Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a specific learning disability that develops as a child, and may continue into adult life. As its name suggests, people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder will often have difficulty remaining attentive, or may be hyperactive or impulsive.
Until recently, this disorder was referred to as attention deficit disorder, until the hyperactivity component of the disorder was included.
Symptoms and characteristics
People with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder may experience difficulty with issues surrounding attention, issues surrounding hyperactivity and impulsivity, or a combination of both.
Symptoms of inattention include:
- failing to give close attention to details (ie. making mistakes)
- difficulty sustaining attention in tasks
- easily becoming frustrated
- not seeming to listen when spoken to directly
- not following through on instructions and failing to finish tasks or duties
- difficulty organising tasks and activities
- avoiding, disliking, or showing reluctance to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort
- losing things necessary for tasks or activities
- being easily distracted by extraneous stimuli, such as noise, activity, other people
- forgetfulness.
Symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity include:
- fidgeting with hands or feet
- leaving seat in situations when remaining seated is expected
- talking excessively
- difficulty awaiting turns
- interrupting or intruding on others..
The symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder may be obscured by other disorders or difficulties in adulthood. For instance, anxiety disorders or depression can occur as a result of the effects attention deficit hyperactivity disorder has on relationships, employment and education. Substance dependency may also develop.
Statistics
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a common disorder that affects around 1 in 20 people, mainly men (Better Health Channel 2007).
Workplace adjustments and solutions
Regarding employment, people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder generally perform better when engaged in personally stimulating activities and at a level that suits them (given symptoms are usually worse in settings that lack novelty, such as working on monotonous tasks or when tasks become difficult). Care also needs to be taken regarding exposure to potential safety risks given a higher rate of accidents and injuries may result from inattentiveness or impulsiveness.
There are solutions and adjustments for the following job requirements:
References
Better Health Channel 2006, Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder - adults, State Government of Victoria, Melbourne, viewed 22 April 2007, <http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Attention_deficit_hyperactivity_disorder_and_adults?open>.
MDA Internet 2005, Reed Group Ltd, Colorado, viewed 22 April 2007, <http://www.mdainternet.com (secure site)>.