The Long-Term Effects of Untreated ADHD in Adults
Being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult may bring up complicated emotions. It can cause feelings of regret over missed opportunities or relief at finally finding a cause for your struggles.
Untreated ADHD may have a long-term impact on relationships and finances, mental health, and more. It is important for providers to think about the long-term implications of untreated ADHD in adults.
1. Increased Risk of Mental Health Issues
Adults with ADHD who are not treated may have difficulty managing negative emotions, especially when confronted by difficulties and setbacks. For instance, a person with untreated ADHD might forget significant dates or react impulsively in sensitive conversations, which can cause tension in relationships. They may also fail to meet deadlines or make mistakes in professional settings, which can impact trust and dependability. In some instances, this can amplify feelings of discontent and unworthiness which can create a negative self-image.
Adults who suffer from untreated ADHD might also face financial issues due to their inattention and disorganization as well as impulsive behavior. For instance, they may spend money on impulse or not keep track of their expenses. Or, they might not pay their phone bill on time. This could result in late charges and overdue payments. They may also face difficulties finding a stable job due to their frequent job changes and difficulties with attention to organization, time, and attention management.
Undiagnosed ADHD has been linked to higher rates of mental health issues, including depression and social issues (Bishop Fitzpatrick et. al. 2018), and a greater vulnerability to unsafe sexual behaviors (Bargiela and al. 2016). It is also linked to a lower quality of living and an increased risk of chronic conditions like heart disease and weight gain.
Fortunately, people with untreated ADHD can benefit by pursuing treatment options such as therapy and psychoeducation. They can also learn to reduce the risk of co-occurring diseases by keeping a close eye on their symptoms and ensuring they don't take certain medications, such as stimulants, which could affect them. They can also be open and honest with their doctor about their symptoms and how they impact their lives and enable them to prescribe medication that is most effective for them.
2. Increased Risk of Substance Use Disorders
Untreated ADHD patients are more likely to be diagnosed with a comorbid diagnosis that includes addiction disorders. ADHD symptoms such as inattention and impulsivity can lead to drug addiction and alcohol dependence. More with ADHD has a higher chance of becoming addicted to alcohol and drugs than someone without ADHD. This is believed to be due to the primary ADHD symptoms as well as impulsivity and poor self-regulation. These may result in an increased risk of drug and alcohol usage.
Untreated ADHD can increase the risk of addiction to drugs because of the combination of low levels of dopamine as well as impaired dopamine-receptors. The stimulants, such as Ritalin and Adderall are frequently used to treat ADHD due to their ability to increase dopamine levels in the brain, allowing people to focus and stay calm. However, prolonged usage of stimulants can result in serious side effects, such as heart attack, stroke as well as brain damage and death.
People who are not treated for ADHD might be more likely to experience depression and have a higher risk for suicidal thoughts, which may contribute to the development of the use of drugs. In addition, many people with untreated ADHD struggle with relationships and work. Untreated ADHD can also lead to financial problems that make it difficult for people to keep the right health insurance coverage.
Many adults feel content when they get a diagnosis of ADHD as an adult. They are now aware that their behavior was not their fault. However, it is important for those suffering from ADHD to seek treatment. First, you should consult a doctor to get an accurate assessment of your medication and receive the best medications to meet your needs. Make sure to inform your doctor about any other health issues or medications you take, as some ADHD medications may interact with certain substances.
3. Increased risk of depression and anxiety
Untreated ADHD can affect a person's quality of living. These include difficulty at work, home and social interactions, poor relationships, low self-esteem, a negative outlook, and anxiety and depression.
Adults suffering from ADHD can have difficulty maintaining friendships or managing relationships because they are impulsive and forget important dates or have trouble paying attention. Adults suffering from untreated ADHD might also have trouble managing long-term projects and navigate the workplace hierarchy due their inability to meet deadlines. This can result in joblessness, decreased occupational status and increased levels of anxiety and stress.
Ginsberg and his colleagues (64) conducted a thorough study of the effects of ADHD underdiagnosis. Their findings revealed that untreated ADHD has negative consequences on academic performance, psychiatric comorbidities, substance abuse, employment, antisocial behaviour driving, physical health (e.g., obesity, smoking and poor sleep).
Some adults can benefit from other therapies in addition to obtaining an accurate diagnosis of ADHD. These include behavioral treatments like behavioral therapy, and lifestyle modifications like improved diet and exercise. Medication is a viable alternative for people suffering from ADHD. Stimulants such as dextroamphetamine and the methylphenidate, which is also known as Ritalin (Ritalin) can be prescribed. Trials of medication begin with a low dose to see how the individual responds before adjusting the dosage.
Making sure you have a proper diagnosis and establishing treatment as soon as possible is crucial for better managing ADHD symptoms. The symptoms of ADHD may be similar to symptoms of depression or anxiety. It is important to have a mental health professional or a health care professional evaluate your symptoms to determine the root cause.
4. Increased Risk of Physical Health Issues
Untreated ADHD can make it difficult for adults to adhere to regular healthcare routines. They might miss appointments, have trouble getting prescriptions filled, or struggle to adhere to the diet, sleep and exercise routines. This can lead to conditions such as hypertension and heart disease. They may also have difficulty managing their finances. This can lead to buying impulse-driven items or making late payments on bills. This can lead to the worsening of chronic health issues that stem from mental disorders like anxiety and depression.
Additionally, those with untreated ADHD often have a difficult time to maintain relationships and social networks. The symptoms, like neglecting to meet household obligations, ignoring their partner or being easily distracted during conversations, can result in relationship issues. They may also have trouble remembering important occasions like birthdays or anniversary celebrations. This can cause tension and stress in their romantic relationships.
Many adults can improve their lives by making lifestyle changes and managing symptoms. They can use lists to manage their forgetfulness. They can develop regular routines for their day in order to decrease the amount of variability. Additionally, they can engage in physical activity to help them manage their restlessness. They can also consult with a doctor to develop an appropriate medication dosage that can help ease their symptoms without causing negative side effects.
It is crucial to seek help if you are struggling with the symptoms of ADHD. Patients who put off treatment may end up blaming themselves for their difficulties, interpreting them as character flaws, and creating a vicious cycle that adversely affects their mental and physical health. Early diagnosis and treatment will help to prevent these complications.
5. Increased Risk of Suicide
A diagnosis of ADHD can be taken as a sign of a character flaw and it is uncommon for those suffering from untreated ADHD to resort to self-destructive or harmful coping strategies. This could include the use of alcohol or drugs, which can lead to other mental health issues over time and can cause the deterioration of symptoms.
People with ADHD may also have difficulty maintaining relationships due to their impulsivity, and they may have difficulty managing their emotions. They may be late for important dates or fall off the ball in conversations, leaving loved ones feeling unappreciated and angry. They might also impulsively accept something only to later regret it, which could strain friendships. In the workplace, adults with untreated ADHD often miss deadlines and lose credibility due to of their disorganization and inability to follow through on commitments.
The challenges faced by people living with ADHD can create a perfect recipe for depression and anxiety and can result in suicide attempts. If not treated, ADHD is associated with a higher likelihood 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 should be noted that the participants in the study were primarily female, and only a small number of individuals had a diagnosis of ADHD-H, so future research should strive for larger sample sizes to ensure accurate results. In addition, the studies were conducted using questionnaires, and therefore results should be validated using diagnostic interviews.