Political analyst James Carville didn't know he had attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) until he was in his late 50s. But that's not unusual. It's estimated that adult ADHD affects more than 8 million folks in the U.S. and up to 80% may be unaware they have the condition.

Although being diagnosed later in life may come as a big surprise, it offers a chance to address troubling issues that affect your personal and work life.

According to Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD), a diagnosis of adult ADHD is determined by symptoms such as difficulty with personal interaction, impulsiveness, restlessness, and difficulty paying attention; the duration of symptoms; and the degree to which these symptoms harm your everyday life.

For example, you may have lost a job because of ADHD symptoms, experienced excessive marital problems, or gotten into financial trouble. In addition, someone who knew you as a child needs to verify you had unacknowledged symptoms back then.

Once diagnosed, there are nonmedical approaches adults can use to ease ADHD symptoms.

Those include cognitive behavioral therapy — which gives you tools to deal with stresses caused by ADHD — and neurofeedback, which teaches you how to regulate your brain waves to improve brain function and emotional well-being.

Family or couples counseling can also be helpful.

Plus, an ADHD coach can help you navigate work and family life more successfully. Check out info on ADHD coaches at chadd.org/about-adhd/coaching and adhdcoaches.org.

It's never too late to address the issues that are making life more difficult for you — and those around you.