Is ADHD a public health problem?
Although ADHD is usually first diagnosed in childhood, it often lasts into adulthood. ADHD is a serious public health concern because of its high prevalence; chronic nature; significant impact on school performance, family life, and peer relationships; and estimated annual cross-sector costs of $38–72 billion.
Is ADHD a federal disability?
Under both the ADA and another law known as the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, ADHD is considered a disability in the United States, but with strict stipulations. For instance, ADHD is considered a protected disability if it is severe and interferes with a person’s ability to work or participate in the public sector.
Why is it important to identify ADHD?
The goal of diagnosis and treatment is to help you be more effective in your day-to-day life and reduce the extent to which your untreated ADHD interferes with getting things done and your happiness.
What can untreated ADHD lead to?
Untreated ADHD in an adult can lead to significant problems with education, social and family situations and relationships, employment, self-esteem, and emotional health. It is never too late to recognize, diagnose, and treat ADHD and any other mental health condition that can commonly occur with it.
What happens if you dont treat ADHD?
Other Lifelong Problems Up to 58% of children who were not medicated for their ADHD failed a grade in school. In one study, 46% had been suspended from school. As many as 30% of adolescents with untreated ADHD fail to complete high school, compared with 10% of those without ADHD.
Can ADHD make you quiet?
Sometimes, individuals with ADHD Inattentive Type will be mischaracterized as shy or withdrawn. But like the more familiar ADHD, this condition can be diagnosed and treated effectively.
Why Is ADHD a mental illness?
The three main symptoms of ADHD are hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. All of these impact behavior, mood, and thinking. That’s why ADHD meets the criteria for mental illness.
What does ADHD do to the brain?
Brain development is also slower in people with ADHD. The neural pathways don’t connect and mature at the same rate, making it harder to pay attention and focus. This can impair executive function, which handles organization and routine tasks. ADHD impacts brain chemistry, too.
Why do adults with ADHD have trouble with organization?
Adults with ADHD tend to “organize” by putting things into piles that, over time, grow and proliferate like weeds. Living in such a disorganized environment, whether in the workplace or at home, is like having cobwebs in the brain.