Living with ADHD as an Adult

ADHD is not just a childhood disorder. It is estimated that between 30 and 70 percent of children with ADHD continue to exhibit symptoms into adulthood. Often times, the hyperactive behaviors common with children decrease with age, but symptoms of restlessness, distractibility, and inattention continue.

Many adults who were never diagnosed as a child, struggle to understand why they cannot organize themselves and keep on task with careers. They have difficulty keeping appointments and are often late because of time management issues. Projects may get started, but often so many are going at once that none ever get finished. It may be hard to fall asleep and get needed rest.

Adults with ADHD may face negative attitudes about their supposed laziness, poor motivation, carelessness, and selfishness. Self-esteem plummets. Long term relationships may be hard to maintain. Feelings of shame, isolation, and depression may run rampant.

Other adults, though they must work hard to adapt, find good career matches to fit with their ADHD symptoms. Their ADHD characteristics, so troublesome in school and at home in childhood, are actually great assets as an adult. They are adventurous, creative, think big, have lots of energy, etc.

Click on Celebrating ADHD to learn more about the gifts of ADHD.

Click on Strategies for Success in the Workplace to learn helpful tips for the office.