Short attention span, distractibility, disorganization, procrastination, impulsivity—these are the hallmark symptoms of attention-deficit disorder (ADD), also known as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). But having untreated
ADD/ADHD can also wreak havoc on your body, setting you up for a host of physical health problems. You may develop physical health issues because you put off routine health checks, develop poor health habits due to impulsivity, have trouble following medical advice, or misplace critical prescription medications. There are many other ways ADD/ADHD can negatively impact your overall well-being.
Here are 8 physical consequences associated with ADD/ADHD and the lasting complications they can bring.
1. Weight gain.
People with untreated ADD/ADHD often don’t plan out meals and are prone to impulsively reach for unhealthy foods that can lead to weight gain or obesity. The prevalence of obesity is 70% higher in adults with ADD/ADHD and 40% higher in children with ADHD compared with those who don’t have the condition, according to a review in the
American Journal of Psychiatry. Compulsive eating, which fuels weight gain, is also seen in people with this mental health issue. And a report from
Duke University shows that 30% of people with binge eating disorder, a type of
eating disorder, also have ADD/ADHD. Being obese comes with a litany of troublesome health consequences, including a greater chance of heart disease, stroke, and arthritis.
2. Type 2 diabetes.
Research has found that having ADD/ADHD increases the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes. A
2018 study in the
Journal of Clinical Psychiatry shows that kids and adolescents with the common disorder are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life compared with their peers who don’t have attention problems. Complications of diabetes include heart attack, stroke, and vision problems, among others.
3. Hypertension.
If you have ADD/ADHD, you may want to get your blood pressure checked frequently. A
Swedish study from 2018 in
Plos One found that people with attention deficit disorder are twice as likely to have hypertension. Elevated blood pressure puts you at increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and
dementia.
4. Broken bones.
Children and adults with ADD/ADHD tend to be risk takers who like excitement and need stimulation. This means you may engage in dangerous activities, such as free climbing, bungee jumping, skydiving, or riding a motorcycle without a helmet, which puts you at increased risk of bodily harm. In some people, ADD/ADHD is also linked to anger, irritability, and
aggression, which can lead to violent behavior that results in physical harm.
5. Traumatic brain injuries.
Having ADD/ADHD can have serious implications on brain health as researchers have noted higher rates of
traumatic brain injuries (TBI) in children with ADHD compared with the general population. A
2021 study in
JAMA Pediatrics on TBI and ADHD found that the rate of kids diagnosed with ADD/ADHD prior to having a head injury was 16%. When it comes to ADD/ADHD and TBIs, it’s a two-way street, as this same study points to the development of attention-deficit symptoms following severe TBI. Among the many consequences associated with
concussions and TBIs are
substance abuse, aggression, and
suicide.
6. Sexually transmitted infections.
People with ADD/ADHD are 3 times as likely to get an STI, according to a
2018 study in the
Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. A lack of forethought or impulsively giving in to spur-of-the-moment desire can lead to unsafe sexual behavior. Engaging in unprotected sex raises the likelihood of developing sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and infections, such as chlamydia, HPV, or gonorrhea.
7. Unplanned pregnancy.
A
2019 study in
JAMA reports that women and girls with ADD/ADHD are over 6 times more likely to give birth before reaching age 20 compared with their non-ADD peers. Other research shows that 38% of young adults with unmedicated ADD/ADHD have either caused an unplanned pregnancy or become pregnant compared with 4% of their peers who don’t have the condition. Unplanned pregnancies have been associated with heightened stress and mental health consequences in women and girls.
8. Early death.
Sadly, having ADD/ADHD doubles the risk of dying early, according to
research from 2018 in
The Lancet. This study points to accidents as the main cause for the high incidence of premature death in individuals with ADD/ADHD. Even more alarming is the study’s findings that people who are not diagnosed until adulthood are at more than 4 times the risk of dying an early death. Undiagnosed or untreated ADD/ADHD can kill you early.
Overcoming ADD/ADHD to Boost Your Health
As you can see, leaving ADD/ADHD untreated can have devastating consequences on your physical health. To ward off these potential problems, it’s essential to seek treatment. Be aware that when it comes to treatment, one size does NOT fit all. Brain imaging work at Amen Clinics has helped identify
7 types of ADD/ADHD and knowing your type is foundational to getting the right treatment plan. Plus, there are many
natural solutions for ADD/ADHD that can be effective alternatives to prescription stimulants. And it’s important to recognize that it’s never too late to seek help.
ADD/ADHD and other mental health issues can’t wait. During these uncertain times, your mental well-being is more important than ever and waiting until life gets back to “normal” is likely to make your symptoms worsen over time.
At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, clinical evaluations, and therapy for adults, children, and couples. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here.
