When hearing from adults suffering from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), they often recount their challenges with managing time, materials, or energy. They also report recurrent difficulties initiating or sustaining mental effort toward uninteresting tasks or topics. Notably, however, ADHD has been found to lead to additional mental and physical health concerns when left untreated. And when adequately treated, individuals can access their unique strengths, assets, and abilities.
There are impulse-control disorders that are highly comorbid, meaning they co-occur, with ADHD, including unhealthy relationships with food, cigarettes, illicit drugs, and the Internet.
Subsequently, these impulse-control disorders have been found to be associated with an overly sedentary lifestyle, sleep problems, and improper dental hygiene, which can develop into more long-term health concerns (e.g., diabetes, hypertension, eating disorders, dental
complications, and even suicidal thoughts). This progression is why the proper treatment for ADHD is also preventative care (Nigg, 2013).
Those diagnosed with ADHD are more prone to accidental injuries and premature death from them. They are also more likely to engage in risky behaviors (Belluz, 2015). Some examples include a tendency for driving faster than the posted speed limit and/or failing to use proper signals, which can lead to a greater likelihood of encountering serious automobile collisions. Workplace performance and professionalism can also suffer due to untreated ADHD, resulting in loss of employment and other workplace issues; in fact, one-third of patients with ADHD are unemployed (Attention Deficit Disorder Association).
Failure to find the right professional support for ADHD symptoms can lead to an avalanche of complications across multiple domains of life, including intrapersonal, interpersonal, and vocational domains. While suffering from ADHD is a challenge, there are evidence-based approaches to help individuals overcome those challenges. Notably, many individuals with ADHD also present with unique strengths that can be tapped into in treatment, such as strong commitment, passion, and emersion in topics of interests. We find that when individuals receive the right course of treatment, they can better access and implement their values, assets, abilities, and strengths.
At Interface Consulting and Psychological Services, we offer caring, effective, and comprehensive psychological treatment and testing for ADHD. As advanced Ph.D-level practitioners specializing in this area, we inform our assessment and treatment plans with quantitative data and a complete understanding of each individual. Our aim is to help patients lead fulfilling lives through developing and maintaining healthy habits, along with learning how to self-monitor thoughts, emotions, and behavior. We honor and incorporate each individual’s unique personal and professional strengths in our process.
Living with this disorder often does not end with its symptoms, as failure to manage impulses can bring about unhealthy habits and/or risky behaviors that then can then lead to potentially life-long complications. It is important to remember that many of the symptoms of ADHD involve behavior or actions – and one’s behavior, from diet choice to sleeping schedules can all be changed with the right behavioral therapy and coaching! Fortunately, with personal commitment and the support from appropriately trained professionals, ADHD symptoms do not have to cause barriers to health or success.
References
Roy, A. et al. (2020). Effects of childhood and adult persistent Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder on the risk of motor vehicle crashes: Results from the Multimodal Treatment Study
of children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 59(8), 952-963.
Belluz, Julia. (2015). A new study shows there’s a strong link between ADHD and premature death. Vox. https://www.vox.com/2015/2/25/8109129/adhd-premature-death
Attention Deficit Disorder Association. Impact of ADHD at Work. ADHD@ Work.
https://adhdatwork.add.org/impact-of-adhd-at- work/#:~:text=People%20with%20ADHD%20face%20a,loss%20of%20pay%2C%20and%20termination.
Nigg, J. T. (2013). Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and adverse health outcomes. Clinical Psychology Review, 33, 215-228. DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2012.11.005
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