Every aspect of an affected person’s life is impacted by ADHD, including their employment, relationships, health, and self-esteem. It is always present, no matter where you are, from sunrise to sunset.
The detrimental effects of ADHD on the individual with the disorder is particularly noticeable in the following areas of life:
Sleep
ADHD has a significant impact on sleep patterns. Known as delayed sleep phase syndrome, irregular sleep-wake patterns are common in people with ADHD. Compared to a brain without ADHD, the brain of an ADHD sufferer takes longer to fall asleep. Sleeping may not coincide with the sun’s rising and setting since ADHD’s sleep habits may be delayed by two hours or longer.
Eating behavior
A brain with ADHD is dopamine deficient, and it obtains the chemical from binge eating. Any junk food, coffee, or caffeine that an ADHD person eats causes their dopamine to be released, which results in a happy mood. Unintentional weight gain is a result of compulsive eating, and research has connected Type 2 diabetes and ADHD to obesity in some situations.
Misuse of alcohol and other drugs
Because alcohol and other drugs include chemicals that make them feel good and help them relax, people with ADHD turn to these substances to make up for the lack of dopamine in their brains. Approximately 13% of females and 21% of males abuse alcohol or drugs, according to a study.
Intimacy
Individuals with ADHD often experience both hyperactivity and hypersensitivity, which can impact their attitudes toward intimacy and sexual desire. The combination of these traits may distract from the intended intimacy of a situation, making it more challenging to fully engage in sexual experiences.
Relationship
Acceptance and compassion are essential when a partner has ADHD, in order to prevent the relationship from getting off-course. This neurodevelopmental disease presents several difficulties, with symptoms such as hyperactivity, hyper-focusing, easily distracted, which can lead to missed dates, broken promises, frustrations, and more.
In the same way, ADHD can significantly affect the dynamics inside a family. It can be challenging to maintain a positive and harmonious co-existence inside the house when the sufferer finds communication and self-expression to be their major obstacles. As a result, disputes, tensions, and arguments are bound to develop.
In the Workplace
While not everyone with ADHD who works has employment issues, others find it difficult to maintain their jobs. According to a study, workers with ADHD have a 60% higher chance of losing their jobs. The obstacles faced by the patient range from poor communication skills to time management issues, hyperactivity to poor memory, failure to meet deadlines to difficulty in managing complex projects.
Issues with physical health
The following are typical physical health issues experienced by an individual with ADHD:
- Obesity leading to eating binges
- Restless Leg Syndrome (RPLS), which is characterized by the impulse to constantly move the legs (and sometimes the arms), is typically felt during sleeping, especially at night in bed
- Epilepsy, sometimes referred to as seizure disorder, is a neurological condition that affects people with ADHD
- Alcohol-induced hepatic impairment
- Those with ADHD who smoke or used to smoke are more likely to develop COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), a chronic lung illness that causes breathing difficulties
Whether you or a loved one has been diagnosed with ADHD, keep in mind that simple techniques like adhering to routines, eliminating distractions, practicing mindfulness meditation, making dietary and lifestyle adjustments and the like can help make everyday life easier. Remember that accepting and embracing your flaws and shortcomings is the first step in improving your ADHD management.
Sources:
https://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/ss/slideshow-adhd-life
https://www.additudemag.com/areas-of-life-health-relationships-career-adhd/
https://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/adhd-other-health-problems
https://adhdaware.org.uk/living-with-adhd/how-does-adhd-affect-relationships-and-marriage/
https://add.org/impact-of-adhd-at-work/
https://mentalhealthclinic.co.uk/the-impact-of-adhd/physical-health-problems-common-in-adhd/
https://www.addictioncenter.com/dual-diagnosis/adhd/
https://theadhdproject.com/blogs/the-adhd-project/how-adhd-can-change-family-dynamics-and-how-to-cope-with-it
