Attention deficit, hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is an illness that begins in childhood, and typically lasts into adulthood. Adults with ADHD may feel that it’s impossible to get organized, stick to a job, or remember and keep appointments.

Daily tasks such as getting up in the morning, preparing to leave the house for work, arriving at work on time, and being productive on the job can be especially challenging for adults with ADHD. These adults may have a history of under-performance at school or work, or have difficult or failed relationships.

Many have had multiple traffic accidents. Like teens, adults with ADHD may seem restless and may try to do several things at once, most of them unsuccessfully. They also tend to prefer “quick fixes,” rather than taking the steps needed to achieve greater rewards.

Because many things can present looking like ADHD, a thorough evaluation by a qualified physician is the most important step in the treatment process. Additional testing may be necessary. The medications used to treat ADHD are some of the most effective medications in all of psychiatry.