Attention deficit disorder (ADD) is a lifespan disorder that affects children and adults in all races and cultures. Researcher R. Kessler , PhD, and colleagues report that approximately 60 percent (if not more) of childhood cases persist into the adult years; consequently, ADD affects around 4 percent of adults annually. Categories of behaviors in adults are consistent with behaviors in children, specifically, inattentiveness, impulsivity and hyperactivity. However, the manifestations of these behaviors differ; for example, hyperactivity in children typically involves physical movement (squirming); yet, hyperactivity in ADD adults may manifest as feelings of agitation or restlessness instead of physical activity.
Inattentiveness
Individuals with ADD experience difficulty with concentration and organization in daily life. Tasks that require focus are problematic because ADD adults get distracted easily. Consequently, those afflicted may experience the following: inability to pay attention to details (or instructions) which results in unnecessary errors; frequently leaving duties or activities incomplete, such as not finishing chores or obligations or completing duties at work. Another characteristic is that of not listening (paying attention) when being spoken to by someone because of the effort needed in following the conversation. Daily organization, also, is a problem with symptoms that may include: difficulty in organizational tasks (clutter as opposed to neatness) or in organizing tasks or actions as part the day; avoidance of tasks that necessitate sustained concentration (homework or assignments); and, frequent forgetfulness as well as loss of important items or information.
Impulsivity
Adults with ADD have difficulty with self-regulation that is displayed in impulsive and thoughtless patterns of behavior. Impulsivity 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. Such scenarios occur because of turn-taking inability (waiting one's turn) and impatience, which are needed in social interactions.
Hyperactivity
Adults with ADD do not always experience obvious hyperactivity. Instead, these individuals may 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) in certain contexts where it is expected. Also, in addition to frequently appearing busy or on the go, there also is the sign of hyperactive or excessive speech; not only in quantity, but also, in quality with a patter of talking that not only is rapid, but simply too fast.
Mood
Signs of mood instability are common in individuals with ADD and may present, for example, as depression or anxiety. Also, lack of ability to self-regulate strong emotions, such as controlling anger or rage, is common, which can create problems for adults in the areas of personal relationships and the workplace (see the Adult Self-Rating Scale in Resources to assess behaviors).
References
- Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Organization: For Adults with ADHD
- Everyday Health Information: ADHD in Adults
- The Prevalence and Correlates of Adult ADHD in the United States: Results from the National Comorbidity Survey Replication; American Journal of Psychiatry; Kessler, R. and colleagues; 2006
