances. Some adults look for stimulation, but others avoid it. In addition, adults with ADHD can be withdrawn and antisocial, or they can be overly social and unable to be alone.

School-Related Impairments Linked to Adult ADHD

Adults with ADHD may have:

• Had a history of poorer educational performance and were underachievers
• Had more frequent school disciplinary actions
• Had to repeat a grade
• Dropped out of school more often

Work-Related Impairments Linked to Adult ADHD

Adults with ADHD are more likely to:

• Change employers frequently and perform poorly
• Have had fewer occupational achievements, independent of psychiatric status

Social-Related Impairments Linked to Adult ADHD

Adults with ADHD are more likely to:

• Have a lower socioeconomic status
• Have driving violations such as: be cited for speeding; have their licenses suspended; be involved in more crashes; rate themselves and others as using poorer driving habits.
• Use illegal substances more frequently
• Smoke cigarettes
• Self-report psychological maladjustment more often

Relationship-Related Impairments Linked to Adult ADHD

Adults with ADHD are more likely to:

• Have more marital problems and multiple marriages
• Have higher incidence of separation and divorce

  Much of this functional impairment diminishes with remission of the disorder and can be mitigated by appropriate treatment.