ADHD Personality Characteristics

ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is diagnosed in both children and adults. The traits displayed by many people afflicted with ADHD are similar to those associated with attention deficit disorder, or ADD. The website ADHD Texas lists traits such as the inability to complete a task, often moving from project to project without finishing what is started, inability to sit still and experiencing extreme emotions.

Early Childhood Traits

• ADHD is often diagnosed in early childhood, with several traits that stand out to parents and professionals. Children who are afflicted with ADHD often have impulsive tendencies, doing what they want without thinking about the consequences. They can also be forgetful. Children with ADHD have a hard time sitting still and often don't finish the work they start. They also can have unpredictable mood swings, moving from being extremely happy to extremely sad or angry in a matter of moments. While many children can have these traits or symptoms, they are more pronounced in children with ADHD, according to the website Healing Arts.

Adolescent Traits

• If ADHD is left untreated during the developmental years, adolescents with this condition may display an impaired learning ability and have a difficult time in school. These children can have both social and family problems, and have a hard time trying to get along with their classmates and siblings. Because of the difficulties adolescents with untreated ADHD have, they often have decreased self-esteem.

Adult Traits

• For adults, untreated ADHD can be very harmful. Adults afflicted with ADHD often display high levels of impulsiveness. They may display this by spending rashly or by partaking in excessive drinking and drug use. Adults can also be very impatient and display dangerous risk-taking behavior. On the other hand, some adults afflicted with ADHD are quiet and introspective and have a tendency to daydream. They have a difficult time in social situations.