Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is thought to affect about 9 million adults in the United States, and research on the life span of the condition notes the disorder can impair academic, social and occupational functioning.

According to a recent national survey including more than 1,000 adults across the United States diagnosed with the condition, adults say that having ADHD significantly impacts their ability to focus at work, as well as their responsibilities at home and their relationships. Sponsored by McNeil Pediatrics™, Division of Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc, the survey reinforces previous findings from a recent World Health Organization (WHO) report, which concluded ADHD is a relatively common condition among working adults and is associated with impairment and work performance. The WHO survey also found that only a small number of employed adults with ADHD are being treated for the condition, even though evidence shows medication can be effective in improving ADHD symptoms, and that on average, adult workers with ADHD miss more than three weeks a year in workplace productivity.

Dr. Edward Hallowell is a practicing psychiatrist who has treated adults with ADHD for 25 years. In addition to having penned 10 books, including the bestsellers on ADHD: “Driven to Distraction,” “Delivered from Distraction” and, most recently, “CrazyBusy.” Dr. Hallowell was himself diagnosed with ADHD at age 31.

Dr. Hallowell is a paid consultant for McNeil Pediatrics™.


Q. What are some of the biggest challenges in the workplace for an adult who has ADHD?

Until an adult is diagnosed, life at work can be supremely frustrating. The typical pattern is one of inconsistent performance and general underachievement. The worker and the supervisors know the talent is there for improved performance. When it doesn’t happen, all involved might blame the individual, which can lead to demoralization and worsened performance. Frustration builds upon frustration, as talent gets wasted and energy gets depleted. Undiagnosed, ADHD at work can stall a career.

The challenges relate to the negative symptoms of ADHD. The worker with ADHD can have tremendous trouble related to the condition’s symptoms, which can impact getting organized, managing time, listening, staying focused, following through on projects, inhibiting disruptive impulses, and maintaining superior performance. As the difficulties continue, supervisors can lose patience. The situation often may deteriorate until the job is lost, or, at best, marginal performance is tolerated.

This is tragic, because the correct diagnosis has the potential to turn the whole negative pattern totally around.


Q. Can ADHD be seen as a positive aspect in the workplace? How so?

ADHD can become a positive, but usually the negatives must be taken care of first. Once the diagnosis is made, and treatment begins, then the positives can swim into view. In my practice, I’ve seen these positives include high energy, tenacity, creativity, originality, laser beam focus, uncanny insights and intuition, as well as an ability to get along with others extremely well and make people laugh.


Q. What are some things you've found to be helpful for an adult with ADHD to be more productive at work?

Above all, get a diagnosis and get treatment. All the other interventions—structure, accommodations, and such—pale next to the power of diagnosis and treatment. Once the individual is able to maintain focus, then everything changes for the better.

As for accommodations at work, by far the most powerful is simply finding the right job. No accommodation can make the wrong job right. So, put your efforts into finding a job that you like, a job that taps into your talents, a job that allows you to shine.