The Long-Term Effects of Untreated ADHD in Adults

When you are diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, it could trigger a range of emotions. It could bring feelings of grief over lost opportunities or relief that you now have a reason to explain your struggles.

Untreated ADHD can have a long-term effect on relationships financial health, mental health and much more. It is imperative that professionals consider the long-term consequences of untreated ADHD in adults.

1. Mental Health Issues and Risk Increased

Adults with ADHD who aren't treated may struggle to manage negative emotions, particularly when faced with challenges and setbacks. For example, a person who is not treated for ADHD may forget important dates or respond impulsively during sensitive conversations, which can cause tension in relationships. They might also miss deadlines or make careless mistakes in professional settings, which may impact trust and dependability. This can lead to feelings of anger or inadequacy and an image of self-doubt.

Adults suffering from untreated ADHD may also experience financial issues due to their lack of attention or disorganization, as well as their impulsive behavior. For instance, they could spend money in a hurry or do not keep track of their bills or forget to pay their phone bill on time, which could result in late fees and overdue payments. They might also be struggling to keep a steady job due to their frequent changes of jobs and struggles with organization, time management and attention.

Undiagnosed ADHD has been linked to higher levels of mental disorders, such as depression and social issues (Bishop Fitzpatrick et. al. 2018), and a greater vulnerability to unsafe sexual behaviors (Bargiela and al. 2016). It is also associated with a lower standard of life and an increased chance of developing chronic illnesses such as weight gain and heart disease.

Adults with untreated ADHD might benefit from psychoeducation and therapy. They can also learn to reduce the risk of co-occurring diseases by keeping a close watch on their symptoms and making sure they don't take certain medications, like stimulants, that could interact with them. They should be honest and upfront with their doctor about their symptoms and the impact they have on their lives. This will allow them to receive the medication that is most effective for their condition.

2. Increased Risk of Substance Use Disorders

Untreated ADHD patients are more likely to be diagnosed with a comorbid diagnosis, which includes substance use disorder. ADHD symptoms such as inattention and impulsivity can lead to drug dependence and alcohol abuse. The person who has ADHD is at a higher risk of becoming addicted to alcohol and drugs than someone without ADHD. This is believed to be due to the core ADHD symptoms of impulsivity and insufficient self-regulation, which can cause a higher chance of experimenting with drugs and alcohol use.

Untreated ADHD can increase the risk of drug addiction because of the combination of low levels of dopamine as well as impaired dopamine-receptors. Stimulants, like 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 relaxed. However, prolonged usage of stimulants can cause serious side effects like stroke, heart attack or brain damage, and even death.

People with untreated ADHD may be more likely to suffer from depression and are at a greater risk for suicidal thoughts, which may contribute to the development of addiction to drugs. In addition, many who are not treated for ADHD struggle with relationships and work. Untreated ADHD can cause financial problems, which may make it harder for those who suffer from the condition to maintain sufficient health insurance coverage.


Many adults can feel content when they get 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 talk with a physician who will give you a complete assessment of your medication and recommend the appropriate medications to meet your specific requirements. Make sure to inform your doctor about any other health conditions or medications you are taking in order to ensure that ADHD medications may interact with certain substances.

3. Depression and anxiety are more likely to occur.

Untreated ADHD can impact a person’s quality of living. This includes difficulties at home, at work and social interactions and relationships, feelings of low self-esteem and a negative outlook, anxiety and depression.

Adults who suffer from ADHD can have difficulty maintaining relationships or maintaining friendships because they are easily distracted or forget important dates or aren't paying attention. In addition, adults who are not treated for ADHD frequently have difficulty dealing with workplace hierarchy and managing long-term projects due to issues with meeting deadlines. This can result in joblessness, decreased occupational status and increased levels of anxiety and stress.

Ginsberg and his coworkers (64) conducted an extensive 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, and physical health (e.g. obesity, smoking and sleep problems).

Some adults can benefit from other treatments, in addition to receiving an accurate diagnosis of ADHD. These can include behavioural interventions like behavioral therapy, as well as lifestyle modifications such as improved diet and exercise. The use of medication is also an effective alternative for people suffering from ADHD. Medications that may be prescribed include stimulants, such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall). At first the trial of medication begins at a low dose in order to see how the individual responds.

It is essential to obtain an accurate diagnosis and start treatment early in order to manage ADHD symptoms. The symptoms can be similar to those of other conditions like depression and anxiety, so it's crucial to seek an in-depth evaluation from an expert in health care or mental health professional to determine what's the reason for these symptoms.

4. Increased Risk of Physical Health Problems

Adults with untreated ADHD may find it difficult to keep up with their regular healthcare routines. They may miss appointments and prescription refills and may struggle with adherence to eating, exercise, and sleep schedules, which can exacerbate existing health issues like hypertension or heart disease. adhd treatment for older adults may also have trouble managing financial issues. This could lead to impulsive purchases or late payments on bills. This can lead to the development of chronic health conditions that result from mental disorders that are underlying like 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 neglecting to meet household obligations, ignoring their partner or getting easily distracted during conversations, could lead to relationship problems. They might also have difficulty remembering important events such as birthdays or anniversary celebrations. This can lead to tension and stress in their romantic relationships.

Many adults can improve their lives by implementing lifestyle adjustments and addressing symptoms. They can make use of lists to help manage their forgetfulness. They can develop regular daily routines to reduce the variability. They can also engage in physical exercise to help them conquer their restlessness. They can also consult with a doctor to develop an appropriate dosage of medication that will improve their symptoms without causing negative adverse side effects.

It is essential to seek assistance if you are struggling with the symptoms of ADHD. People who delay treatment might end in blaming themselves for their struggles, seeing them as flaws in character and creating a vicious cycle that has negative effects on both their physical and mental health. Making sure you have a clear diagnosis and beginning treatment as soon as is possible will prevent these issues from occurring.

5. Suicide Risk Increased

It is not uncommon for people with untreated ADHD who are diagnosed to resort to self-destructive strategies to cope. This can include using alcohol or drugs. This 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 because of their impulsivity, and may have difficulty managing their emotions. They might miss important dates or drop off the track during conversations, leaving their loved ones feeling undervalued and frustrated. They might also agree to something carelessly and later regret it. This can strain friendships. In the workplace, people with untreated ADHD often miss deadlines and lose credibility due to of their disorganization and inability to follow through on commitments.

The challenges of living with ADHD can lead to anxiety and depression. They can also trigger suicide attempts. Untreated 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.

It should be noted however that the majority of participants were females. Only a handful of people were diagnosed with ADHD-H. The future research should aim to employ larger sample sizes in order to guarantee the accuracy of the results. In addition, the studies were conducted using questionnaires, and therefore results should be confirmed using diagnostic interviews.