Attention deficit disorder (ADD) is recognized as a mental health disorder that affects children, adolescents and adults. Research indicates that between 30 percent to 70 percent of children with ADD continue into their adult years with the disorder. The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that 4.1 percent of U.S. adults between the ages of 18 and 44 are affected by ADD. Moreover, some suffer ADD symptoms for years before finally being diagnosed.
Inattention Symptoms
Individuals with ADD experience difficulty with concentration and organization in daily life. Tasks that require focus are difficult because ADD adults get distracted easily. Those afflicted likely experience the following: inability to pay attention to details (or instructions) and frequently leaving duties or activities incomplete. Another sign is not paying attention when spoken to because of the effort needed to follow the conversation. Daily tasks that require organization are a problem, too. Symptoms include difficulty in organizational tasks (clutter as opposed to neatness), being unable to organize tasks or actions as part the day, avoidance of tasks that require sustained concentration and frequent forgetfulness.
Hyperactivity Symptoms
Adults with ADD do not always experience obvious hyperactivity. Instead, these individuals might have a history of being accident-prone or disorganized in movement. Hyperactivity can manifest as restlessness with problems in relaxing, sleeping or participating in leisure activities, fidgety behavior such as constant hand or feet movements, or the inability to remain seated (without squirming) at times when it is expected. Also, in addition to frequently appearing busy or on the go, there is also hyperactive or excessive speech.
Mood & Impulsivity
Adults with ADD have difficulty with self-regulation or self-control that is displayed in impulsive, intrusive and thoughtless patterns of behavior in daily life. Impulsiveness can lead to major social problems for an ADD adult in a variety of situations. For example, intruding or interrupting when another is speaking or hastily taking action without first considering consequences are two symptoms. Lastly, signs of mood instability might manifest itself as depression or anxiety, and also, problems with controlling anger. With both words and deeds, adults with ADD can face many challenges to living a normal life.
References
- National Institute for Mental Health
- National Resource Center on ADHD
- Birnbaum--Costs of Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in the US; HG Birnbaum; 2005
