When we talk about Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, commonly known as ADHD, the focus usually remains on mental health. Untreated ADHD in adults can have severe influence on different areas of mental well-being— causing emotional disturbance. Nevertheless, its adverse effects on physical health are often overlooked.
Today, approximately 11% of American children and teenagers under the age of 17 and about 4.4% of American adults, aged between 18 and 44, have been diagnosed with ADHD. With such a significant number, therapy sessions have become part of their daily lives. In addition, prescribed medicines help in managing the daily struggles associated with ADHD symptoms in adults.
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If ignored or left undiagnosed, ADHD’s impact can carry over from mental health to physical well-being. From insomnia and diabetes to blood pressure and cardiovascular conditions, it hits your physical health harder than you realize. Let’s discuss untreated ADHD side-effects on health— the one that goes beyond your brain and psychological health.
Can ADHD increase the possibility of cancer?
Though ADHD isn’t directly related to cancer, neurodevelopmental habits can build questionable life choices, increasing the risks of colorectal cancer, testicular cancer, and even lung cancer. How does ADHD influence cancer risk?— let’s look into it.
Various ADHD related risk factors lead up to a life-threatening disease like cancer. The most common contributors are obesity and smoking cigarettes. However, keeping your health in check all through the year isn’t easy, especially with neurodivergent characteristics. For instance, a yearly dental checkup, annual physical examination, or a mammogram— all these preemptive measures are challenging for people with ADHD.
According to National Library of Medicine, even after managing all these ADHD symptoms in adults, they remain at high risk of developing cancer. The reason is still unknown, and more research is required to come to a conclusion. The neurodivergent people, who already deal with cancer, have a hard time managing their conditions because scheduling doctor’s appointments, ensuring you’re taking timely medications, and getting the refill at the pharmacy in time— the complete process can be exhausting.
Personal care can be arduous for ADHDers
No! Neurodivergent people don’t lack self-care or personal hygiene. However, keeping up a self-care routine for a longer period is mentally draining for ADHD individuals, which eventually affects physical health. And it’s even worse when your symptoms aren’t diagnosed yet, thus opening a door for others to judge you.
The truth is a high level of self-care requires executive functioning. Whether brushing teeth at a certain time, taking timely medications, eating at the perfect hour, or sleeping regularly, all these tasks are impacted by executive functioning— the cognitive skills that people with ADHD have difficulty mastering. The struggle leads to shame and judgment from other people.
ADHD could increase the risk of accidents
Clumsiness is one of the negative effects of ADHD in adults. Being clumsy is one thing, but encountering serious accidents is another. Yes, untreated or treated neurodivergent individuals are at a higher risk of accidents than others, which directly affects their physical health. There are reasons they are more prone to injuries through accidents— let’s break down why.
Firstly, being attentive to dangerous cues and assessing risky circumstances can be challenging for people with ADHD. So, a lack of focus— such as crossing a road, walking down the stairs, or lifting heavy objects— leads to unwanted accidents with physical injuries. Secondly, people with untreated ADHD symptoms are impulsive. They may lack the proper judgment and logical consideration for a dangerous task. The biology of the neurodivergent brain attaches to stimulating things, and needless to say, danger can be stimulating. Consequently, they are tempted to do risky things that cause accidents— such as forgetting to wear seatbelts, speeding up a car, and walking without looking around.
ADHD may result in insomnia
Sleep is equivalent to a battery charger for your body. Without prolonged, deep sleep, your body and mind will encounter different physical issues— from weakened immunity and weight gain to hypertension and hormonal imbalance. Therefore, your sleep quality has a direct correlation to your physical health.
Studies have found that neurodivergent folks have difficulty falling asleep, which may cause insomnia over a long period. Even a simple good night’s sleep is extra work for them. The root causes of sleep deficiency can derive from a range of things: ADHD brain’s easy distractions from gadgets before bed, adverse side effects of stimulating medications (if diagnosed), excessive consumption of caffeine-heavy drinks like tea and coffee, or internal battle with depression.
ADHD individuals may be at a higher risk of cardiovascular disease
The common characteristics of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder— such as forgetfulness, impulsive nature, and impaired concentration— build unhealthy habits over time, contributing to major health complication like heart disease. A study in Sweden proved how untreated ADHD symptoms in adults may be related to cardiovascular problems.
According to the statistics, 5.4 million Swedish people born between 1941 and 1983 didn’t have cardiovascular problems. However, new research taking place between 2001 and 2013 found that an astounding 38% of people with ADHD suffered from cardiovascular problems. On the contrary, only 24% of non-ADHD people had cardiac complications.
Multiple unhealthy lifestyle routines set the stage for the long-term effects of untreated ADHD in adults, including heart-related issues. The medications for diagnosed neurodivergent people contain stimulating substances like methylphenidate and amphetamines, which may increase blood pressure. Moreover, unable to follow a structured routine— such as waking up and sleeping at the right time, or eating healthy food on time— can further increase the risk of heart problems in ADHDers.
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