ADD, or attention deficit disorder (also referred to as ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), is a condition characterized by the inability to pay attention, low levels of concentration and difficulty controlling behavior. People with ADD usually show signs of hyperactivity as well. Although many children diagnosed with ADD continue to show symptoms as adults, the condition often is not diagnosed until the patient reaches adulthood, reports the National Institute of Health.
Difficulty With Daily Tasks
People with ADD often develop difficulty performing daily tasks, such as waking up on time in the morning and arriving on time for work and other appointments. They may be thought of as irresponsible and undependable. Adults with ADD have trouble sticking with one job, often quitting for no reason and job-hopping. They have difficulty becoming organized and often forget important appointments. Their work space is usually disheveled and messy.
Pattern of Failure
The NIH reports that in order for adults to be diagnosed with ADD, they must show a history of failure since childhood. Most adults with ADD have had difficulty paying attention in school, resulting in failure and low grades. They leave behind a string of failed relationships and may have a series of traffic accidents on their records. Interviews with coworkers, friends and family reveal a history of trying to do too many things at once and not finishing projects.
Risky Behavior
Teens and adults with ADD seem to get into more accidents than the average person because of their tendency toward risky behavior, such as speeding and racing. The NIH reports that adults with ADD usually garner up to three times as many speeding tickets as their peers and are involved in up to four times as many accidents. Adults with ADD have difficulty thinking through decisions and instead make impulsive decisions that lead to negative consequences.
Hyperactivity
Researchers at Helpguide (a nonprofit informational site) say that although hyperactivity is easily recognized in children who may run around uncontrollably and are difficult to restrain, it shows up in adults in more subtle ways. Adults with ADD are easily bored and become irritated when they lose interest in a conversation, a job or any other situation. They act impulsively on those feelings and tend toward antisocial behavior when they're disinterested in an activity. They often have trouble sitting still and seem to be full of energy. Adults with ADD often talk incessantly and can't concentrate on what others are saying.
