Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder — known as ADHD — is a neurobiological disorder characterized by inappropriate impulsivity, inattention and, possibly, hyperactivity. It’s possible that this often-misunderstood condition may be interfering with your employees’ productivity.
Many people believe that ADHD is a condition that only affects children and that it is a condition that is connected more with disruptive students in classrooms than with people at work. But that view is not entirely accurate, says James Schuster, M.D., MBA, chief medical officer for Community Care, a behavioral health organization that is part of the UPMC Insurance Services Division.
“ADHD is a well-known problem for some school-age children, but many times, its existence in adults is overlooked,” Schuster says. “It’s important to understand that ADHD in adults is not a rare condition.”
Smart Business spoke with Schuster about ADHD in adults, its impact in the workplace and how best to treat it.
Why isn’t ADHD seen as a condition that affects adults?
Because hyperactivity diminishes as people mature, people used to believe that the condition only affected children. However, many symptoms continue into adulthood. It is a disorder that resolves for some people as they mature, but for some, the condition continues well into adulthood. Statistics show that two-thirds of all adults who had ADHD as a child still have it as adults. Approximately 3 to 5 percent of adults have it to some degree.
While there is no cure for ADHD, it can be properly diagnosed and there are treatments that have been proven effective for most people with the disorder.
What are some symptoms of ADHD?
Symptoms may include: inattentiveness, problems with self-control and any sense of responsibility, time management and organization difficulties, restlessness and impulsiveness. Adults with ADHD also have problems with relationships with others, including spouses.
Not everyone with ADHD exhibits all of the symptoms, nor does everyone with the condition have the same level of severity or impairment. Some cases can be mild, others severe.
Why is ADHD an issue for employers?
The impact of adults with ADHD can show up in the workplace. Often, employees who are affected by it have trouble concentrating on a task or have trouble completing tasks. Their organizational skills are often poor. Employees may also have trouble establishing relationships with co-workers or may say inappropriate things without thinking them through.
