There are many misconceptions out there about what ADHD is and how it impacts people. One of the most dangerous misconceptions is that ADHD doesn’t need to be treated because young people will grow out of it. In many cases, adults do develop the necessary skills to manage some of their ADHD symptoms, with great intentionality and work. But ADHD doesn’t just go away when it’s left untreated. In fact, when ADHD goes undiagnosed or untreated, children and adults may actually be at a greater risk for health concerns and other long-term effects. If you’re concerned that you may be struggling with undiagnosed ADHD, let’s talk about it. I’m Dr. Tyler Gerdin,
a licensed and board-certified clinical psychologist. I work with teens and adults, offering comprehensive clinical assessments and therapy services.
How Does ADHD Impact Health?
You likely know that ADHD impacts your ability to pay attention, focus, remember details, plan or strategize, and sit still, but there are other effects of ADHD you may be less familiar with. Specifically, researchers have found that untreated ADHD is closely linked to numerous health concerns. Studies of children and adults who suffer from ADHD have shown higher occurrences of the following health conditions:
· Dental health conditions (adults and children)
· Obesity (adults and children)
· Suicide Attempts and completion
· Accidental injuries (adults and children)
· Greater risk-taking behaviors (physical and sexual risks)
· Poor nutrition (adults and children)
· Sleep problem
· Alcohol and substance abuse and dependence (adults and teens)
· Lung conditions (adults)
· Cardiovascular, heart, disease (adults)
· Upper respiratory infections (children)
· Asthma (children)
· Allergies and rhinitis (children)
· Eczema (children)
Most shockingly, researchers have found that children with ADHD were twice as likely to die in childhood compared with peers and adults were 3 to 5 times more likely to die in adulthood by midlife. I don’t want to be an alarmist, but ADHD is no joking matter!
Treatment significantly reduces these risks. I encourage you to search for the following document online and read this research yourself: The Adverse Health Outcomes, Economic Burden, and Public Health Implications of Unmanaged Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) at the ADHD Public Health Summit.
How Can Diagnosis & Treatment Help?
If you’re interested in developing your self-awareness and better understanding the many ways that ADHD may be impacting your life, assessment is a great place to start. Assessment or evaluation with a psychologist is so much more than just a diagnosis. The results of assessment can confirm whether or not you’re struggling with a specific condition, but they also offer information about your unique skillset and areas where you’re being impacted by the diagnosis. This allows you to take the best steps to address any concerns and seek out he right therapies and other treatment options to ensure you are making the most of your abilities and address areas where ADHD may be impacting your ability to be productive, maintain healthy relationships, and live your most fulfilling life.
Get Started with Assessment or Therapy Today
If you’re interested in learning more about assessment, I can help. I also provide therapy services for teens and adults who struggle with ADHD. Therapy can help you to explore the thoughts and emotions that are likely entangled with your ADHD diagnosis. Many people with ADHD struggle with low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety. Therapy is a great resource to manage these concerns as well as a place where you can safely explore and develop coping skills to manage any adverse effects of your diagnosis, set achievable goals, and generally plan to live a more satisfying day to day life.
When you’re ready to get started with assessment or therapy, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
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