Untreated ADHD in Adults - What should you do about it
ADHD, which stands for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, is a neurodevelopmental condition. People with ADHD often have trouble focusing and paying attention, find it hard to control their actions, and may be very energetic or restless.
While it is relatively common, it is frequently undiagnosed and untreated, with less than 25% of diagnosed adults with ADHD don’t get treatment at all
Untreated ADHD in adults can cause problems with getting things done, making friends, and other mental health issues like anxiety, depression, or use drugs or alcohol.
If someone thinks they have ADHD or knows they have it but haven’t been treated, it’s really important for them to talk to a doctor or mental health professional. With the right help, many people with ADHD can live successful and happy lives.
Signs of untreated ADHD in adults can show up in many ways:
- They might find it hard to do more than one thing at a time and get distracted easily.
- They might forget things often, act without thinking, and get frustrated quickly.
- Mood swings can be common, and they might have trouble listening, planning, and managing their time.
- Staying focused on tasks can be difficult, and they might feel restless.
- Adults with ADHD may also interrupt others while they are speaking, lose things, miss important deadlines, and have a hard time handling stress or frustration
ADHD in adults is often untreated for several reasons. Here are most common reasons
One major issue is a lack of awareness. Many people, including those with ADHD and healthcare providers, don’t fully understand how ADHD can affect adult behavior. This can lead to missed diagnoses and untreated symptoms.
Some clinicians believe that hyperactivity must be present to diagnose ADHD, which can lead them to overlook people who show mostly inattentive symptoms. This is especially common in women, who often present these symptoms and may be underdiagnosed. Additionally, adults with ADHD sometimes hyper-focus on tasks they enjoy, which can mislead clinicians into thinking they don’t have concentration problems.
Adults with ADHD may also develop coping mechanisms or self-medicate. They might choose fast-paced or varied careers, or rely on partners to help with organization. Some might use caffeine, alcohol, or drugs like cannabis, cocaine, or amphetamines to manage their symptoms without realizing they have ADHD.
Symptoms of ADHD, such as poor concentration and impulsivity, overlap with those of other conditions like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and borderline personality disorder. This overlap can lead to incorrect diagnoses.
Stigma is another barrier. Many adults suspect they have ADHD but avoid seeking an official diagnosis due to fear of being labeled or concerns about medication.
Lastly, poor access to healthcare and lack of adequate health insurance can prevent people from getting the treatment they need. High healthcare costs further complicate the issue, leaving many without the necessary support.
Imagine you’re trying to play a video game, but your controller is broken, and the screen keeps glitching. This is a bit like what it’s like to live with untreated ADHD as an adult. When ADHD isn’t diagnosed or treated, it can lead to several problems in daily life, just like a broken controller can mess up your game. Here are some of the common risks:
Adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have significantly lower quality of life compared to those without ADHD. Studies found that ADHD patients have lower scores across physical, psychological, social, and environmental domains
ADHD was found to negatively impact life productivity, psychological health, relationships, and life outlook. Adults with ADHD also reported less life enjoyment and satisfaction compared to non-ADHD participants.
Living with untreated ADHD in adults can be really tough on mental health. It can cause anxiety and depression because the symptoms make it hard to focus and control impulses.
Imagine feeling constantly frustrated because you can’t concentrate on your homework or chores. Over time, these challenges can make you feel low and irritated, affecting your self-esteem and overall mood. This is why it’s so important for people with ADHD to get help from mental health professionals.
When ADHD isn’t treated, some people might turn to drugs or alcohol to try to cope with their symptoms. Think of it like trying to fix your broken controller with tape and glue – it might seem like it helps at first, but it can lead to bigger problems.
Studies show that people with untreated ADHD are more likely to develop substance abuse issues because their impulsivity and poor decision-making skills make it hard to resist these risky behaviors.
Untreated ADHD can make it really difficult to do well at work. It’s like trying to do your homework while your game keeps pausing itself.
People with ADHD might struggle to finish tasks, follow instructions, and manage their time. They could also find it hard to get along with coworkers. This can lead to poor job performance and even losing their job. But with proper treatment, they can learn to manage their symptoms and succeed at work.
ADHD can also make relationships challenging. Imagine trying to have a entertain while your TV keeps changing channels by itself.
People with untreated ADHD might find it hard to focus on their partners, get easily distracted, or act impulsively without thinking of the consequences. They might forget important dates or struggle to keep up with household chores, making their partners feel overwhelmed and resentful. However, with treatment, many of these issues can be managed, leading to happier and more stable relationships.
Managing money can be another big challenge for adults with untreated ADHD. It’s like trying to save coins in a bucket with holes.
Impulsivity might lead them to spend money without thinking, and difficulties with organization and time management can make it hard to keep track of bills. This often leads to financial troubles. But with strategies to improve organization and reduce impulsivity, people with ADHD can better manage their finances and avoid these problems.
In summary, untreated ADHD can cause a lot of difficulties in various areas of life.
Getting diagnosed with ADHD as an adult often brings a sense of relief. It helps them understand that many of their challenges stem from how their brain works, rather than being personal failings. This realization can be very empowering and comforting.
For treating ADHD, doctors often prescribe stimulant medications, which are effective for both adults and children. There are also non-stimulant options that work well, though they take a bit longer to show results. While medications can help, they can also have side effects. For example, stimulants might not be suitable for someone with a history of substance use issues.
Therapy can be incredibly beneficial for adults with ADHD. Different types of psychotherapy can teach new strategies to manage ADHD traits. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is particularly useful because it helps change negative thinking patterns, making it easier to cope with daily challenges. Therapy can also address symptoms of other conditions that might occur alongside ADHD. Additionally, couples or family therapy can improve relationships by helping everyone understand and support the person with ADHD better.
Managing ADHD isn’t just about medication. Creating a supportive environment, using task management techniques, and utilizing note-taking apps can make a big difference. These methods help structure daily life in a way that suits the unique needs of someone with ADHD.
For more detailed tips and strategies, check out the full guide here.
Untreated ADHD in adults can can cause a lot of problems in their lives. They might struggle at work and have a hard time keeping good relationships with friends and family.
But the good news is that there are effective ways to manage ADHD. These can include taking medication prescribed by a doctor, going to therapy to talk about their challenges, learning new skills, tools to help them stay organized and focused.
With the right treatment, adults with ADHD can lead happy and successful lives.
