ADHD May Go Undiagnosed – But How Can It Affect a Person’s Overall Mental Health?

There’s a misconception that the more severe the mental health condition is, the more it affects a person. It’s not strictly the case. 

Sure, some things are more challenging to treat than others, and some mental health issues can clinically be affected through various treatments like medication, therapy, or mindfulness practice. 

However – not all mental health conditions are created equally, and neither are their effects on the brain.

A Little Bit of Background

What is ADHD? 

ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is a condition that can affect a person’s behavior. Usually, people with ADHD may seem restless, have trouble with concentration, and may act impulsively.

Sounds familiar?

Why Does ADHD Slip Under the Radar? 

While ADHD can often be diagnosed relatively easily in children – diagnoses in adults are much more difficult.

This is partly due to the fact that there’s some disagreement in the medical community about whether the symptoms used for diagnosing children and teens also apply to adults.

In most cases where a diagnosis is achieved, it’s due to the subject displaying 5 or more inattentiveness or hyperactivity symptoms.

The symptoms of ADHD usually improve as we age, but many adults who were diagnosed as children continue to experience issues later in life. 

Here’s the kicker: 

ADHD can naturally progress to additional problems like anxiety and sleep disorders.

Advertisement

What Are the Symptoms? 

Well, as I mentioned, it’s rarely the case that the symptoms are apparent enough to lead to a diagnosis – but here are the most common ones. Let’s break them down into two main groups: inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsiveness.

Inattentiveness

Inattentiveness is usually described as a difficulty in concentrating or focusing – this can present itself in numerous ways, including, but not limited to: 

• Having a short attention span
• Appearing to forget or occasionally lose things
• Making careless mistakes at work

Hyperactivity/impulsivity

Often described as an inability to sit still for long periods – hyperactivity mainly presents itself in children, but as an adult, there are some tell-tale signs: 

• Being unable to concentrate on tasks
• Constantly fidgeting 
• Restless legs while stationary
• Interrupting conversations without realizing

And, of course, plenty more.

You may not realize how damaging some of these things can be. An inability to concentrate can easily lead to poor performance at work. Making careless mistakes can be the difference between getting home fine and leaving your keys at the bar. 

Conclusion

ADHD can significantly impact overall mental health, leading to challenges in daily life and relationships. Symptoms such as impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention can result in anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.

To avoid these impacts, individuals with ADHD can seek appropriate treatment, including therapy and medication, and develop coping strategies such as time management, organization, and mindfulness techniques.

Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including exercise, a balanced diet, and regular sleep, can also improve overall mental health in individuals with ADHD.