Why assessing the possibility of ADHD is an important step in mental health treatment?

ADHD(include ADD and ADHD) is a brain condition, not a mood disorder nor an emotional problem. However, when people with ADHD are undetected they often receive labels such as lazy, sluggish, excessive worrier and spacey. They may also struggle with procrastination, time management, and sensory sensitivity. Receiving this negative image from others and struggling to feel successful with day to day tasks and organization causes emotional distress. Unless their condition is properly diagnosed and they receive psychoeducation and strategies to tackle ADHD, these emotional struggles will remain throughout their lifetime.

2. It’s common for men with ADHD to have addiction and dependency issues.

While female addicts show signs of PTSD, many male addicts have signs of ADHD. Since ADHD is a brain condition that affects the activity in the prefrontal cortex, they tend to look for quick solutions to stimulate the brain. This is done by the use of substances or taking high doses of caffeine. At the same time, they can feel so amped up that they subsequently feel the need to relax and tend to rely on alcohol or marijuana. They often lack integration between their actions and understanding the consequences that follow their behaviors, which makes them prone to relapse.

3. Many with ADHD experience sleep problems, headaches, muscle tension, and other stress-related somatic(body) symptoms.

We all experience stress in life, but ADHD brain conditions don’t facilitate dealing with stress in helpful ways. Many develop unhealthy strategies that worsen their stress level. The nature of their brain condition can contribute to poor sleep, which also affects their overall wellbeing. 

4. Many receive inadequate long-term treatment when ADHD is not detected.

Those who don’t recognize the seriousness of treating ADHD, may turn to antidepressants, anti-anxiety pills, and other medications to cope with their discomfort. Not only are these medications ineffective in treating the underlying ADHD, they can also be loaded with unwanted side effects. Some have sought out long-term therapy, which has brought minimal results. Ultimately, it can create a downward spiral that leaves you frustrated and feeling like a failure.