A new paper from the Canadian Centre for ADHD Awareness (CADDAC) highlights that Attention Deficit (with or without) Hyperactivity Disorder, better known as ADHD, is an important precursor to other mental health issues.
The study, “ADHD and Mental Health”, states that people with ADHD are experiencing lifelong criticism, judgment, lack of achievement, and unnecessary suffering due to the underdiagnosis and undertreatment of ADHD.
It would therefore fuel unhealthy behaviours, such as self-medication, and cause the development of co-morbid psychiatric illness.
“The denial of ADHD in adulthood, and its profound impact on my life by medical professionals has caused me decades of unnecessary trauma through misdiagnosis, inappropriate treatments, and exacerbation of my PTSD,” said Shannon Limoges, an adult with ADHD.
Stats
Of the 1.8 million Canadians with ADHD, 44 per cent of children, and 80 per cent of adults also have at least one co-morbid psychiatric illness.
Up to 70 per cent of people with ADHD have experienced depression, and one in four women have attempted suicide. Also, 40 per cent of children, and 50 per cent of adults with ADHD have anxiety disorders and 12 per cent have an eating disorder.
The study also reveals that 60 per cent of children with OCD also have ADHD.
The CADDAC wants to draw attention to the enormous costs associated with undiagnosed and untreated ADHD, as October is ADHD awareness month. (N.P.)
translated by Alec Brideau
