An estimated 8 million adults suffer from attention deficit disorder (ADD), according to ADD Help Site. One of the myths surrounding ADD is that if a child is diagnosed early, he can grow out of it by adulthood. This, however, is not the case. The difference is, many adults suffering from this condition are not aware they have it because they have not been diagnosed. This can be easily changed, though; it simply requires recognition of the symptoms to seek much-needed treatment.
Hyperactivity
ADD in children is broken down into three categories: hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention. While these three categories are also used to characterize ADD in adults, the symptoms vary slightly, beginning with hyperactivity.
This symptom in children usually results in a child who cannot sit still or who runs from one spot to another non-stop. Adults experience hyperactivity a bit differently, according to HelpGuide. While adults may be full of energy, it typically results in restlessness and an inability to relax. They may become easily bored, which leads to irritation and mood swings. For some, the need to talk without stopping is another way hyperactivity affects them.
Impulsivity
Adults with attention deficit disorder will also experience moments of impulsivity--times when they act without thinking. This can affect their ability to make quick decisions, listen to others' opinions or instructions or follow along during a conversation. In some ways, these symptoms mirror the symptoms children experience, as adults will often interrupt conversations or speak without thinking or using tact.
Depending on each individual's situation, acts of impulsivity can affect nearly every aspect of life, including health, work and personal life. Making poor decisions can lead to drug or alcohol abuse, while problems concentrating or following instructions can result in a loss of their job. Speaking without tact can cause hurt feelings toward the people in their lives and destroy relationships over time.
Inattention
Inattention for adults does not vary much from inattention in children, but the risk of loss is greater. Adults typically display an inability to concentrate and focus on certain tasks, although the degree of difficulty may vary from one person to another. Some may begin multiple tasks at once, never completing any of them, while others find it difficult to complete one task. Distractions are another problem, and in many cases, will cause adults to drift off and daydream.
Also in this category is the inability to become organized, whether it be at home or work. Not only is their space a mess, but they usually procrastinate, making things difficult to complete.
Inattention has the greatest effect on work and personal relationships, according to HelpGuide. Not only does it make it more difficult to complete tasks on time in the work place, but it also causes upheaval with finances, as bills are lost and forgotten about. If a loved one encourages the need for cleaning and organizing, this may upset the adult with ADD, resulting in quarrels.
