Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is often under-diagnosed and under-reported among adults, as many people assume that this disorder is typically associated exclusively with children. Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder are often disorganized and have difficulty focusing and sustaining their attention to a task, even for short periods of time. They often report that they "spin their wheels" but get nothing accomplished, meaning that their minds are constantly jumping around from topic to topic making it difficult to concentrate on the task at hand. ADHD can also negatively affect social relationships as adults with this disorder often miss subtle social cues and react impulsively and inappropriately in certain social situations. Spouses and family members may describe them as immature or detached.

In children, inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsivity are common traits during some periods of their life. However, when these characteristics appear with frequency in their daily interaction with parents, teachers, and peers, the child may have ADHD. ADHD can affect a child's ability to perform to their potential in school and can be generally disruptive to their ability to establish and maintain relationships with peers. Children with ADHD are often criticized as being lazy or undisciplined, and they sometimes create trouble and conflict when interacting with others.