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COLUMBIA (WACH) -  Jenna Barrett suffers from attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). 

The 38-year-old teacher was diagnosed more than 10 years ago and says for years, everyday tasks were overwhelming.

"You feel like you're in this never ending circle," said Jenna Barrett.

Focusing on simple things became a challenge for Barrett. The mother of one found out her son was also suffering from ADHD, after a teacher pointed out behaviors she could relate to.

"The paperwork, the school stuff, the studying those things were always the things I felt I couldn't get a grasp on without help," said Barrett

Columbia ADHD specialist Dr. Joel Sussman says more adults suffer from the disorder and may not even be aware of it.

While most people think hyperactivity is the number one sign of the disorder, Sussman says for adults, difficulty with daily tasks is one of the most common signs.

"The disorganization, the difficulty getting their lives in order..they either fail in various forms of life or succeed with lots of anxiety," said Sussman.

Sussman also suffers from the disorder and he says some simple steps can help control attention deficit disorder including getting enough sleep each night, eating healthy and exercising.

"First thing I do is try to get their lifestyle as smooth as smooth can be. Than if they get that done and are still struggling we can talk about medicine but until they live right medicine will do no good," adds Sussman.

"I would not be as organized I would not be as calm and secure probably as I am right now," said Barrett.

Barrett says she and her son are doing well despite living with ADHD. Instead of it being something that holds them back the two moving forward with their lives.