What Is It Like Living With ADHD?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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ADHD is a medical condition that affects

a person’s attention and self-control

. Because of ADHD, people have a harder time staying focused. They may be more fidgety than others. ADHD can make it harder to control behavior, so kids and teens may get into trouble more.

Is life hard for people with ADHD?


ADHD can make you forgetful and distracted

. You’re also likely to have trouble with time management because of your problems with focus. All of these symptoms can lead to missed due dates for work, school, and personal projects.

How does ADHD affect a person’s life?

ADHD is a medical condition that affects

a person’s attention and self-control

. Because of ADHD, people have a harder time staying focused. They may be more fidgety than others. ADHD can make it harder to control behavior, so kids and teens may get into trouble more.

How does a person with ADHD feel?

The symptoms include

an inability to focus, being easily distracted, hyperactivity, poor organization skills, and impulsiveness

. Not everyone who has ADHD has all these symptoms. They vary from person to person and tend to change with age.

What is it like to live with ADHD as an adult?

On top of this, adults with ADHD may have

poor working memory

– such as being unable to remember a simple shopping list – and “time blindness” (the inability to perceive time). Some may also have oppositional defiant disorder, which means they often react poorly to perceived orders or rules.

Can a person with ADHD have a normal life?


As many as 60% of individuals with ADHD

symptoms in childhood continue to have difficulties in adult life. Adults with ADHD are more likely to be dismissed from employment and have often tried a number of jobs before being able to find one at which they can succeed.

Does ADHD reduce life expectancy?

“There’s an enduring effect of growing up with ADHD even if you don’t have it anymore.” Childhood ADHD persisting to young adulthood

may typically shorten life expectancy by nearly 20 years

and by 12 years in nonpersistent cases compared with concurrently followed control children.

Can ADHD be worse some days?

It’s natural to feel overwhelmed and frustrated when you’re in the thick of a bad ADHD day. But

bad days shall pass too

. If they don’t, it might be helpful to reassess what’s throwing you off, says Matlen. Maybe your meds have stopped working for you or you’re experiencing symptoms of another condition.

What should you not say to someone with ADHD?

  • “Having ADHD isn’t an excuse.” …
  • “Everyone gets distracted sometimes.” …
  • “ADHD will make you more creative.” …
  • “If you can focus on fun things, you can focus on work.” …
  • “You’ll outgrow ADHD.” …
  • “Nobody needs to know you have ADHD.”

What is the root cause of ADHD?

ADHD tends to run in families and, in most cases, it’s thought

the genes you inherit from your parents

are a significant factor in developing the condition. Research shows that parents and siblings of a child with ADHD are more likely to have ADHD themselves.

What worsens ADHD?

Common triggers include:

stress, poor sleep, certain foods and additives, overstimulation, and technology

. Once you recognize what triggers your ADHD symptoms, you can make the necessary lifestyle changes to better control episodes.

Are people with ADHD messy?

Some people are naturally neat. They keep their things fairly organized and try to avoid making a mess. But many kids and adults with ADHD are the opposite —

they’re messy most of the time

. And it can cause problems at home, school, and work.

Are people with ADHD lazy?

People with ADHD are

lazy and unmotivated

Often, people with ADHD might be perceived as lazy or unmotivated. They have trouble doing activities they don’t enjoy. This happens even if the tasks are necessary. For example, a child with ADHD may have trouble completing homework assignments in an uninteresting subject.

What do adults with ADHD struggle with?

Adults with ADHD may find it

difficult to focus and prioritize

, leading to missed deadlines and forgotten meetings or social plans. The inability to control impulses can range from impatience waiting in line or driving in traffic to mood swings and outbursts of anger.

How does ADHD affect sleep in adults?

Those with combined hyperactive-impulsive and inattentive ADHD experience both poor sleep quality and a later bedtime. Many ADHD symptoms are similar to symptoms of sleep deprivation. Among others, adult ADHD sleep problems include

forgetfulness and difficulty concentrating

.

How long does someone with ADHD live?

Patients whose ADHD persisted into adulthood saw an additional five-year reduction in life expectancy. Compared to a control group, adults with ADHD could expect to have

11 to 13 years

cut off their lives compared to neurotypical peers of a similar age and heath profile.

Carlos Perez
Author
Carlos Perez
Carlos Perez is an education expert and teacher with over 20 years of experience working with youth. He holds a degree in education and has taught in both public and private schools, as well as in community-based organizations. Carlos is passionate about empowering young people and helping them reach their full potential through education and mentorship.