Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is characterized by multiple impairments in social and occupational functioning. Impairments must be present in at least two settings such as home, school or work in order for a diagnosis to be made. ADHD is typically diagnosed in young children during their first few years of school. Symptoms continue through adolescence and may remain in adulthood. ADHDNews.com reports that ADHD affects 30 to 50 percent of adults who were diagnosed the disorder as children.
Performance
Learning is impaired in individuals with ADHD due to difficulty sustaining attention. Their lack of focus leads to careless errors in their work. They also fail to see tasks through to their completion due to difficulty staying motivated. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, individuals with ADHD have lower intelligence quotients (IQs) and get less schooling than their peers. They generally do not put a high importance on academic achievement.
Relationships
Conversations often go off topic with individuals with ADHD. They are easily distracted and have difficulty organizing their thoughts. Also, their minds tend to wander from one topic to the next. As a result, interacting with someone with ADHD can be frustrating. Their constant changing of topics may be construed as disinterest, or a disregard for the feelings of the person with whom they are speaking. They may also talk excessively preventing someone else from getting a word in. Making and keeping plans with others is also challenging for people with ADHD. They often arrive late or cancel plans on short notice.
Behavior
The impulsively and hyperactivity components of ADHD result in erratic behavior. Actions are generally not preceded by much thought and staying still seems almost impossible at times. Organization and concentration are often poor, increasing the likelihood of misplacing or forgetting things such as keys, appointments or deadlines. People with ADHD tend to become bored easily and desire constant stimulation. As such, they have difficulty working in a structured work environment with set hours.
Impatience
Patience is not a virtue possessed by many with ADHD. Waiting one's turn, sitting quietly, or listening to others are rather challenging to individuals with the disorder. ADHD makes people prone to fidgeting and interrupting others. It also increases reckless behavior in individuals because consequences are often not considered before taking action. Impulsive acts such as spending, gambling or substance abuse use may result.
Emotional
Dr. Jeffrey Bernstein identified fear of rejection, failure, and criticism as three emotional difficulties experienced by individuals with ADHD. People with ADHD often report low self-esteem or have high levels of insecurity. They become easily stressed by multiple responsibilities and tend to be overly sensitive to criticism. Their emotional struggles stem from the frustration they experience when they attempt to meet their own expectations, as well as those of others.
