The Long-Term Effects of Untreated ADHD in Adults
Being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult may cause a variety of emotional issues. It can bring feelings of regret for missed opportunities or relief at finally finding a cause for your difficulties.
Untreated ADHD could have a long-lasting impact on relationships and finances, mental health and more. It is important that providers take into consideration the long-term effects of untreated ADHD among adults.
1. Mental Health Issues - Increased Risk
Adults with ADHD who are not treated might have trouble coping with negative emotions, particularly when confronted by challenges and setbacks. For instance, someone who is not treated for ADHD might forget significant dates or respond impulsively during sensitive conversations, which could cause tension in relationships. They might also fail to meet deadlines or make careless mistakes in professional settings, which may affect trust and dependability. In some instances it can increase feelings of frustration and inadequacy and create a negative self-image.
Adults who suffer from untreated ADHD might also face financial difficulties due to their lack of attention, disorganization and unpredictable behavior. They could, for instance spend money in a hurry or not keep track of their bills. Or, they might not pay their phone bill on time. This could lead to late charges and overdue payments. They may also have difficulty maintaining stable employment due to the frequent changes in their jobs and issues with attention, organization, and time management.
Studies show that the absence of a diagnosis of ADHD is associated with higher levels of mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety (Able et al. 2007) as well as social issues (Bishop-Fitzpatrick et al. (2018)) and a higher risk to unsafe sexual practices (Bargiela et al., 2016). Furthermore, it has been linked to 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 by pursuing treatment options such as therapy and psychoeducation. They can also reduce their risk of co-occurring disorders by keeping a close eye on their symptoms, and staying clear of certain medications that might affect them, such as stimulants. They should also be honest and transparent with their doctor about their symptoms and the impact they're having on their lives. This will allow them to receive medication that is most effective for their condition.
2. Increased adhd in adults untreated for Substance Use Disorders
Untreated ADHD patients are more likely to be diagnosed with a comorbidity diagnosis that includes addiction disorders. Inattention and impulsivity two ADHD symptoms that can cause drinking and drug use, are frequent. Studies have shown that someone with ADHD is more likely to be addicted to alcohol and drugs than people who do not have ADHD. This is believed to be due to the main ADHD symptoms as well as impulsivity and poor self-regulation. This can result in an increased risk of and alcohol use.
Untreated ADHD can increase the likelihood of developing addiction to drugs due to the combination of low levels of dopamine and impaired dopamine-receptors. Stimulants, such as Ritalin and Adderall, are commonly used to treat ADHD due to their ability to increase dopamine levels in the brain, which helps individuals focus and be more relaxed. But, long-term use of stimulants can cause serious negative side effects, like stroke, brain damage, heart attack and even death.
People with untreated ADHD are more likely to suffer from depression and have a higher chance of having suicidal thoughts which can contribute to addiction to drugs. Additionally, many people who are not treated for ADHD struggle with relationships and work. Untreated ADHD may also cause financial issues that make it difficult for people to keep sufficient health insurance.
Many adults are relieved when they receive the diagnosis of ADHD as an adult. They now know that their behavior was not their fault. Adults with ADHD should seek treatment. The first step is to consult with a physician who will provide you with a proper medication evaluation and recommend the right medications for your particular requirements. It is important to disclose any health conditions or medications is essential because some ADHD medication can interact with certain substances.
3. Increased Risk of Anxiety and Depression
Untreated ADHD can cause long-lasting consequences that can affect a person's overall quality of life. These include difficulty at home, work and social interactions bad relationships, low self-esteem and a negative outlook, as well as depression and anxiety.
Adults who suffer from ADHD might have difficulty managing relationships or maintain friendships due to difficulty paying attention in conversations, ignoring important dates, and being unorganized or impulsive. Additionally, those with untreated ADHD frequently have difficulty navigating workplace hierarchies and managing long-term projects due to difficulty meeting deadlines. In some cases this may cause unemployment, lower job satisfaction, and increased levels of anxiety and stress.
Ginsberg and colleagues (64) conducted a systematic review of the outcomes that are associated with the underdiagnosis or undertreatment of ADHD. Their findings showed that untreated ADHD can have negative effects on academic achievement, psychiatric comorbidities, substance abuse, employment, antisocial behaviour, driving, and physical health (e.g., smoking, obesity, poor sleep).
In addition to obtaining the correct diagnosis of ADHD Certain adults also require other treatment strategies. These include behavioural interventions such as behavioral therapy, and lifestyle changes such as a healthier diet and exercise. Certain people with ADHD may also benefit from taking medication. The medications that are prescribed include stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall). Trials of medication begin with a small dose to determine how the person responds prior to adjusting the dosage.
Achieving a clear diagnosis and establishing treatment early is essential to better managing ADHD symptoms. These symptoms can also be a reflection of other illnesses like depression and anxiety, which is why it's crucial to seek an in-depth evaluation from a health care provider or mental health professional to determine what's the reason for these symptoms.
4. Increased Risk of Physical Health Issues
Untreated ADHD can make it difficult for adults to keep up with regular health routines. They may skip appointments or refills on prescriptions, and they might struggle with adherence to eating, exercise, and sleep schedules. This can exacerbate existing health issues such as hypertension or heart disease. They may also have difficulty handling financial matters, resulting in impulsive spending or a late payment of bills. This can also exacerbate chronic health conditions that result from mental disorders that are underlying such as depression and anxiety.
In addition, those suffering from untreated ADHD often find it challenging to maintain relationships and social support networks. Their symptoms, such as forgetting to fulfill household responsibilities or ignoring their partner being easily distracted during conversations, can result in relationship issues. They might also have difficulty remembering important occasions like birthdays or anniversaries. This can lead to stress and tension in their romantic relationships, which could eventually cause a breakup.
For many adults, symptom management and lifestyle changes can make a a significant difference in the quality of life. They can utilize lists and reminders to manage their forgetfulness, develop structured daily routines to reduce variability and also engage in physical activities to help them overcome restlessness. They can also work closely with their physician to determine the appropriate medication dosage that will help them improve their symptoms while minimizing any side negative effects.
It is crucial to seek help when you're struggling with the symptoms of ADHD. People who delay treatment might end in blaming themselves for their struggles, seeing these as flaws in their character, and creating a vicious cycle that has negative effects on both their physical and mental health. Getting an accurate diagnosis and starting treatment as soon as is possible will prevent these issues from occurring.
5. Suicide Risk Increased
It is not uncommon to find people suffering from untreated ADHD who are diagnosed to resort to self-destructive coping mechanisms. This can include drinking or using drugs that may cause mental health issues and lead to a downward spiral of symptoms.
People with ADHD might also have issues maintaining relationships because of their impulsivity. They may struggle to manage emotions. They may be late for important dates or fall off the ball in conversations, leaving significant others feeling inadequate and dissatisfied. They might also impulsively accept something, only to later regret it, which could affect friendships. In the workplace, people who suffer from untreated ADHD often miss deadlines and lose credibility because of their lack of organization and inability to follow through on commitments.
The challenges that come with living with ADHD can be a recipe for anxiety and depression and can lead to suicide attempts. A study showed that people who suffer from untreated ADHD are at an increased risk of suicidal behavior regardless of any 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 must be noted that the participants in the study were predominantly female and only a small percentage of them had a diagnosis of ADHD-H. Therefore, future research should focus on larger samples to ensure reliable results. Additionally, the studies were conducted using questionnaires, and therefore the results must be validated with diagnostic interviews.