65: Consequences of Untreated ADHD

SHOW SUMMARY:

Untreated ADHD: What the evidence says about waiting to treat Dr. Nerissa Bauer and Dr. Jennifer Dilts break down the real-world costs of untreated ADHD, from school and behavior challenges to long-term health, safety, and relationship outcomes. They also explain why waiting can feel emotionally safer for parents, and why that instinct does not always match the evidence. This conversation is especially useful for parents weighing treatment decisions, and for families who want a clearer, less guilt-filled understanding of what the ADHD care plan can look like across childhood and into adulthood.

SHOW NOTES:

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• The studies:
  • Adults with ADHD Live Shorter Lives than Those without a Diagnosis, a new study finds: https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2025/01/23/nx-s1-5272801/adhd-research-shorter-life-expectancy-attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder
  • Childhood ADHD Tied to Higher Risk of Physical Health Problems by Midlife: https://www.insideprecisionmedicine.com/topics/patient-care/childhood-adhd-tied-to-higher-risk-of-physical-health-problems-by-midlife/
  • Psychologist Barkley says life expectancy slashed in worse cases for those with ADHD: https://www.ajmc.com/view/psychologist-barkley-says-life-expectancy-slashed-in-worst-cases-for-those-with-adhd?rel=0 and https://www.ajmc.com/view/psychologist-barkley-says-life-expectancy-slashed-in-worst-cases-for-those-with-adhd
  • ADHD Medication linked to reduced risk of suicide, drug abuse, transport accidents and criminal behaviour: https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1094219
  • Why Early ADHD Diagnosis and Treatment Save Lives: https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1094219
  • We Demand Attention on Understanding Why Co-morbid Conditions like Anxiety and Depression Uniquely Impact Women with ADHD: https://www.additudemag.com/adhd-comorbidity-research-women/
• Resources of the Week:
  • “11 Evidence-Based Facts About ADHD” https://www.additudemag.com/slideshows/adhd-facts-research-findings/
• • The Truth about ADHD and addiction: https://www.additudemag.com/the-truth-about-adhd-and-addiction/