The impact of Adult ADHD

Adults living with undiagnosed ADHD are likely to have experienced a significant amount of disruption in their lives as a result of their symptoms, whether they’ve realised it or not. Therefore, improving the symptoms of ADHD in adults can have a positive effect on many of the ‘negative’ ADHD-related behaviours and consequences that they create, and because of that, can significantly improve a person’s quality of life.

At work: Research shows that adults with ADHD have more employment difficulties than people who don’t have ADHD. For example, they:

Are two to four times more likely to be fired,
Are 18 times more likely to experience disciplinary action in the workplace,
Change their jobs 52 per cent more frequently,
Earn up to 40 per cent less in monthly wages or salary.

In relationships: Adults living with ADHD are more likely to experience significant problems with intimacy and with living as part of a couple. Specifically, they’re:

Twice as likely to go through a divorce,
More than four times as likely to have an extramarital affair,
Change their jobs 52 per cent more frequently,
Four times more likely to complain about being in a ‘poor–quality’ relationship,
And experience double the levels of parenting-related stress.

On the road: Recent research has found that adult drivers with ADHD are more prone to road rage and are more likely to use their vehicles aggressively. People with ADHD are also:

As much as four times more likely to have been in a car accident,
Two to three times more likely to receive a speeding ticket,
Two to four times more likely to have had their driver’s license suspended,
At greater risk of being involved in serious car crashes.

With money: Studies have shown that ADHD–related behaviour – such as being inattentive, easily distracted and having less self-control – can have an effect on money management skills and general financial status. For example, adults with ADHD:

Save just $2 for every $10 that someone without ADHD saves,
Are more than four times as likely to experience problems managing their money,
Are five times as likely to impulse buy regularly,
At greater risk of being involved in serious car crashes.

In health: Adults with ADHD have been shown to engage in more ‘high-risk’ health-related behaviour, and may also be more susceptible to mood disorders.For example, people with ADHD are:

As much as three times more likely to be smokers,
At least three times more likely to abuse alcohol,
As much as six times more likely to experience depression,
And at least eight times as likely to have anxiety.