Prognosis and Long-term Outcomes

ADHD is a disorder without a cure. As such, ADHD can have a serious and long-lasting impact on a person's life. This means that for most people ADHD symptoms will never completely go away. When people learn to manage their symptoms effectively the quality of their life improves. This in turn leads to increased confidence and motivation to continue a healthy pathway toward a meaningful and fulfilling life.

Untreated ADHD is very disruptive to a person's day-to-day functioning. It can cause negative consequences at home, work, and school. As discussed previously, adults with untreated ADHD are more likely to develop a substance use disorder as they use legal and illegal drugs to control their symptoms. Likewise, untreated ADHD can lead to impulsive behaviors that may cause adults to run into trouble with the law.

If you wonder if you or a loved one might be an adult with untreated ADHD, arrange to go to a qualified professional to obtain an accurate diagnosis. Follow treatment recommendations closely. Work towards making important life changes and behavioral improvements.