Understanding the Risks of Untreated ADHD: Five Lesser-Known Symptoms in Adults

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is often portrayed by both mainstream society and health professionals as a disorder of hyperactivity and inattention. However, this paints a simplistic picture at best, and a harmful and dismissive one at worst. The most common and debilitating symptoms of ADHD are talked about far less than they need to be, but understanding how this disorder manifests is crucial for recovery. In ADHD counseling, one of my primary goals is to equip my clients with knowledge about their diagnosis, as well as provide the tools that empower them to live more effective and happier lives. Below, I outline some of the lesser known, but nonetheless critical symptoms I see in people who come to me for ADHD treatment: 

1. Emotional Dysregulation

A difficulty regulating emotions is one of the most common and disruptive symptoms I see in those with ADHD. This may present as intense emotional reactions, mood swings, or difficulty managing frustration. These emotional challenges often translate into an inability to maintain healthy relationships, making impulsive decisions, and acting out of strong feelings instead of pausing to reflect. This results in a cycle of feeling overwhelmed, guilty, and helpless. Often, as is the case with irritability or anger, clients report feeling as if their emotions “take over”, leading to decisions they regret. This can be especially harmful within intimate relationships; in fact, studies have shown ADHD to be the single biggest risk factor for engaging in violence towards a partner. 

2. Analysis Paralysis or Chronic Procrastination

Procrastination might seem like an obvious symptom of ADHD, but the “paralysis” that comes with making decisions is rarely talked about. Adults with ADHD often face chronic procrastination that feels insurmountable, and unstructured time is typically spent ruminating on all the tasks they should be doing, but feeling completely unable to begin. 

Alternatively, folks may engage in mindless tasks for hours or fixate completely on one task at the expense of all others. This leads to a strong inner sense of shame and an incorrect self-narrative about perceived “laziness”. Tasks that require sustained attention may be delayed indefinitely, leading to a cycle of anxiety and guilt. Procrastination and decision fatigue can also majorly get in the way of getting much needed treatment from an ADHD counselor.

3. Time Blindness

Adults with ADHD often have a “warped” sense of time, struggling to estimate how long tasks will take or find themselves frequently running late. This is known as time blindness, and it can lead to missed deadlines, increased stress, and personal frustration. My clients who come to me for ADHD therapy often report feeling as if they continuously let others down, and in doing so, feel that they can never “get it right”. They may constantly make promises to themselves: “this time I won’t be late”, “I’ll manage my mornings better”, or “I’ll stop overcommitting myself”, but then find themselves succumbing to the same patterns, feeling stuck as a result. 

4. Hyperfocus and Rumination

While most see inattention and distractability as hallmarks of ADHD, folks also experience the symptom of hyperfocus—a state of intense concentration on unimportant tasks. ADHD should therefore be considered a disorder of motivation: folks are unmotivated to do critical tasks, and they are very motivated to focus on more interesting, non-critical ones. 

Additionally, people who struggle with this disorder are highly likely to suffer from rumination, which can lead to anxiety and depression. One study has shown that the ADHD brain is much more prone to rumination than neurotypical folks, making mindfulness, present-moment awareness, and meditation not only difficult, but often downright uncomfortable. 

While hyperactivity is often highlighted in children, adults may experience a quieter form of restlessness. This can manifest as an inability to relax, always feeling the need to be productive, or fidgeting, even in seemingly calm environments. Again, this is why adults with ADHD often struggle to meditate or stay present in conversation; my clients often report feeling chronically impatient or “antsy” to move on to something other than what they are doing. However, in ADHD counseling, my clients start to understand the unique way their brain is wired and partner with me to apply tailor-made solutions.

5. Impulsivity and Dangerous Risk-Taking 

This is perhaps one of the most important (but least discussed) symptoms of ADHD: Adults with ADHD may make snap judgments or rush into commitments without fully considering the consequences, which can lead to regrettable outcomes. This truth cannot be downplayed: the personal risks taken by many with ADHD means that they are more prone to accidents, injuries, and other dangers associated with impulsivity. This is due to the ADHD brain’s inability to appropriately regulate dopamine, the “feel good” hormone. This is not a sign of weakness, low self-control, or some kind of moral failing. Rather, this is the result of a brain that does not have the correct levels of neurotransmitters that help most people manage impulses and consider future outcomes.

When compared to neurotypical adults, untreated ADHD has exceptionally higher rates of car crashes, substance issues, unplanned pregnancies, and other health-related concerns. People with ADHD are also much more likely to be unemployed. Due to an ongoing struggle with looking ahead to the future, adults with ADHD find it difficult to delay gratification and have a bias for maximizing current pleasures over future gains. This creates an accumulation of risk: impulsive decisions that impact physical health and long term emotional wellness. Perhaps most sobering is the recent research that shows that those with untreated ADHD have a lower life expectancy of up to 13 years, due to the impulsivity/risk-taking described above. 

So, what is someone with untreated ADHD to do?

I know I’m painting a grim picture, and that all of the above sounds frightening; however, please don’t be discouraged! All these risks can be incredibly well-managed once the condition is treated through ADHD therapy and/or medication. ADHD is highly, highly responsive to the right therapeutic interventions, and counseling from an ADHD therapist can equip you with the tools that lead to success and can (quite literally) add years to your life. 

This blog post is not meant to create fear, it is intended to validate and normalize your experience while encouraging you to take action towards a better life. It’s so easy for those with ADHD to try and shame themselves into change, but I want to offer a better, more effective way: getting the right ADHD therapy to help you understand your brain and have more self-compassion. Then, from that understanding and self-compassion, we’ll work on a unique tailored-to-you treatment plan that is focused on your priorities and top areas of struggle. Please don’t be defined by the shame, inner-criticism, and cyclic patterns you struggle with. You are not a failure, and your brain is not broken. Call, email, or text me for a completely free consultation so we can talk about what a better life looks like for you with ADHD Therapy.