While many may take the ability for granted, focusing on a specific task or conversation can sometimes be difficult for some people. Normally, this isn’t a cause for concern, but it can be alarming if your trouble concentrating seems to make your day-to-day tasks difficult or even nearly impossible.

With children, we are able to diagnose Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) more easily since their behaviours are being studied and scrutinized in more detail as they go through school. However, many don’t realize these disorders can carry on into adulthood, so many adults today have never been diagnosed, but suffer real trauma due their condition.

According to Additudemag.com, “Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a neurological condition defined by a consistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity impulsivity that interferes with daily functioning in at least two settings — for example at work and at home.”

Someone who often fidgets or moves may have trouble staying put during a meeting or sitting still during a discussion. The antsy person can feel the need to leave feel restless, or have a sense of anxiety even when there is no need to feel stressed. This usually occurs when the person has to stay put for an extended period of time. However, even participating in simple leisure activities, such as a golf game, lounging by the pool, or reading a book may be too overwhelming for them.

On the other hand, ADD is determined when an individual repeatedly has difficulty concentrating on the task at hand. In a work environment this can be intimidating, especially when the individual finds him or herself in a quiet or immobile surrounding such as an office or closed workspace. 

The mind starts to wander when the individual is bored and anxiety usually kicks in when the task at hand looks like it may take too much time to complete. Plus, meeting spaces and time to conduct the meeting may be too long for people with ADHD.

To cope with ADHD, one could step back from the task at hand for a few minutes to change his or her surroundings. Breaking up projects into small tasks will help alleviate the stress from those never-ending to-do lists. Focusing on minute details may seem impossible for someone with ADHD. Finding creative solutions to be more productive in the workplace will help individuals with these conditions. For example, tools like white boards, vision boards and productivity calendars with post-its, coloured pens, or markers and images. Visually seeing your goal will most likely help you achieve it.

Getting an accurate diagnosis is important at any stage in life. Like any neurological condition, ADHD can be life-altering for the person suffering. How can people in their surroundings help? By offering a helping hand or delegating certain tasks will help iron out any frustrations for any project or deadline. Allocating sufficient time to complete work-related tasks and household chores can be helpful and appreciated by both the patient with ADHD and those working around them.