What Happens If ADHD is Left Untreated in Adults?
Untreated ADHD can lead to a myriad of problems for adults. These include problems with work, relationships and mental health.
Many times, people who suffer from untreated ADHD have low self-esteem as well as a negative view of the world. adhd treatment for adults medication can make them feel like failures at work and at home.
Inattention and lack of Focus
It is normal to have trouble focusing from time-to-time especially after a long day at work or school. If you begin to notice that your focus is decreasing and it's impacting your everyday life, it may be time to consider seeking help. If you are struggling to keep up with the daily chores, miss out on important social events, regularly get lost items or make mistakes at work that impact your reputation, it could indicate an issue that is more serious.
The signs of untreated ADHD can cause problems with relationships as well. People with ADHD tend to lose focus on their partner, which can cause them to fight and break up. They can also speak before they think, which could result in them saying something that they later regret. This lack of self control can be especially difficult on a partner if they are feeling stressed, anxious or even angry.
It's more difficult to keep track of budgets when someone has ADHD which could result in late payments or a missed bill. This is due to the impulsivity and inattention of ADHD can lead to poor choices that can affect the savings and budgets. If you are struggling to manage your money and you have ADHD, seeking diagnosis and treatment can be a smart choice.
Adults suffering from ADHD typically have difficulty working in a workplace, since they find it harder to keep deadlines on track and follow instructions and effectively work with colleagues. These issues can lead to them losing out on promotions or even being denied employment. Inability to concentrate when driving can result in accidents or injuries. You are more likely than someone without ADHD to be distracted by road noises from other drivers or the environment. Your self-esteem, emotional well-being and mental health can be negatively affected by your inability to focus. If you have noticed that your symptoms affect your daily functioning, speak with our team to request an ADHD assessment today.
Relationship problems
ADHD symptoms such as disorganization, forgetfulness and impulsive behavior could result in serious relationship issues. It's not uncommon for people who are not ADHD to be frustrated, resentful, and even abandoning their ADHD partner. This can result in a tangle of negative emotions that may cause relationship stress and even a break-up.
ADHD can also cause problems in relationships with family members and friends. It can lead to financial strain when someone is unable to pay bills or manage their finances effectively. It can also cause emotional stress when one reacts in a different way and experiences rapid mood swings.
A common issue that arises when someone with ADHD is untreated is that their partner or spouse begins to over-help them. This is a problem since it stops a person suffering from ADHD from being independent. This can result in the person with ADHD feeling resentful towards their partner or spouse because they always take the care of them.
Another problem that can be experienced when someone with ADHD is not treated in relationships is that they interpret their partner's actions and think they are acting with the wrong motives. When a partner with ADHD does not show up to an appointment and is interpreted as a sign that they don't appreciate your relationship or you.
If someone with ADHD isn't receiving the right treatment, they could experience cognitive issues that can hinder their ability to comprehend and respond effectively to the needs of others. They may struggle to comprehend complex ideas or tend to ignore important information when they listen. They might also have difficulty with self-control when speaking which can manifest in disrupting others or speaking over them.
Your partner and you can resolve these issues by speaking consistently and in a clear manner. It's a good idea to encourage everyone to meet regularly as a family to discuss issues and come up with ways to work together to solve these issues. If this doesn't work then it's the time to explore couples counseling so that you can learn new ways to communicate and strategies for organising outside of the therapy room.
Health-related Issues
Adults with ADHD have a difficult time controlling their emotions and impulses, which could create problems in their personal and professional life. Their impulsive nature can cause them to engage in actions that can be harmful to themselves and others or can lead to risky behavior like reckless driving which can result in injury or even death. They may also have difficulty to manage their daily life tasks, including staying organized, meeting deadlines or completing tasks at work.
The symptoms of ADHD don't present the same way for adults as they do in children, which can result in misdiagnosis and missed treatment options. Adults may be experiencing symptoms such as difficulty paying attention in class, unorganized work or not remembering social plans or meetings. They might be unable to prioritize their work or complete long-term projects which can impact their career and financial stability. They might have trouble reading situational social cues and tend to interrupt others often or interfere in their conversations, which can create tension in relationships and make it difficult to make meaningful friendships.
In addition, they might struggle to maintain healthy lifestyles and may miss regular health screenings, which can cause physical health problems like hypertension, heart disease, or obesity. They might experience sleeplessness because their minds are racing with thoughts that distract them. Or they may consume unhealthy food which leads to weight gain and poorer health.
Untreated ADHD can lead to depression and other mood disorders, which can drastically affect the quality of a person's life. They may lose confidence and self-esteem, and find it difficult to maintain relationships or jobs as their behavior gets worse. Some adults with undiagnosed ADHD resign themselves to an unfulfilling life and may become depressed or develop suicidal thoughts.
Luckily, ADHD is highly treatable with medication. There are a variety of medications to choose from and health professionals will take into consideration the individual's specific symptoms when determining the most effective treatment plan. Some adults might need to test a variety of medications and dosages before finding the one that is right for them, but most people report that they are more productive at work, school and at home after their symptoms have been treated with medications.
Depression
Untreated ADHD can lead to depression in a large number of people. Both conditions share similar symptoms and often occur together. Depression is more than an illness that causes blues and it's an illness of the mind that can lead to a absence of interest in everyday activities and thoughts of suicide.
Individual talk therapy may help someone struggling with ADHD to manage depression. Depression can be triggered by a variety of factors such as the trauma of childhood or abuse, financial difficulties stress in relationships, the emotional fallout of longstanding patterns of underachievement in the workplace and at school. ADHD can be a factor in these types of problems, and it can reinforce them because people with untreated ADHD are more likely to suffer from low self-esteem and a sense of being unworthy in different areas of their lives.
If someone is suffering from both ADHD and depression, then they must be treated for both conditions. Treatment choices include psychotherapy and medication (also known as cognitive behavioral therapy). Cognitive behavioral therapy can help people learn to change negative behaviors and develop healthy coping skills. A counselor can teach stress-reduction strategies, including regular physical exercise, getting enough rest and eating a healthy diet.
The good news is most people with ADHD do not suffer from severe depression. The longer ADHD is not recognized, the more it can affect a person's life particularly as they get older and their responsibilities rise. ADHD is defined by impulsivity and insufficient focus, which makes it difficult for adults to keep track of their work, family obligations, and personal finances. They may end up in debt, struggle to find work or be frustrated when they fail at work or at home.
The good news is that there are effective treatments for both ADHD and depression. Treatment can alleviate the symptoms of ADHD and depression, and it is often combined with non-stimulant drugs that can be used to treat depression. Some people with ADHD can manage their depression with antidepressants, however, it is essential that a doctor assesses the person's mood, medical history, and any other issues prior to prescribing medications for any condition.