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Most Americans are well-acquainted with stress, anxiety and other negative
feelings associated with our fast-paced work lives and hectic 21st century
schedules. Far less understood, however, is Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity
Disorder (ADHD), a serious neurobiological disorder which affects approximately
9 million adults in the United States.
Though commonly considered a childhood condition, at least 2 out of 3 children
with ADHD maintain symptoms such as inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity
into adulthood. Left untreated, ADHD can pose serious difficulties at work – including
decreased productivity and increased disorganization – and at home.
Fortunately, however, ADHD is highly treatable – especially when detected
and treated early. NMHA has developed the following fact sheet to help employers
and employees recognize the signs and impact of untreated adult ADHD in
the workplace, and to guide them towards treatment where necessary.
Coinciding with this fact sheet, the Mental Health Association of Illinois
will host a Workplace Wellness seminar featuring nationally-recognized
mental health expert, Dr. William Dodson, on October 31, 2006 at John
Deere headquarters
in Moline, IL, to increase employee awareness and understanding of adult
ADHD in the workplace. Available at the event, which is free for all
John Deere employees, will be confidential resources and information
for those
interested in learning more or seeking treatment referrals for themselves
or their family. A press
release (pdf ) for this event
is available .
What is Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder?
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurobiological
psychiatric disorder that manifests in a persistent pattern of
inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. These symptoms are present
since childhood
and occur at a higher frequency than those of the same age group.
- ADHD not only affects children and adolescents, but also persist into
adulthood and can affect work performance, social relationships,
as well as personal safety and can lead to costly public health problems
- Research
strongly suggests that ADHD tends to run in families with twin studies
revealing that nearly 80 percent of the influence of ADHD
is due to genetic factors
How Many People are Affected by ADHD?
- Approximately 4.4 million or 7.8 percent of school-age children
in the U.S. have ADHD
- An estimated 9 million or 4.4 percent of U.S. adults have ADHD
- Up to 80 percent of children with ADHD continue to have the disorder
as adolescents and 65 percent have the disorder as adults
What are Common Symptoms of ADHD in Adults?
- Adults with ADHD often struggle with symptoms of inattention
and can experience organizational challenges because of a lack of structure
in their
lives. This inattention also places additional stress on relationships.
- These adults generally have outbursts of energy and are attracted to
highly stimulated environments; however, this constant activity
may lead to extreme family tension.
- Adults with ADHD can have difficulty controlling impulsive behavior,
talk excessively and react inappropriately in social and professional
settings. Additionally, they are easily distracted and are more likely to be
involved
in accidents and driving collisions.
- Adults with ADHD can have a low tolerance for frustration and because
of their symptoms of impulsivity, they can have unpredictable tempers.
What is the Impact of Untreated ADHD?
- Adults with untreated ADHD are more likely to experience lower
educational achievement and are less likely to graduate from high school
or college.
They are inclined to have low self-esteem, anti-social thoughts,
a pessimistic outlook on their future and problems with their romantic
relationships and
jobs. Furthermore, adults with untreated ADHD are twice as likely
to be divorced or separated.
- Untreated ADHD can lead to increased stress, depression and poor mental
or physical health. Additionally, adults who do not treat the disorder
are likely to engage in harmful behaviors, such as smoking, using recreational
drugs and unlawful conduct. These adults are also at risk for frequent
personal
injuries and are four times more likely to be involved in a motor
vehicle accident.
What are Common Signs of ADHD in Adults in the Workplace?
- Adults with untreated ADHD can have difficulty staying engaged
in reading, meetings or while going through paperwork. Additionally, they
may rapidly
switch between projects because they have difficulty starting or
finishing assignments. Because they cannot focus and complete projects,
adults with
untreated ADHD are viewed as inefficient and low performing.
- Adults with untreated ADHD often have poor time management skills and
are disorganized, which can lead to over scheduling and feelings
of being overwhelmed.
- However, adults with ADHD are usually very creative and perform well
in interactive jobs.
What is the Impact of Untreated ADHD in the Workplace?
- Adults with untreated ADHD have difficulty managing large workloads,
keeping organized and concentrating on work and are; therefore,
less likely to be currently employed. Those who are employed are less
likely to express
complete satisfaction with their professional life and career track.
- Among adults with ADHD who currently are employed and have had more than
one job in the past 10 years, 43 percent report leaving one or
more jobs because of their ADHD symptoms.
- The average loss of household income per adult with ADHD ranged from
$8,900 to $15,400 per year, compared to adults without ADHD, which
amounts to $77 billion lost each year in the US economy.
How is ADHD Treated?
- The first-line treatment for ADHD is stimulant medications,
with long-acting and once-daily medication remaining the gold standard
of medical therapy.
- Medical treatment can be combined with educational approaches and psychological
and behavioral therapies, which are effective in teaching individuals
with ADHD coping methods to help them maneuver through common challenges in professional
and social settings.
- The following coping techniques, used in conjunction with medical treatment
are useful in helping individuals overcome their ADHD and reach
their potential:
- Maintain consistent structure and predictability in daily activities
to compensate for challenges in inattention, impulsivity and distractibility
- Participate in activities and pursue professions that play to strengths,
rather than exacerbate weaknesses
- Begin seeking treatment and counseling as soon as impairments are
recognized
- Commit to educating family and friends about the symptoms of ADHD
and how the disorder affects everyday activities and relationships
to develop an environment of understanding and acceptance
Where Can I Find More Information about ADHD?
- It is important to learn about ADHD if you suspect that you
or someone you know may have the disorder. There are many helpful Web
sites, such as
www.ADHDSupport.com, which provide information on the symptoms,
diagnosis and treatment of ADHD.
- If you think you may have ADHD, speak with your physician for a professional
evaluation. Additionally, you may visit www.nmha.org to learn of
support group meetings in your area and begin connecting with others who have
ADHD.
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