Common Behaviors and Problems of Adult ADHD
July 16, 2011 by admin
Filed under ADD, ADD Medication, ADHD Medication, Adult ADHD, All Articles, Behaviors of Adult ADHD, Featured, Problems of Adult ADHD, Treatment of Adult ADHD
Common Behaviors and Problems of Adult ADHD
The following behaviors and problems can come directly from having ADHD or may be the result of related adjustment difficulties:
* Chronic lateness and forgetfulness.
* Anxiety.
* Low self-esteem.
* Procrastination.
* Employment problems.
* Difficulty controlling anger.
* Impulsiveness.
* Substance abuse or addiction.
* Poor organization skills.
* Low frustration tolerance.
* Chronic boredom.
* Difficulty concentrating when reading.
* Depression.
* Mood swings.
* Relationship problems.
These behaviors can be mild to severe and can vary depending on the situation or be present all of the time. Some adults with ADHD are able to concentrate if they are interested in or excited about the subject or what they are doing. Others may have difficulty focusing under any circumstances unless on medication. Some adults look for stimulation while others avoid it. Also adults with ADHD can be withdrawn and antisocial, or they can be overly social and unable to be alone.
School-Related Impairments Linked to Adult ADHD
Adults with ADHD may have:
- Had a history of poorer educational performance and were underachievers.
- Had more frequent school disciplinary actions.
- Had to repeat a grade.
- Dropped out of school more often.
Work-Related Impairments Linked to Adult ADHD
Adults with ADHD are more likely to:
- Change employers frequently and perform poorly.
- Have had fewer occupational achievements, independent of psychiatric status.
Social-Related Impairments Linked to Adult ADHD
Adults with ADHD are more likely to:
- Have a lower socioeconomic status.
- Have driving violations such as: be cited for speeding; have their licenses suspended; be involved in more crashes; rate themselves and others as using poorer driving habits.
- Use illegal substances more frequently.
- Smoke cigarettes.
- Self-report psychological maladjustment more often.
Relationship-Related Impairments Linked to Adult ADHD
Adults with ADHD are more likely to:
- Have more marital problems and multiple marriages.
- Have higher incidence of separation and divorce.
Much of this functional impairment diminishes with remission of the disorder and can be mitigated by appropriate treatment.
