Unmedicated ADHD: What's the Risk?

"Symptoms of ADHD include inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. These symptoms can vary from person to person and may change over time and across settings. In general, a person with ADHD might struggle to get started or follow through on tasks, get easily distracted, or forget daily responsibilities. They may appear restless or fidgety. They might speak or take action before thinking, which can lead to interrupting or intruding on others."

"The brain areas that control attention, activity levels, and impulse control also help manage emotions and reactions. Because of this overlap, people with ADHD may experience strong emotions and frequent mood swings. Medication Management In therapy, I often hear adult clients share apprehensions about medication for their child or themselves, only framing risks of medications without also considering the risk of not medicating (i.e., the risks of untreated symptoms)."

"Appropriate diagnosis and effective treatment can help improve functioning for persons with ADHD. Psychostimulant medications have demonstrated effectiveness in reducing ADHD symptoms in children and adults. ADHD medications can have beneficial effects in reducing suicidal behavior, substance misuse, and accidents. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders in childhood and is most common among boys."

ADHD affects attention, activity levels, and impulse control and is more commonly identified in boys but often underdiagnosed in girls and adults. Prevalence estimates are about 11 percent in U.S. children, 6 percent in U.S. adults, and roughly 5 percent worldwide. Core symptoms include inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, which can impair academic, occupational, social, and emotional functioning. Overlap between attention and emotion regulation systems can produce strong emotions and mood swings. Appropriate diagnosis and effective treatment, including psychostimulant medications, can reduce symptoms and lower risks such as suicidal behavior, substance misuse, and accidents.

Read at Psychology Today