dyslimbic
04-28-2007, 05:23 PM
http://psychiatricresourceforum.blogs.com/my_weblog/2007/04/inadequately_tr.html
Inadequately Treated Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder May Have Serious Consequences
The main reason for identifying Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is not so that children or adults get better grades in school, or that their behavior becomes more "acceptable." The reason is that ADHD may predispose children adolescents, adults and their families to many other problems. The attentional and behavioral problems may also become worse with time, though it remains unclear whether treating children reduces the risk of persistence of ADHD symptoms and its complications into adulthood.
There is a long a frightening list of some of the potential complications of untreated or inadequately treated ADHD across the age range. But it is important to stress that not all people with ADHD will fall victim to any of these problems, and many of the behavioral difficulties may have been over-estimated by the inclusion of people with ADHD and other psychiatric problems such as conduct disorder.
Personal Consequences of Inadequate Treatment
Academic problems
Low self esteem
Relationship difficulties
Increased rates (46%) of expulsion from school
Increased rates (35%) of school drop out
Increased rates (~2X) of substance abuse; earlier onset and less likely to quit in adulthood
Increased rates (~50%) of bicycle accidents
Increased numbers (~33%) of visits to the emergency room
Increased rates (2-4x) of motor vehicle accidents and collisions under laboratory conditions
Increased rates of risky driving and DUI (Driving under the influence)
Increased rates of sexually transmitted diseases
Increased rates of unwanted pregnancy
Increased rates of divorce
Occupational and vocational difficulties, and ultimately achieve a lower occupational status and lower incomes than predicted
Legal problems
Family, Social and Work Consequences of Inadequate Treatment
Supporting the young person through the bicycle accidents, emergency room visits, substance abuse etc.
The personal and economic costs of continuing substance abuse
Increased rates of parental divorce or separation
Increase (2-4x) in sibling fights
Increased parental absenteeism
Reduced parental productivity
Inadequately Treated Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder May Have Serious Consequences
The main reason for identifying Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is not so that children or adults get better grades in school, or that their behavior becomes more "acceptable." The reason is that ADHD may predispose children adolescents, adults and their families to many other problems. The attentional and behavioral problems may also become worse with time, though it remains unclear whether treating children reduces the risk of persistence of ADHD symptoms and its complications into adulthood.
There is a long a frightening list of some of the potential complications of untreated or inadequately treated ADHD across the age range. But it is important to stress that not all people with ADHD will fall victim to any of these problems, and many of the behavioral difficulties may have been over-estimated by the inclusion of people with ADHD and other psychiatric problems such as conduct disorder.
Personal Consequences of Inadequate Treatment
Academic problems
Low self esteem
Relationship difficulties
Increased rates (46%) of expulsion from school
Increased rates (35%) of school drop out
Increased rates (~2X) of substance abuse; earlier onset and less likely to quit in adulthood
Increased rates (~50%) of bicycle accidents
Increased numbers (~33%) of visits to the emergency room
Increased rates (2-4x) of motor vehicle accidents and collisions under laboratory conditions
Increased rates of risky driving and DUI (Driving under the influence)
Increased rates of sexually transmitted diseases
Increased rates of unwanted pregnancy
Increased rates of divorce
Occupational and vocational difficulties, and ultimately achieve a lower occupational status and lower incomes than predicted
Legal problems
Family, Social and Work Consequences of Inadequate Treatment
Supporting the young person through the bicycle accidents, emergency room visits, substance abuse etc.
The personal and economic costs of continuing substance abuse
Increased rates of parental divorce or separation
Increase (2-4x) in sibling fights
Increased parental absenteeism
Reduced parental productivity