Research suggests that the symptoms of ADHD can persist into adulthood, having a significant impact on the relationships, careers, and even the personal safety of those who may suffer from it. Because this disorder is often misunderstood, many people who have it do not receive appropriate treatment and, as a result, may never reach their full potential. Part of the problem is that it can be difficult to diagnose, particularly in adults.

ADHD or "Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder" is the term used to describe a set of symptoms that result from deficits in certain aspects of executive functioning. Currently, there are three types of ADHD: the "Primarily Inattentive Type", the "Primarily Hyperactive/Impulsive Type", and the "Combined Type" which is characterized by a certain amount of both Inattentive and Hyperactive/Impulsive symptoms. Contrary to popular belief "ADD" is not an actual diagnosis. It was a popular term coined to describe Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Primarily Inattentive Type.

ADHD has nothing to do with intelligence and is independent of this variable. In fact, having a high IQ can at times allow individuals to compensate for their ADHD symptoms, making it more difficult to diagnose. When this disorder goes undiagnosed it often has detrimental effects on the quality of an individual’s life. It can lead to problems in relationships, divorce, poor money management, poor credit ratings, lack of follow through on short-term and long-term goals, accidents, termination at work, and/or substance abuse. It can also lead to extreme frustration, low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression. ADHD can look different in adults than it does in children. Specifically, women are often diagnosed much later in life due to a lack of behavioral issues that warrants further attention by caregivers and teachers.

In today’s society it can be very difficult to figure out how to define or understand symptoms that we may be experiencing.

1. Difficulty sustaining attention at work or during meetings
2. Difficulty managing time (and arriving to work on time)
3. Inefficiency and slowness at getting things done
4. Forgetfulness with daily activities and difficulty remembering appointments, assignments, and/or obligations
5. Difficulty Getting Started on tasks that will require sustained attention and/or mental effort
6. Difficulty switching tasks and shifting attention from one task to the next once focus has been achieved
7. Becoming overwhelmed by large tasks and difficulty maintaining order while carrying out a task
8. Procrastination, starting tasks at the last minute, with an inability to complete tasks without an approaching deadline
9. A tendency to make careless mistakes, often overlooking details with a failure to edit or correct mistakes

1. Poor emotional control: may become too easily upset over small events and have an explosive reaction
2. Difficulty "slamming on the brakes" before behaving; may act without thinking, interrupt others during conversations or while working, make inappropriate comments, react with emotionally charged comments, etc
3. Difficulty sitting through meetings at work
4. Feeling as though you have to constantly be moving or doing something

This is not intended to be a diagnostic tool, but if any of these characteristics apply to you on a frequent basis or cause you frustration, I recommend a professional ADHD evaluation.

It is important to receive a psychological evaluation in order to acquire the appropriate diagnosis. It is also important that your physicians collaborate in order to offer you the best treatment.