SAN DIEGO -- Does it take you longer to a finish a project than your spouse or friends? Do you constantly start tasks but don't finish them because you're off to the next thing? You could have adult attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.

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Until recently, doctors didn't realize this well-recognized childhood condition could persist into adulthood.

Lewis Batcher is a successful computer science programmer, but he's struggled to keep his work and home life organized.

"What ends up happening is you complete a project 75 percent through and then you decide you are going to go do something else," Batcher said.

Instead of concentrating on a meeting, other thoughts would invade Batcher's mind.

"I would be thinking about NASCAR racing or my kids or something else and then i would have to bring myself back to what the meeting was about," he said.

Batcher didn't recognize the signs of ADHD until one of his sons was diagnosed with the condition.

"I was the most surprised of all that I had a condition like this," Batcher said.

University of California San Diego psychiatrist Dr. David Feifel is an expert on ADHD.

"It's actually quite a highly prevalent condition -- much more prevalent that people realize," he said.

He said drug companies are realizing the need for adult ADHD medication.

"Those direct consumer ads are really raising people's awareness that there are new medications out there," Feifel said.

Adult ADHD treatments include Atomoxetine or Strattera. Both treatments are being studied at UCSD to see if it can improve productivity at work.

"I think some people are going to find this very attractive by the fact that this new medication, Atomoxetine, is not a stimulant and it's not a controlled substance," Feifel said.

Feifel said adults with ADHD don't struggle with hyperactivity, but problems with concentration and organization persist.

"They have a hard time addressing multi-step tasks, like how to organize and stay focused on it. Something comes along and they move onto something else," Feifel said.

Batcher was diagnosed with ADHD six years ago and has been medicated since. He said his life has changed for the better and gone are the frustrations and disorganization.

He said he has more time to spend bonding with his two sons.

"He's a lot calmer. He's more easy going now. He doesn't get frustrated as easily and he's pretty much just more free," 13-year-old David Batcher said.

"Well, I'm just more happier that he's nicer," 11-year-old Daniel Batcher said.

If you would like more information on UCSD's Adult ADHD study call (619) 543-3697.

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