SHRM states that as much as four percent of the adult population has ADHD. Of those individuals, only about 1 in 5 will have a diagnosis or treatment plan. ADHD Symptoms can have an impact on the work these individuals do. Understanding what they are can aid in developing a plan to minimize their effects on business success.
According to Mayo Clinic, adults with ADHD struggle with issues in attention, impulsivity, and typically coexist with other psychological and learning challenges, which can make treatment difficult. While the cause of ADHD is unknown, researchers suggest that genetics, environment, and issues at critical moments of development could be factors.
Attention
Difficulties in the area of attention include:
- Distractability either by external noises and activities or by internal thoughts and daydreams.
- Forgetfulness
- Inability to focus on a conversation.
- Time management issues include procrastination in starting a task, difficulty staying with a large task to completion, and meeting deadlines.
- Boredom “blackouts” or loss of time during conversations or tasks
- Overlooking or missing details in paperwork or task
Impulsivity
Individuals with ADHD may display impulsiveness in ways that can negatively affect the workplace, such as:
- Becoming easily frustrated
- Losing interest quickly
- Having mood swings
- Seeming to have a short fuse or temper outbursts
- Interrupting conversations or talking over others
- Multitasking issues
- Lacking organizational skills
Hyperactivity
Employees with ADHD may seem to be:
- Restless
- Unable to relax
- Talking excessively
- Unable to remain seated for the expected amount of time.
Business success is still achievable, and turning ADHD into an advantage is possible with creativity and help. CHADD.org, a leading advocate for children and adults with ADHD, lists nine common symptoms that can interfere with business success along with some solutions to assist in overcoming those difficulties.