If you think ADHD is starting to affect your daily activities and quality of life, the first place to start is talking to a healthcare or behavioral professional.
If not identified and addressed early, children with ADHD can have trouble succeeding in school and suffer negative consequences from getting in trouble too often. Likewise, adults who struggle with untreated ADHD, often have difficulty keeping jobs, relationships, and managing other responsibilities that come with adulthood.
Treatment for ADHD usually involves psychotherapy, medication, or both. Therapy often includes talk therapy as well as behavior therapies to identify issues and find ways to manage hyperactivity and channel it elsewhere if possible.
Medication can be used to influence the brain in ways that help an individual control impulses and actions. Lifestyle and healthy living practices such as exercise, a balanced diet, meditation, sleep and limiting screen time have also been shown to help individuals manage the symptoms of ADHD.
Untreated ADHD can have a serious impact on an individual’s life as well as the lives of those around them. Recognizing ADHD and learning to manage the symptoms can minimize its effects on one’s school, work, and relationships. It is also not uncommon for some to identify the positive benefits to certain controlled ADHD traits and use them to their advantage. Many individuals with ADHD have successful and fulfilling lives.
