Does ADHD Really Affect People Negatively?

What is ADHD?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a disorder that falls into three subtypes: inattentive type, hyperactive type, and combined type. Those with an inattentive type are prone to distractibility, forgetfulness, losing things, procrastinate, struggle with organization and follow through to name a few. Hyperactive types are often just that; they are restless, need to move around, fidget, tend to be on the go, are impatient, interrupt, and talk excessively. Those with a combined type exhibit both of the aforementioned types of symptoms. ADHD stems from a disorder of the frontal lobes of the brain not firing as it should. The frontal lobes of the brain house our executive functioning, which essentially encompasses most of the symptoms listed above. It is usually evident by grade school or middle school at the latest and is not a condition that one gets later in life. If it’s there, it’s typically always been there.

Does ADHD Really Affect People Negatively?

The unspoken toll of ADHD is often downplayed by observers and those not directly affected by it. Casual observers may see those with an inattentive type of ADHD as simply spacey, flighty, or a bit of day dreamer. On the surface there appears to be no real harm or foul to others or even the person with the issue. Although you might have to catch or redirect their attention from time to time, it seems fairly innocuous to most people. Even those with hyperactive symptoms may be dismissed quickly. Most people interacting with people exhibiting hyperactive symptoms may at worst be seen as high spirited, energetic, spastic, or sort of annoying; but overall tolerable even if they are exhausting at times. Most people assume that they may need a little corralling at times but are probably getting along ok in life. Don’t be fooled, the direct and trickle-down effect of ADHD symptoms are far more impactful than people know and should be taken seriously.

What is the Potential Impact of ADHD?

• Academic Impact: Since ADHD tends to manifest at a young age and persist through the schooling years, this is often an area of life that sees the greatest impact. Many struggle to be able to complete reading chapters of textbooks or focus on a lecture, not only inhibiting proper retention and comprehension of material being studied but setting them up for failure on exams and papers. Many have suffering grades, failed classes, poor overall GPA, and comparatively poor college applications if they have not completely abandoned the idea of higher education due frustration with the learning process.
• Occupational Impact: Many people with ADHD are at risk for ending up in less skilled and lower paying jobs, especially if they struggled academically. Some struggle to meet deadlines, may not be seen as good team players, or viewed as unreliable and undependable types who require a lot of micromanaging. Accordingly, they are at high risk for ending up getting poor performance reviews, lower raises, being passed up for promotions and advancements, or even getting fired and terminated due to performance issues.
• Financial Impact: As noted above, ending up in lower paying jobs with lower annual performance reviews and missed promotions can have a very negative cumulative long-term impact on earnings relative to peers. Worsening their financial standing is the fact that many with hyperactive symptoms are prone to financial impulsivity and poor decision making around money putting them further behind.
• Relationship Impact: People struggling with ADHD also see a negative impact on social and relationship development. Hyperactive kids are at high risk for social ostracization as other children find them irritating and annoying. Friendships are difficult to come by when enduring rejection from peers. Even intimate partnerships can be fraught with conflict due to poor follow through, impulsively doing things without consulting one’s partner, and the other partner feeling like they have to parent their significant other.
• Mental Health and Substance Abuse: All these life areas being negatively impacted often sets people up to struggle with anxiety disorders as they try to function as others do but at far greater effort than others. Some succumb to depression, feeling defeated and incapable of leading a normal life. Impulsivity to engage in chemical use, or even self-medicating symptoms with chemicals is also quite common. Often hyperactive people will use alcohol or marijuana to mitigate symptoms, and long-term use can lead to dependence and addiction.

If you are interested in getting evaluated and treated for ADHD, feel free to contact IPC so you can schedule an appointment.  Please call us now at 763-416-4167, or request an appointment on our website: WWW.IPC-MN.COM so we can sit down with you and complete a thorough assessment and help you develop a plan of action that will work for you. Life is too short to be unhappy. Find the peace of mind you deserve.

To get more great resources, sign up for our newsletter, like us on Face Book, or follow us on Twitter.

Innovative Psychological Consultants

Peace of Mind You Deserve