ADHD isn't just for kids

National Institutes of Health: More than 4% of adults suffer from disorder

BOSTON, Mass. – Are you easily distracted? Are you impatient?  Do you interrupt conversations?  It's not just for kids. You could be suffering from ADHD and not even know it.

"I felt like I was different from other people. I kind of put myself down and I looked at other people and said well they're so prefect and I'm not," said 51-year-old Maria Edwards.

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That imperfection Edwards felt is actually Adult ADHD.

"I have had feelings of depression, I definitely felt overwhelmed a lot," she added.

Edwards is not alone. According to the National Institutes of Health, more than four percent of all adults suffer from it too.

Clinical physiologist, Kate Roberts, PhD, says warning signs of adults ADHD include lack of focus, difficulty completing tasks, organizing and planning as well as a low frustration tolerance level and often they find themselves interrupting others in conversations.

"Difficulty with what we call self-monitoring, so what that is, is basically reciting without thinking, often times people will regret actions because they do it so quickly," Roberts explained.

Roberts says routine is key for those with ADHD and suggest making a schedule to aid in time management, planning ahead, eating healthy and a consistent workout will help people stay focused.

"I think that low self-esteem is paramount for people with ADHD," Roberts added.

Especially in adults who have gone undiagnosed.

Once I got the diagnoses I stopped blaming myself for my shortcomings," said Edwards.

Just like how ADHD affects a child's performance in school, ADHD that is not managed properly affects an adult's performance at work. They tend to change employers more often and perform tasks poorly at work. People who suffer from adult ADHD also have less job satisfaction and fewer occupational achievements.