Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, can follow someone into adulthood. An adult with ADHD may display symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity-impulsivity or both, but most adults tend to be more inattentive than anything else. A diagnosis of ADHD in an adult requires that traces of the symptoms go back to before to the age of seven.
Basics
Many adults are unaware that they have the disorder ADHD, but they generally have a history of problems at school and work. According to MayoClinic.com, one and three adults experience a reduction of ADHD symptoms as they get older, and one in three continue to have significant symptoms.
Symptoms
According to MayoClinic.com, adults with ADHD may display the following symptoms: trouble focusing or concentrating, restlessness, impulsivity, difficulty completing tasks, inability to organize, frequent mood swings, temper, inability to cope with stress and instability in relationships.
Significance
HelpGuide.org suggests that the symptoms of inattention can lead to organizational problems, problems at work and conflicts at home. Adults with ADHD may experience problems with time management. Most times, they believe that something will only take a certain amount of time when it generally takes much longer. Also, they may find themselves misplacing important items because of their inability to organize clutter and important paperwork. These people might experience problems at work due to the distractions and their inability to maintain focus for any length of time.
Solutions
While the symptoms of ADHD will never go away, individuals can make changes to their lifestyle to increase their ability to cope with the disorder. MayoClinic.com suggests making a list of tasks at the beginning of each day that can be easily accomplished within the day. Tasks can be noted on sticky pads and left in places they will come across throughout the day, such as the back door, the refrigerator or the bathroom mirror. Another suggestion is to have a notebook to write down things in the moment that need to be remembered. Other tips include sticking to a routine, asking others for help, programming appointments into a digital calendar so that automatic reminders will pop up close to the appointment time. It is also useful to set up and maintain a filing system, making sure to regularly purge it to get rid of unnecessary items.
Considerations
The symptoms of ADHD can take a significant toll on relationships. According to MayoClinic.com, missed appointments, unaccomplished goals, decision making that is often irrational or impulsive and angry outbursts may make it hard for those close to the person with ADHD to continue to maintain the relationship. Therefore it may be important to take steps to deal directly with the symptoms that negatively impact close relationships. Therapy can help adults with ADHD increase their communication skills, improve their conflict resolution, improve their problem solving and encourage taking responsibility for the way ADHD impacts their life.
