I often hear this question.
Why bother?
The medications you use to treat ADHD are hard to deal with, and sometimes dangerous. Some of those medicines are highly regulated. Is it really worth the effort?
It absolutely is. Here’s why.
Approximately half to two-thirds of children diagnosed with ADHD will continue to have symptoms into adulthood. Hyperactive symptoms tend to fade out and inattentive and impulsive symptoms persist. If you continue to have symptoms past the age of 25, you’ll likely have symptoms for much of your life.
But why bother treating those symptoms? Doesn’t everyone have some of those symptoms to a degree?
Yes, most everyone has some symptoms of ADHD some of the time. But what defines ADHD and separates it from the crowd is that the core symptoms are pervasive (everywhere you go, everything you do), persistent (present since teenage years), and problematic (they cause significant dysfunction).
In regards to ADHD, we know from years of observation and study that untreated ADHD can lead to the following forms of dysfunction:Increased risk of depression and anxietyLowered educational achievementLowered work achievement including reduced earningsRelationship issues including higher rates of divorceIncreased incidence of substance use problemsIncreased incidence of driving related problems and accidents Low self esteemDifficult parent-child interactionsAnd according to a 2015 Danish study (1), ADHD is associated with an increased risk of death in general, with accidents being among the primary causes.
When you look at all those risk factors, you quickly see that untreated ADHD is a major problem that can lead to further problems if ignored. I often tell people it’s like going through life with an invisible 50 pound weight strapped to your back. Others can’t see it, but it makes everything you do harder.
If you suspect you or a loved have ADHD, please find a professional who understands the illness and get an evaluation. Take care.
1: Dalsgaard S, Østergaard SD, Leckman JF, Mortensen PB, Pedersen MG. Mortality in children, adolescents, and adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a nationwide cohort study. Lancet. 2015 May 30;385(9983):2190-6. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(14)61684-6. Epub 2015 Feb 26. PMID: 25726514.
Dr. Mefford treats ADHD and related disorders across the state of South Carolina via telemedicine. His office is located in Mount Pleasant, SC. He sees people from all areas of South Carolina including Charleston, Hilton Head, Beaufort, Myrtle Beach, Columbia, Greenville, Spartanburg, and Rock Hill.
