The Long-Term Effects of Untreated ADHD in Adults
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD as an adult can bring up complicated emotions. It can trigger feelings of regret for missed opportunities or feelings of relief at finding a reason for your difficulties.
Untreated ADHD may have a long-term effect on relationships, finances, mental health, and more. It is crucial that healthcare providers be aware of the long-term implications of untreated ADHD in adults.
1. Higher Risk of Mental Health Issues
Adults suffering from untreated ADHD may struggle to manage negative emotions, especially in the face of difficulties and setbacks. For instance, someone with untreated ADHD might forget significant dates or respond impulsively during sensitive conversations, which can cause tension in relationships. They might also fail to meet deadlines or make naive errors in professional settings. This can affect confidence and trust. In certain situations this can trigger feelings of anger and inadequacy, creating a pessimistic self-image.
In addition, those with untreated ADHD might face financial issues due to their lack of focus, disorganization and impulsive behavior. For instance, they may spend money on impulse or fail to keep track of their expenses. Or they may not pay their phone bill on time. This could lead to late charges and overdue payment. They may also find it difficult to maintain a stable job due to frequent changes of jobs and struggles with organization, time management and focus.
Undiagnosed ADHD has been linked to higher rates of mental issues such as depression and social issues (Bishop Fitzpatrick et. al. 2018) and a higher vulnerability to unsafe sexual behaviors (Bargiela and al. 2016). Furthermore, it has been linked to a lower quality of life and an increased risk of developing chronic health conditions like obesity and heart disease.
Fortunately, people with untreated ADHD can benefit through treatment options that include therapy and psychoeducation. They can also reduce the risk of having co-occurring conditions by keeping a close eye on their symptoms and making sure they aren't taking certain medications, such as stimulants, that may interact with them. They should also be open and honest with their healthcare provider about their symptoms and how they impact their life, which will allow providers to prescribe the medications that are most effective for them.
2. Increased Risk for Substance Use Disorders
Untreated ADHD patients are more likely to receive a comorbid diagnosis, which includes addiction disorders. ADHD symptoms such as inattention and excessive impulsivity can result in drug addiction and alcohol dependence. Research has shown that people who suffers from ADHD is more likely to become addicted to drugs and alcohol than people who don't have ADHD. This is thought to be due to the primary ADHD symptoms of impulsivity and poor self-regulation, which can cause a higher risk for experimenting with drug and alcohol use.
Untreated ADHD can increase the risk of drug addiction due to the combination of low levels of dopamine and impaired dopamine receptors. Stimulants like Ritalin or Adderall are commonly used to treat ADHD. They raise dopamine levels in the brain, and aid in helping people to focus and remain calm. However, long-term use of stimulants can cause serious side effects such as stroke, heart attack, brain damage and even death.
Untreated ADHD can cause depression and suicidal ideas. This could lead to substance abuse. Untreated ADHD can also result in issues with relationships and work. Untreated ADHD can also result in financial issues that make it difficult for people to keep adequate health coverage.
Being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood can come as a relief to many adults who are able to see that their behavior isn't their own fault. online adhd treatment for adults suffering from ADHD should seek treatment. The first step is to consult with a doctor who will provide you with a proper assessment of your medication and recommend the appropriate medications for your individual needs. Be sure to disclose any other health issues or medications you are taking for, as certain ADHD medications may interact with certain substances.
3. Anxiety and depression are more likely to happen.
Untreated ADHD can have a negative impact on a person's quality of living. This can be a problem at home, at work and social interactions. Additionally, they may experience feelings of low self esteem, a pessimistic outlook and depression.
Adults who suffer from ADHD can have difficulty maintaining relationships or establishing friendships due to the fact that they are easily distracted, forget important dates, or are unable to pay attention. Additionally, people who are not treated for ADHD frequently have difficulty working through workplace hierarchy and managing long-term projects due difficulties meeting deadlines. This can lead to unemployment, lower occupational status and increased levels of stress and anxiety.
Ginsberg and colleagues (64) conducted an extensive review of results associated with underdiagnosis and undertreatment of ADHD. Their findings revealed that untreated ADHD adversely affects academic achievement as well as psychiatric and co-morbidities, substance use, employment, antisocial behavior, driving, and health (e.g. smoking, obesity and sleep problems).
Certain adults may benefit from other therapies in addition to obtaining an accurate diagnosis of ADHD. These include behavioral therapies like behavioral therapy and lifestyle changes such as a better diet and exercise. Medication is also an effective alternative for people suffering from ADHD. Medications that may be prescribed include stimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall). Medication trials start with a small dose to observe how the patient responds, before increasing the dosage.
It is crucial to receive a correct diagnosis and start treatment early to manage ADHD symptoms. These symptoms can also be a reflection of other disorders, such as depression and anxiety, which is why it's important to get an accurate assessment by medical professional or mental health specialist to determine what's the reason for these symptoms.
4. Risk Increased for Physical Health Issues
Adults with untreated ADHD may find it difficult to maintain their regular healthcare routines. They may miss appointments, have difficulty filling prescriptions, and struggle to adhere to eating, sleeping, and exercise schedules. This can cause health problems like heart disease and hypertension. They may also have difficulty dealing with financial issues, resulting in impulsive spending or late payment of bills. This can also lead to the onset of chronic health conditions that result from mental disorders that are underlying, including anxiety and depression.
Untreated ADHD can make it difficult for people to maintain their social networks and relationships. The symptoms, like forgetting to fulfill household responsibilities, ignoring their partner or becoming easily distracted during conversations, may result in relationship issues. They may also be unable to remember important events like birthdays and anniversaries. This can lead to tension and stress in their romantic relationships.
For many adults, managing symptoms and lifestyle modifications can make a a significant difference in the quality of their life. They can use lists to help manage their forgetfulness. They can create structured daily routines in order to reduce variability. Additionally, they can engage in physical exercise to help them overcome their restlessness. They should also collaborate with their doctor to determine the proper dosage of medication that will help them improve their symptoms while minimizing any side consequences.
For those who are struggling with the symptoms of untreated ADHD is crucial to seek out help. In the absence of treatment, it can result in people blaming their problems on themselves, internalizing them, and creating a vicious cycle that negatively impacts their physical and mental health. Getting an accurate diagnosis and beginning treatment as early as possible will help prevent these complications from occurring.
5. Increased Risk of Suicide
It is not unusual for those with untreated ADHD who are diagnosed to use self-destructive coping strategies. This may include using alcohol or other drugs that can lead over time to other mental health issues and contribute to a downward cycle of symptoms.
People with ADHD can also have trouble maintaining relationships due to their impulsivity. They may struggle to manage emotions. They might be late for important dates or fall off the track during conversations, leaving loved ones feeling unappreciated and angry. They could also be impulsively accept something, only to later regret it, which can strain friendships. Adults suffering from untreated ADHD are often disorganized and lose their credibility at work because they don't adhere to their commitments.
Unfortunately, the challenges that come with living with ADHD can be a recipe for depression and anxiety and can result in suicide attempts. If not treated, ADHD is associated with a higher risk of suicide, regardless if comorbidities are present. 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 must be noted that the participants in the study were mostly female, and only a small number of people were diagnosed with ADHD-H. Therefore, future research should focus on larger sample sizes to ensure the accuracy of results. Furthermore, the research was conducted using questionnaires, and therefore results should be validated using diagnostic interviews.