Until recently, adults who struggled to organize their lives or keep a job were unaware they may have adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). As this condition becomes more publicized, experts say numerous coping skills and aids are available to help make life more manageable.

ADHD is a chronic condition affecting an estimated 4.4 percent of American adults. They have difficulty concentrating and paying attention, can't sit still for long periods of time (such as in the movies or at a desk) and may be impulsive. The disorder is classified as a mental illness that begins in early childhood. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 30 to 70 percent of children with ADHD become adults with the condition.

Adults with ADHD may have difficulty maintaining close personal relationships with partners and spouses. It can be difficult to perform well in the workplace, especially in jobs that require organization, meeting deadlines and completion of complex tasks and projects.

Using organizers, PDAs, email and calendar reminders, and relationship coaches may help adults with ADHD cope in their daily lives.

A person with ADHD can take steps to cope. Experts from Children and Adults with ADHD (CHADD), a national outreach and education group, offer several tips to help adults with ADHD manage their daily lives:

• Time management: Use day planners, scheduling books, calendars and notebooks (for to-do lists) to help you stay on track with work and family tasks and projects. Timers, alarm clocks, PDA reminders, emails and reminder calls from friends or family members may help meet deadlines.


• Organization: Color-coding files or using sticky notes to mark important documents can help prioritize information. Place items such as keys, medication, cell phones, eye glasses, purses or wallets in the same place at home or in the office or car. This cuts down on the time spent searching for lost or misplaced items. If a task or project seems overwhelming or has long-range deadlines, break them down into smaller tasks that you complete each day or week. Record important meetings or take extensive notes to ensure you don't miss anything. Ask supervisors to pair you up with a highly organized coworker.


• Interpersonal Skills: Ask friends and coworkers to give you feedback on how well you communicate with others. Are you talking too much, not listening, abruptly ending conversations or interrupting others? Learn to read other people's body language and facial cues to help in building and keeping relationships at home and work. Observe how others behave in social or work settings for clues about proper conduct. Use the echo technique by repeating what others have said to make sure you have the correct information or by asking others to repeat what they have said. Consider a job that requires little interaction with others.


• Work Environment: A private, quiet office or workstation offers the least distractions. However, this may not be possible for many people. Noise minimizing earphones, working in an empty conference room or secluded cubicle may help reduce distractions. Other suggestions include sending phone calls directly to voicemail and having a designated time to return calls each day. Take breaks from sitting at your desk and walk to the restroom, copy machine or water fountain to reduce restlessness and hyperactivity. Run up and then down the stairs.