Being Different but Striving to Seem Normal (Research article)

This qualitative research article by Nyström , Petersson, and Janlöv (2020) summarizes the lived experience of adults ages 50 and older with ADHD, and this paragraph highlights the steep financial, social, and occupational costs associated with ADHD.

For informants that actually were employed, the text revealed ongoing struggles with achieving a functional work-situation, combined with a fear of being excluded from workplace groups. Inability to control impulses seemed to be a factor that caused a lot of social problems, both at work and in personal relationships. Failing to pay bills and their household expenses was especially difficult to handle because it had serious financial consequences. When deciding between insurance, phone carriers, and other service providers, informants found it difficult to understand terms, conditions, and prices. This often led to less favorable deals and agreements which in turn led to even worse financial outcomes including higher costs for subscriptions and fees.