AD/HD in Adults
Contrary to popular belief, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) does not just occur in children. ADHD can affect adults too. While some children seem to outgrow the disorder, or learn to compensate for the symptoms, others do not. Many adults with ADHD do not realize they have the disorder. Common symptoms in adults include difficulty following directions, remembering information, concentrating, organizing tasks, or completing work within time limits.
ADHD affects workplace performance. Research indicates that adults with ADHD put in 22.1 fewer days at work per year than people without the condition – nearly a month's worth of workdays.1 The good news is that effective treatment is available. Adults with ADHD are treated with medication, psychotherapy, or a combination. Behavior management strategies, such as ways to minimize distractions and improve organization, can also be helpful.
Tips for Employers
Educate employees and managers about mental health disorders, including ADHD. Encourage employees to seek care when they need it by educating the workforce that mental illnesses are real and can be effectively treated. Teach supervisors how to (and how not to) intervene appropriately by focusing on job performance.
Promote the use of employee assistance and health programs. Early intervention is key. Remind employees of the availability of resources for staying healthy and productive. Ensure that employees know how to access care confidentially and quickly by providing information on how to do so in multiple places and throughout the year. Heavily push these messages during times of stress, at the holidays, etc.
Integrate mental health educational messages in health communication strategies. Include content about ADHD in company newsletters, on the intranet and in other regular employee communication platforms. The national organization, Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) has a variety of web resources that could be helpful for workplace education:
- Succeeding in the Workplace
- A Guide to Organizing the Home and Office
- Time Management: Learning to Use a Day Planner
- Managing Money
References
1 R de Graaf, R C Kessler, J Fayyad, M ten Have, J Alonso, M Angermeyer, G Borges, K Demyttenaere, I Gasquet, G de Girolamo, J M Haro, R Jin, E G Karam, J Ormel, J Posada-Villa (2008). The prevalence and effects of adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) on the performance of workers: results from the WHO World Mental Health Survey Initiative. Journal of Occupational Environmental Medicine; 65:835-842
Resources
CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is the nation's leading non-profit organization serving individuals with ADHD and their families. Their website includes information for both parents seeking information on behalf of their children and adults looking for support dealing with their ADHD.