From a behavioral standpoint, ADHD can result in symptoms like aggression, fidgeting, hyperactivity, irritability and impulsivity. On the more cognitive side, that can mean feeling absent minded or distracted. Maybe a difficulty focusing or paying attention. And all of these together can result in moods that are perhaps best described as encompassing anger, anxiety, boredom, excitement, and even depression.

Left untreated, ADHD can lead to extremely difficult and challenging situations in life that can include social isolation, poor work or scholastic performance, family disruption and stress, substance abuse, risk-taking behaviors, and overall misconduct or delinquency. Nothing that anyone generally wants to invite into their lives but side effects that come from ADHD without proper treatment (start by taking the Done. a 1-minute assessment test to learn more).

Find a sanctuary amidst the confusion

Adults with ADHD are more likely to experience traumatic life moments like being dismissed from a job even after searching for the right employment for an extended period of time. They may also need to choose specific types of work and are often self-employed. Lateness, errors, and absenteeism can compound the ability to sustain any job. Not to mention a lack of understanding from colleagues.

Relationships can be challenging within a family dynamic as people react or overreact to the behaviors at play if there’s no sense of the root cause. And emotional break ups are more common between romantic partners given the pressure, stress, and tension that can be extremely amplified with a lack of context.

In some cases, people with ADHD are even reported to have higher rates of suicidal and self-harm thoughts than the general population. 

And none of these side effects takes into consideration the simple but critical matter than ADHD remains fraught with stigma as a diagnosis and can create feelings of embarrassment, isolation, and depression. In other words, a lack of acceptance means even seeking treatment - or compassion - can be tremendously hard.

But it doesn’t need to be about side effects. And it’s all the more reason to obtain as much clarity as possible with any sense of ADHD as a diagnosis to begin the healing process immediately. Start by taking the Done. 1-minute assessment test to learn more and find the right path forward to a place of strength and clarity.

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Resources:

https://www.pineyridge.net/adhd/causes-effects-symptoms/

https://adc.bmj.com/content/90/suppl_1/i2

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0149763419302350

https://bmcpsychiatry.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12888-021-03247-6

‍https://www.healthline.com/health/adhd/stigma/

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