A neurobehavioral illness is known as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) frequently begins in childhood. Adults can be affected by ADHD, whether or not they were diagnosed as children.
Unfortunately, it is typical for adults with ADHD to go untreated, either because they are unaware of the need for treatment or because they are unaware that they have ADHD.
This article looks at the long-term consequences of untreated ADHD in adults, including how it can influence essential aspects of their lives.
Risks Of Undiagnosed ADHD In Adults
Adults with ADHD do not have the same symptoms as children. This could explain why many adults with the disorder fail to notice the inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity that characterize the disorder in children. Adults with ADHD are less likely to be hyperactive, but they may still experience other symptoms that impair their ability to perform in various aspects of life.
If people with ADHD are not treated, it can have a substantial impact on their lives. It can also have an impact on others who live with them. You can read more about these effects on this page as well.
The following are some of the dangers of untreated ADHD in adults:
Substance And Alcohol Abuse
The same study also found a correlation between ADHD symptoms and an increased risk of misusing psychoactive substances, drinking too much alcohol, and developing a nicotine addiction.
A Higher Mortality Rate
According to a 2015 study, ADHD is linked to a considerably higher mortality rate. When compared to people who had a true ADHD diagnosis in childhood, the mortality rate ratio was considerably greater in those who obtained an ADHD diagnosis in adulthood.
Job Insecurity
Untreated ADHD in adults can contribute to job insecurity, according to a comprehensive assessment of various research.
When compared to individuals without ADHD, those with ADHD are less likely to graduate from college or high school, making it more difficult to maintain a regular wage. Another study backs up this theory, claiming that adults with ADHD may struggle to stay focused at work, making it difficult to hold down a job for long periods of time.
Adults with ADHD may be less likely to be self-sufficient due to financial constraints, according to the study.
Negative Parent-Child Dynamics
Untreated ADHD in adults, according to another study, can lead to difficulties in parent-child relationships. Parents with ADHD may struggle to regulate their emotions and impulses, resulting in frustration and conflict with their children.
Anxiety And Low Self-Esteem
Women with ADHD are more prone to have low self-esteem. They’re also more prone to suffer from substantial mental health issues like severe anxiety and depression. Chronic stress caused by these problems might lead to additional health problems, such as fibromyalgia.
Relationship Issues
According to a 2016 study, spouses of people with ADHD may feel more neglected than spouses of those without ADHD symptoms.
The study had a limited sample size, but it discovered that spouses of people with ADHD report reduced marital satisfaction and intimacy. However, it’s worth noting that the study relied on self-report questionnaires rather than examining anyone’s medical history of ADHD.
According to several studies, spouses of women with ADHD are less tolerant of their partners’ actions than wives of men with ADHD.
Before researchers can draw any strong conclusions, further studies with larger sample numbers must be conducted in this area.
Signs of Untreated ADHD As An Adult
Adults with untreated ADHD may experience the following symptoms:
- Multitasking difficulties
- Distractibility
- Forgetfulness
- Impulsivity
- Low frustration tolerance
- Mood swings
- Poor listening skills
- Poor planning
- Poor time management
- Problems remaining on target
- Restlessness
Adults with ADHD may also struggle to deal with stress or frustration, misplace items, miss crucial deadlines, and interrupt people when they are speaking.
The problem is that these symptoms are frequently misdiagnosed as immaturity or worry or sadness. Misdiagnosis or under-diagnosis leads to under-treatment because patients with ADHD commonly have those symptoms as well.
