Wednesday, October 05, 2005
SHERRI C. GOODMAN
News staff writer
They fidget and have trouble focusing on a task. They miss deadlines and often seem uncomfortable in meetings. Their desks are piled high with papers and they interrupt colleagues.
Chances are, everyone in an office setting has worked with someone that suffers from some, if not all, of these traits of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
More than 8 million adults are estimated to struggle with ADHD, according to the American Medical Association. The illness, which is more commonly diagnosed in children, is a growing issue in workplaces today, says Ashley Halsey, director of corporate relations for American Behavioral Benefits, a Birmingham-based mental health care and benefits provider.
Many times, she says, the characteristic symptoms of ADHD - hyperactivity, inability to concentrate, restlessness, irritability - can indicate other illnesses. That's why her company advises managers having productivity issues with employees suffering from these symptoms to refer them to an employee assistance program for a full assessment.
The disorder can have a huge economic impact on employees, a recent study found. According to a study release last month by Dr. Joseph Biederman, a professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, the household income for high school graduates suffering with ADHD is nearly ,000 less than a non-ADHD counterpart. ADHD sufferers with a college degree are likely to have a household income that is about ,000 less than their counterparts.
To combat the problem, patients undergo behavioral therapy and sometimes take medication, said Halsey. They can also hire professional organizers to help them develop a system that enables them to work without so many distractions and meet goals and deadlines.
Birmingham professional organizer Ruth Ann Betz-Essinger said adults with attention deficit disorder make up about 30 percent of her clients.
She helps them set up organizing and filing systems that work with their disability. In many cases, that involves setting up a visible organization system because filing cabinets don't really work for adults with ADHD, she said.
"For many people with ADHD, it's out-of-sight, out-of mind. That's why they often have piles and piles and piles of stuff on their desk," she said.
In many cases, she makes follow-up visits to ensure the system still works for them.
Betz-Essinger, who also helps organize homes and offices of people who are just organizationally challenged, said she expects her list of ADHD and "chronically disorganized" clients to grow.
Halsey said increased stress in the workplace is contributing to the proliferation of people suffering from short attention spans, irritability, disorganization and restlessness.
"There's just more stress all the way around," she said. A majority of the reasons people come to utilize our services is stress and not balancing home and work."
The employee does not pay taxes on the value of the leave, and the employer may deduct the amount as either a charitable donation or as a business expense.
"Companies and employees across the country have been deeply moved by the recent disasters affecting the Gulf Coast. The IRS programs provide a creative way for hard-working employers and employees to contribute in a concrete and practical way," said Stephen Jordan, vice president and executive director of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Center for Corporate Citizenship.
E-mail: sgoodman@bhamnews.com
http://www.al.com/business/birminghamnews
I'm the only repairman in my shop with two desks because of the equipment on them. I'm the only one who understands the equipment, and my boss hates it!!"There's just more stress all the way around," she said. A majority of the reasons people come to utilize our services is stress and not balancing home and work."