The Long-Term Effects of Untreated ADHD in Adults
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD as an adult can bring up complicated emotions. It may trigger feelings of grief for lost opportunities or relief that you now have a concrete explanation for your challenges.
Untreated ADHD can have a long-term impact on relationships and finances, mental health and much more. It is important for providers to take into consideration the long-term consequences of untreated ADHD in adults.
1. Increased Risk of Mental Health Problems
Adults with ADHD who are not treated might have trouble coping with negative emotions, especially when confronted with difficulties and setbacks. For example, a person with untreated ADHD might forget significant dates or react impulsively in sensitive conversations, which could cause tension in relationships. They might also fail to meet deadlines or make a mistake in professional settings, which could affect trust and dependability. In certain situations it can increase feelings of anger and inadequacy which can create a negative self-image.
Additionally, people with untreated ADHD might face financial issues as a result of their inattention, disorganization, and impulsive behaviors. They might, for example spend money in a hurry or fail to keep track of their bills. Or, they might forget to pay the phone bill on time. This could lead to late charges and overdue payment. adhd symptoms adults treatment may also find it difficult to keep a steady job due to their frequent changes of jobs and difficulties with time management, organization and focus.
Undiagnosed ADHD has been linked with higher rates of mental disorders, such as depression and social problems (Bishop Fitzpatrick et. al. 2018), and a greater risk of engaging in sexually unsafe behaviors (Bargiela and al. 2016). Moreover it has been linked with lower quality of life as well as an increased risk of chronic health conditions like obesity and heart disease.
Luckily, adults with untreated ADHD can benefit through treatment options that include therapy and psychoeducation. They can also learn to reduce their risks of co-occurring disorders by keeping a close watch on their symptoms and making sure they don't use certain medications, such as stimulants, that could interact with them. They can be honest and upfront with their healthcare provider regarding their symptoms and the impact they can have on their lives. This will allow them to receive medication that is most effective for their condition.
2. Increased Risk of Substance Use Disorders
A co-occurring diagnosis of ADHD and substance use disorder (SUD) is all too common for people living with untreated ADHD. Inattention and impulsivity two ADHD symptoms that can lead to addiction to alcohol and drugs are very prevalent. Someone with ADHD has a higher chance of becoming dependent on alcohol and other drugs than those who do not have ADHD. This is thought to be due to the primary ADHD symptoms of impulsivity and low self-regulation, which can lead to a higher chance of experimenting with drugs and alcohol use.
The combination of low levels of dopamine and impaired dopamine receptors triggered by untreated ADHD can also increase the risk for addiction to drugs. Stimulants such as Ritalin or Adderall are commonly used to treat ADHD. They increase dopamine in the brain and help people to focus and remain calm. However, prolonged usage of stimulants can cause serious side effects, such as stroke, heart attack, brain damage and even death.
Untreated ADHD can cause depression and suicidal thoughts. This can lead to addiction. Untreated ADHD can also lead to relationship and work problems. Untreated ADHD can also result in financial issues that make it difficult for people to keep sufficient health insurance.
Many adults feel content when they get an diagnosis of ADHD as an adult. They can now see that their behavior was not their fault. However, it is crucial for people suffering from ADHD to seek treatment. The first step is to speak with a doctor who can give you a complete medical evaluation and suggest the appropriate medications for your particular requirements. Disclosure of any health conditions or medications is crucial, as some ADHD medication may interact with certain substances.
3. Increased Risk of Depression and Anxiety
Untreated ADHD can cause long-lasting consequences that affect a person's quality of life. These can include difficulties at home, at work and in social interactions and relationships, feelings of low self-esteem, a negative outlook, as well as anxiety and depression.
Adults suffering from ADHD may struggle to manage relationships or maintain friendships due to difficulties in paying attention to conversations, not remembering important dates, and being impulsive or disorganized. Adults who are not treated for ADHD may also have difficulty managing long-term projects and navigate the hierarchy of work due to their inability to meet deadlines. In some cases this may result in unemployment, a decrease in job satisfaction, and increased levels of stress and anxiety.
Ginsberg and his coworkers (64) carried out a comprehensive study of the effects of ADHD underdiagnosis. Their findings indicated that untreated ADHD negatively impacts academic achievement, psychiatric co-morbidities, substance use and employment, antisocial behavior, driving, and health (e.g. obesity, smoking, poor sleeping).
Certain adults may benefit from other treatments in addition to receiving an accurate diagnosis of ADHD. This could include behavioural treatments like behavioral therapy, as well as lifestyle modifications such as improved diet and exercise. Certain people with ADHD might also benefit from medication. The medications that are prescribed include stimulants, such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall). In the beginning, the medication trial starts at a low dosage to see how the individual responds.
Achieving a clear diagnosis and starting treatment as soon as possible is crucial for better managing ADHD symptoms. The symptoms can be similar to those of other illnesses like anxiety and depression, so it's important to get a thorough evaluation by an expert in health care or mental health professional to determine what is the reason for these symptoms.
4. Higher Risk of Physical Health Problems
Untreated ADHD can make it difficult for adults to adhere to regular healthcare routines. They might miss appointments, have trouble getting prescriptions filled, and struggle with adherence to eating, sleeping and exercise routines. This can exacerbate health issues such as hypertension and heart disease. They may also be having difficulty managing financial matters. This can lead to impulse purchases or late payments on bills. This can also exacerbate chronic health conditions that result from mental disorders like depression and anxiety.
Untreated ADHD can cause people to be unable to maintain their social networks and relationships. Their symptoms, such as forgetting to fulfill household responsibilities or ignoring their partner becoming easily distracted during conversations, may result in relationship issues. They may also have trouble remembering important dates, such as birthdays or anniversaries. This can lead to tension and stress in their romantic relationships.
For many adults, symptom management and lifestyle changes can make an enormous difference in the quality of life. They can use lists to help manage their forgetfulness. They can create regular routines for their day in order to reduce the variability. Additionally, they can engage in physical activity to help them conquer their anxiety. They can also work with a doctor to develop the right dosage of medication that can help ease their symptoms but not cause any negative adverse side adverse effects.
For those who are struggling to cope with the symptoms of untreated ADHD, it's crucial to seek assistance. In the absence of treatment, it can lead to people blame their issues on themselves, focusing on the issues and triggering a cycle that negatively impacts their physical and mental well-being. Finding a reliable diagnosis and starting treatment as early as possible will prevent these issues from occurring.
5. Suicide Risk Increased
A diagnosis of ADHD could be mistakenly interpreted as a flaw in character and it is uncommon for people with untreated ADHD to resort to self-destructive or harmful ways of coping. This could include using alcohol or other drugs, which can lead over time to other mental health problems and contribute to a downward cycle of symptoms.
People who suffer from ADHD might also have issues maintaining relationships due to their impulsivity. They might struggle with managing emotions. They may not be able to attend important events or drop off in conversations, leaving their loved ones feeling unappreciated and angry. They may also agree to an unwise decision and then regret it. This can affect friendships. Adults who are not treated for ADHD tend to be disorganized and lose their credibility at work because they can't follow through.
The difficulties of living with ADHD can lead to depression and anxiety. They can be a trigger for suicide attempts. One study found that people with untreated ADHD are at a greater risk risk of suicidal behavior regardless of the comorbidities. It also found that adult ADHD-related impulsivity and hyperactivity predicted temper outbursts/hitting/throwing and that adult ADHD-related inattention predicted threats/actual self-harm.
However, it should be noted that the subjects in the study were mostly female and only a small number of people had a diagnosis of ADHD-H. Therefore, future research should strive for larger sample sizes to ensure accurate results. The studies were also built on questionnaires. Therefore, results should be verified through diagnostic interviews.