Approximately 8 to 9 million adults have ADHD, according to the Attention Deficit Disorder Association, or ADDA. While the condition is often seen in childhood, ADHD persists throughout a person's life and can cause problems in adulthood. Diagnosing ADHD is often difficult because other psychiatric illnesses, such as depression, have similar symptoms. In addition, the American Academy of Family Physicians, or AAFP, notes that ADHD has historically been considered a childhood condition, which may cause people to be skeptical about seeking a diagnosis in adulthood.
Restlessness
One of the most prominent effects of childhood ADHD is hyperactivity. This is where the condition varies from child to adult, as hyperactivity is less overt in adults. Instead, adults experience difficulty relaxing and a chronic feeling of irritability or restlessness.
Disorganization
Adults with ADHD are prone to disorganization, due to a lack of concentration. They often misplace items and make careless mistakes. It may be difficult to keep appointments, honor social commitments and meet deadlines. In addition, adults with ADHD are prone to procrastination, have trouble prioritizing responsibilities and may become distracted by minor details rather than completing important tasks. These issues may cause conflicts at work and home. The National Resource Center on ADHD notes that the presence of significant impairment in multiple settings is central to diagnosis.
Impulsiveness
Adults with ADHD often behave impulsively, making decisions without evaluating the possible consequences. According to the National Resource Center on ADHD, the severity of impulsiveness and other ADHD effects varies from person to person. A host of complications can arise from impulsiveness, which can affect various areas of an adult's life. Adults with severe effects are likely to behave impulsively on the road, engaging in reckless driving. Other troublesome areas include finances, which are affected by impulsive spending. In addition, some adults have difficulty maintaining relationships, due to a lack of etiquette in social situations. Behaviors like blurting out inappropriate comments, or making untimely remarks, can offend others. Spontaneous anger, frustration and outbursts may lead to a high turnover of both relationships and jobs, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
