For more than 40% of adults, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is accompanied by another disorder such as anxiety or depression. It can often be difficult to distinguish ADHD from other disorders, so a professional assessment and diagnosis is important.

Symptoms of Adult ADHD include:

• A lifelong history of difficulty with attention
• A lifelong history of disruptive or impulsive behavior
• Organizational skill problems (time management difficulties, misses appointments, frequent late and unfinished projects)
• Anger control problems (argumentative with authority figures, episodes of rage)
• Relationship problems (spouse complains that he/she does not listen, speaks without thinking, is impulsive, forgets important events)
• Being over-talkative, interrupts frequently or inappropriately, speaks too loudly
• Money management problems (making impulsive purchases, running out of money, failing to pay bills or do taxes)
• Substance use or abuse, especially alcohol or marijuana, or excessive caffeine use
• Addictions such as collecting, compulsive shopping, sexual avoidance or addiction, overeating, compulsive exercise or gambling
• Frequent accidents
• Problems with driving (speeding tickets, serious accidents, license revoked, or being overly cautious when driving to compensate for attention problems)
• Academic problems such as having to reduce their course load, or having difficulty completing assignments
• An ADHD diagnosis as a child
• Having family or friends observe these symptoms in you or previously being told by teachers in elementary or high school that you display some of these symptoms

A doctor or mental health professional can help determine whether any of the signs and symptoms you’re presented with are related to ADHD.

You should meet with a health professional such as a counsellor or doctor if you think you may have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

To determine if you have ADHD, the clinician will take a thorough history and ask you to fill out a questionnaire to help narrow the diagnosis.

A cornerstone to effective treatment is psycho-education, which includes:

• learning about ADHD and identifying how it is affecting your life,
• considering coping strategies you have tried in the past and whether or not they have been successful,
• creating a plan for approaching your unique situation, which may include trying new strategies and evaluating their effectiveness, and
• monitoring how your plan is working and modifying it as necessary.

Various hardware and software are available to diminish your reliance on working memory, compensate for poor hand-writing, and improve your time management. Sometimes academic accommodations, such as a quiet room in which to take your exams, can be helpful. Many students with ADHD combine academic accommodations, life management, behavioural strategies, and medications in order to achieve their academic goals.

There are several drugs available for treating Attention Decific Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). A health professional such as a doctor or counsellor can explain each medication, including possible side effects, and can help determine if a particular medication is a good fit for you.