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.