The symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are most commonly associated with childhood, but as the Mayo Clinic points out, this mental health problem can continue into adulthood. While the symptoms of ADHD may be comparable in males and females, some specific signs of ADHD are particularly common in men.
Inattention. Melissa Orlov, a leading marriage consultant and ADHD researcher, highlights the issues faced by men who suffer with ADHD and their inability to concentrate on a single task for any length of time. Men who suffer from ADHD are often constantly focused on something else, which can make it difficult to maintain stable relationships with their partner and other people.
Impulsivity. Orlov also highlights how impulsivity often manifests in men who suffer from ADHD. Impulsivity in men with ADHD can make them seem thoughtless and rude, blurting out something quite hurtful without appreciating or appearing to care about the consequences. This can also lead to financial problems, as men with ADHD often spend money on impulse purchases rather than other, more important financial commitments.
Mood swings and temper. Adults with ADHD often suffer from mood swings and sudden changes in temper, according to the Mayo Clinic. This occurs commonly in men with ADHD, who may find that they lose their temper over very small details. Ellen Kingsley, the founder of the attention deficit magazine ADDitude, highlights how men with ADHD may appear to "freak out" over minor details, such as missing or misplaced house keys. Kingsley attributes this to the fact that men with ADHD have severe anxiety over losing control of their world.
Poor time management. Men that suffer from ADHD frequently have problems managing their time, which can be particularly frustrating for those around them, as Ellen Kingsley points out. Men with ADHD are often unable to see tasks in terms of requiring a fixed period of time and are easily distracted by new tasks. Men with ADHD are often significantly late for an appointment, without appreciating the importance of arriving on time.
