RISKS INVOLVED WITH ADHD

The risks of untreated ADHD can include:

• Low self-esteem and bullying.
• School and social problems - due to hyper or impulsive behaviour, which can include suspension from school, low grades and failure in exams.
• Work problems - Have trouble coping with stress at work, or working to deadlines, as well as difficulty in following orders and forming relationships with co-workers.
• Depression - as a result or retaliation and non-acceptance from others because of hyperactive behaviour.
• Having a chaotic, disorganised and messy life.
• Getting into trouble and breaking the law - due to unchecked impulsivity.
• Trouble forming relationships - especially for teenagers and young adults.
• Easting disorders and substance abuse - as a way of escaping their condition, and isolation, and making life more bearable.

TYPES OF ADHD

Inattentive ADHD - in this type of ADHD a person's mind is always distracted by something else, so they can't easily focus on anything specific. In most cases, they don't do it intentionally; they just don't have any control over their distracted mind.

Impulsive/Hyperactive ADHD - in this type of ADHD a person doesn't have control over their reactions to things. They also tend to have a high amount of energy which is expressed through hyperactive disruptive behaviour, often negatively impacting other people's lives.

Combines ADHD - this has all the conditions of Inattentive, Impulsive and Hyperactive ADHD.

SUMMARY

If ADHD goes unaddressed, it can cause significant problems in childhood, as well as into adolescence and adulthood, causing immense challenges to everyday life. Providing support for someone with ADHD can help reassure them that there is still hope.