The Startling Side Effects of Adult ADHD

Even though it’s usually associated with children, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) touches the lives of many adults too. Adults with ADHD are often misdiagnosed as having a learning disability, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder — and some are never diagnosed at all.

ADHD can look like a willpower problem, but it’s actually a chemical problem in the management systems of the brain, characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Left untreated, ADHD can cause numerous mental and physical problems that have an alarming impact on the lives of those who suffer from it.

Reckless Driving and Traffic Accidents

A recent study found that people with ADHD are about 50 percent more likely to be in serious traffic accidents. Since the core symptoms of ADHD include impulsivity, hyperfocus/hypofocus, and difficulty managing emotions, drivers with ADHD are more likely to speed, make aggressive lane changes, have problems with road rage, and be involved in accidents caused by inattentive driving.

Intrapersonal and Relationship Problems

The symptoms of ADHD can put a great strain on professional, romantic, and family relationships. Problems with controlling emotions leads to ADHD sufferers being quick to explode over minor issues. While their anger may fade as quickly as it appears, it can take a lot longer for the people who were affected by the outburst to get over the incident. Adults with ADHD can come across as insensitive, irresponsible, or uninvolved. The partners of people with undiagnosed ADHD often consider poor listening skills and failure to honor commitments as a sign that their partner doesn’t care.

On the flip side, those with ADHD may not understand why their partner is upset, and feel they’re being blamed for something that’s not their fault. Constant directives to get organized, stop interrupting, and pay attention can leave them incredibly frustrated.

Job Difficulties

Adults with ADHD frequently experience difficulties within their career — or even holding down a job. They often have difficulty prioritizing, leading them to spend hours on something insignificant and fail to meet important obligations or deadlines. Time management problems may cause them to be chronically late. Noisy or busy offices exacerbate problems with inattention and focus. Even phone calls and email can completely derail their attention, making it hard for them to finish tasks.

Furthermore, people with ADHD often have a strong sense of underachievement, are hypersensitive to criticism, and have trouble staying motivated. Becoming easily flustered or stressed out can provoke troubling emotional outbursts, completely unacceptable in a work environment.

Drug & Alcohol Addiction

While impulsivity might lead to risky behavior such as drug and alcohol use, most adults with undiagnosed ADHD use drugs as a form of self-medication. Stimulants such as cocaine can provide temporary relief from ADHD symptoms, whereas alcohol may serve as a means to escape. One in four adults treated for alcohol or substance abuse have ADHD.

The side effects of ADHD can generate feelings of hopelessness, embarrassment, or frustration. That’s why a diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can be an enormous source of relief. If you, or someone you love, are showing signs of ADHD, talk to a doctor today.