New Survey Shows More Adult Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Associated with Certain Professions
Tuesday September 19, 11:50 am ET

September 20 Declared "National AD/HD Awareness Day" by U.S. Senate

MOUNT LAUREL, Pa., Sept. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Politicians are often accused of "not paying attention" and, apparently, their critics may be right. Elected officials and entertainers are surpassed only by tradespeople, according to a new survey, as the most likely among people in 14 various professions to exhibit signs of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD).

The national survey was conducted for the Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA, http://www.add.org ) and released today in anticipation of "National AD/HD Awareness Day."

People involved in trades, such as carpenters, plumbers and electricians may truly be cut out for jobs that are free from traditional, rigid structure and independent in nature. The survey found that people in such trades were most likely to have traits suggestive of AD/HD. On the other hand, office, bank and retail clerks, with more structure and more public contact, included the fewest reporting symptoms of AD/HD.

Construction workers and healthcare professionals followed closely behind elected officials as most likely to exhibit AD/HD symptoms with 18 percent and 19 percent, respectively, citing symptoms consistent with AD/HD. Lawyers, law enforcement personnel and the media are among the least likely to have symptoms of AD/HD. Business executives, athletes, clergy, scientists and teachers fall in the middle.

Although 21 percent of elected officials surveyed often have traits that make them candidates for AD/HD, only 15 percent of the public represented in the 14 categories report similar symptoms. Of the respondents with high probability of AD/HD, 50 percent reside in "blue" states and 50 percent in "red" states (based on 2004 U.S. Presidential Election). Thirty-three percent said they are Democrats, 26 percent said they are Republicans and 32 percent identified themselves as Independents.

The survey also confirms the significant under-diagnosis of adult AD/HD demonstrated by earlier studies. Only 12 percent of respondents who reported symptoms frequently associated with adult AD/HD had been diagnosed with the disorder. This is in contrast to depression, which was once unrecognized but now is readily diagnosed and treated.

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in adults is often characterized by distractibility, procrastination, disorganization and lateness, incomplete projects and losing things and can be associated with personal and professional relationship problems and sometimes substance abuse. It can often impair an individual's quality of life.

Recent studies indicate that between 30 and 70 percent of children with AD/HD still continue to exhibit AD/HD symptoms as adults. The vast majority of these people is undiagnosed, and may be unaware that their problems may have a neurobiological cause and can be treated.

"Undiagnosed and untreated AD/HD in adults can definitely impede professional success," said David Giwerc. "On the flip side, adults with AD/HD also have unique strengths that can also manifest as a result of understanding their AD/HD. They are often creative, spontaneous, inventive, humorous, risk-taking problem-solvers and, when their AD/HD is being treated properly and they are educated about their own AD/HD they can do very well in the workplace." Giwerc, who has AD/HD, is Immediate Past President of the ADDA, a Master Certified ADD Coach and Founder/President of The ADD Coach Academy.

"The first steps in helping people successfully manage their AD/HD challenges are making them aware that AD/HD is not just a childhood disorder, helping them recognize the specific symptoms and situations that are impairing their ability to move forward in important areas of their lives, then encouraging them to seek health care professionals who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of adult AD/HD. This disorder can be effectively treated and managed," said Giwerc.

Other survey highlights:

* Members of the media were least likely to have difficulty getting things in order, while business executives, athletes and construction workers were the most likely.

* When asked if they often avoid or delay getting started on tasks that require a lot of thought, healthcare professionals (16 percent) and entertainers (14 percent) top the list. Only 4 percent of lawyers and 4 percent of teachers acknowledged the same tendencies. Lawyers were also the highest paid respondents. Nearly one out of 10 media professionals reported avoiding or having trouble getting started.

* Members of the media were least likely to jump out of their seats during a meeting, but more likely to not wait their turn. Athletes are most likely to leave their seats during a meeting, while construction workers and entertainers were the most likely not to wait their turns. Clergy were on the other end of the spectrum -- most apt to wait their turn.

* Of the respondents who showed a high probability for AD/HD, their average annual income is $63,000; 39 percent are college graduates. Among the respondents who showed a low probability, the average annual income is $79,000, and 56 percent are college graduates.

These results are illustrative and are not necessarily representative of the entire occupational universe.

"ADDA's current focus is learning more about how AD/HD impacts employees and employers, and helping both groups better recognize and manage AD/HD in the workplace," said Evelyn Polk Green, MS ED. "We hope this survey encourages further studies and generates greater awareness of adult AD/HD which can lead to improved diagnosis and treatment," she added. Polk Green is an ADDA Vice President, and serves as advisor to several mental healthcare foundations, hospitals, and government agencies. She will be receiving the ALiVE (Achieving Lifetime Vision and Excellence) award for her advocacy work from Florida's Beacon College which serves students with AD/HD. She and both of her sons have AD/HD.

About the "AD/HD in the Workplace" survey

The survey included 1,463 U.S. adults actively involved in 14 different occupational categories and was conducted for ADDA during the first three weeks of September by ICR (International Communications Research). The 14 professions surveyed included teachers, business persons, healthcare professionals, lawyers, law enforcement personnel, scientists, media professionals, elected officials, professional and aspiring athletes, clergy and others affiliated with religion-based professions, construction workers, tradespeople, office/bank/retail store clerks and entertainers. The six- question Adult Self-Report Scale (ASRS) Screener was used in the survey to identify common symptoms associated with adult AD/HD. The ASRS screener was developed as a subset of the World Health Organization's 18-question Adult AD/HD Self-Report Scale Symptom Checklist, and is commonly used by medical professionals for initial diagnosis of adult AD/HD.

About ADDA

The Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA) is a nonprofit organization established in 1989 to provide information, resources and networking to adults with AD/HD and to the professionals who work with them. In doing so, ADDA generates hope, awareness, empowerment and connections worldwide in the field of AD/HD. Bringing together scientific perspectives and the human experience, the information and resources provided to individuals and families affected by AD/HD and professionals in the field focuses on diagnoses, treatments, strategies and techniques for helping adults with AD/HD lead better lives.

For more information and a chart with survey results, visit: http://www.add.org .

Source: Attention Deficit Disorder Association