Attention Deficit Symptoms in Adults

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder can affect children and adults. It is estimated that roughly three to five percent of schoolchildren are affected by ADHD, and 60 percent of those children will still have attention deficit symptoms as they grow into adults. Attention deficit symptoms generally include the inability to focus, hyperactivity, and acting without thinking, but these symptoms can manifest themselves differently in children and adults.

For example, where children are likely to be hyperactive, for adults this symptom becomes restlessness. While children tend to have behavioral problems at school and with parents, adults typically showcase their symptoms socially and at work, leading to problems with interpersonal relationships and employment.

The following are a few of the attention deficit symptoms adults may exhibit:

These symptoms can be mild to severe depending on the person. If you are experiencing any or all of these symptoms, contact your primary physician. Although the causes of ADHD are uncertain, some experts believe it could be hereditary since the disorder tends to run in some families more than other families. Symptoms can affect boys more than girls, but the odds even out in adulthood. People of all races and cultural backgrounds are also susceptible. It is estimated that roughly eight million adults in the United States have the disorder, many of whom haven't been diagnosed or aren't receiving any treatment.