Untreated ADHD in Adults: Signs and Symptoms You May Not Know
Most people think of ADHD as a childhood disorder. They often imagine the disruptive student who can’t sit at their desk in school or the daydreamer who doesn’t listen to others. And while ADHD is a complex condition typically diagnosed during childhood, symptoms can persist into adulthood.
Research shows that approximately 2-5% of the general adult population has ADHD. However, many people have not been properly diagnosed. Therefore, they may not receive the support or coping skills they need.
Unfortunately, untreated ADHD can result in significant problems with work, relationships, self-esteem, and your overall emotional well-being. Getting the right treatment can drastically improve how you feel.
Let’s get into what you need to know.
Signs and Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
ADHD falls on a spectrum, and many of its symptoms overlap with other mental health symptoms in conditions like depression or anxiety. It’s typical for adults with ADHD to also have other co-occurring conditions.
Some common adult ADHD symptoms include:
mood swings (often with irritability)
frequently interrupting others
misplacing and losing things
difficulty following verbal or written instructions
missing deadlines
feeling continuously restless
being impulsive
difficulty prioritizing tasks
low tolerance for stress or frustration
difficulty completing assignments or achieving goals
Most people experience some of these symptoms from time to time. For example, during times of stress, nearly everyone becomes impatient or irritable. But in cases of ADHD, symptoms remain chronic across multiple settings. They are persistent and disruptive enough to cause significant distress.
Risks of Undiagnosed or Untreated ADHD in Adults
ADHD is not curable, but treatment can help people understand their condition and take proactive steps to improve how they feel. If you have untreated ADHD, it may also manifest in the following ways:
Low Self-Esteem
Adults with undiagnosed ADHD may experience low self-esteem and believe something is fundamentally wrong with them. They might be perfectionistic without realizing that their difficulty completing certain tasks stems from a mental health condition and not just from a lack of willpower.
Work Issues
Problems with concentration, multitasking, and emotional regulation can all impact someone’s work performance. People with undiagnosed ADHD may struggle to hold down a job. Some of them might willingly job-hop frequently without realizing the potential consequences of their behavior.
Relationship Problems
ADHD can include impulsivity, mood swings, and difficulty with listening. It’s no surprise that these symptoms can cause relationship issues, particularly if a loved one doesn’t understand the rationale for such behavior. In addition, parents with undiagnosed ADHD may struggle with patience or controlling their emotions when raising their children. This pattern can cause tension and power struggles within the parent-child dynamic.
Self-Medicating or Compulsive Behaviors
Some people with ADHD attempt to manage their distress with drugs, alcohol, food, shopping, or other compulsive vices. These efforts to ‘self-medicate’ may provide some immediate relief. But they often perpetuate more anxiety and discomfort. Likewise, this pattern can fuel addictive behavior, causing even more mental health problems.
ADHD Risk Factors
ADHD, like other mental health conditions, does not appear to have a specific cause. Instead, experts suggest that a combination of factors may increase one’s likelihood of developing it.
Genetics: Mental illness can run in families. Having a blood relative with ADHD may increase the chance of you also having the condition.
Environmental factors: Although research is inconclusive, some studies suggest that specific environmental toxins like lead may coincide with ADHD.
Birth variables: Some research suggests that premature birth, maternal health during gestation, and being born with a low birth weight may increase one’s likelihood of developing ADHD.
What Is the Best Treatment for Adult ADHD?
There is no single best treatment for ADHD. What works well for one person may not be as effective for someone else. With that in mind, here are some common approaches for treating ADHD:
Talk therapy: Therapy can help you learn more about your condition, identify specific triggers, and change problematic habits. Therapy can also help you cope with other co-occurring issues, like depression, anxiety, or substance use.
Medication: Some people respond well to ADHD medications, such as stimulants or antidepressants. Talk with your doctor or psychiatrist about the potential benefits and risks of any specific medication.
Lifestyle changes: Many people with ADHD find it helpful to focus on regulating stress levels and maintaining a sense of predictable structure. Consider how you can incorporate healthy habits that honor your well-being. With that, remember that change takes time, and it’s important to practice self-compassion as you implement new changes.
Final Thoughts
ADHD can be challenging, but having the right treatment can make a significant difference. Getting a proper assessment and diagnosis is the first step.
Adult ADHD does not have to define. Therapy can provide the relief, support, and tools you need to live a more productive, meaningful life. Contact us today to learn more!