Let’s cut to the chase about what you want to know. Does ADHD go away? 

The short answer: ADHD can change or improve over time, but it depends on treatment and the severity of the case. Most, but not all, children with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) carry the condition into adulthood.

If your child is bouncing off the walls like a character from The Flash, or your ADHD is making high school socializing and studying difficult, you are probably wondering how to see a positive change. And ADHD diagnosis doesn’t have to stay forever, but addressing it properly is the key.

A Cure for ADHD: Myth or Potential?

Does ADHD get better with age? ADHD doesn’t typically get better with age when left alone, but it can improve with the correct treatment. Much like any other issue, getting to the root of the problem always yields the best results.

Studies have shown that it is possible to improve academic performance up to 50% with non-pharmacological ADHD treatment. Improving other factors like diet, emotional health, and school environment can also have extremely positive effects. 

Even if ADHD doesn’t completely go away, with the right treatment, there is potential for a large improvement in symptoms.

One thing all the research agrees on: ADHD won’t simply disappear on its own. With so many opinions and prescriptions floating around, which is best for your situation? In a few moments, we’ll cover the most comprehensive approach: functional treatment for ADHD. 

ADHD Symptoms in Adults

So, what about ADHD (sometimes incorrectly called attention deficit disorder) symptoms in adults? Can ADHD get worse if untreated? Well, beyond potentially daydreaming or acting impulsively at school, untreated behaviors of adult ADHD can be more serious. 

Here are some of the common symptoms used for the diagnosis of ADHD that affects 4.4% of adults in the United States:

  • Inattention — daydreaming, trouble following directions, distractibility, disorganization
  • Impulsivity — interrupting, forgetting obligations, frequent job changes, and other impulsive behavior
  • Hyperactivity — trouble sitting through meetings, choosing very physical jobs, fidgeting
  • Sleep issues — fatigue or trouble sleeping through the night
  • Social phobias — social issues trouble 29% of adults with ADHD
  • Unregulated emotions — adults with ADHD may struggle with modulating their responses to stressful or triggering events and situations

Untreated ADHD is more likely to be accompanied by substance abuse, dangerous driving, poor academic performance, and more in adults. Adults with ADHD were also less likely to be a college graduate, employed, or generally satisfied. 

Thankfully, it doesn’t have to stay this way! Some people may mistakenly believe that ADHD has disappeared simply because they act more composed. However, as you’ll see in the next section, ADHD treatment is about healing more than outward behavior.

Though stimulants are often prescribed in these studies as a cure-all, we believe there is a better, more rounded way to reverse ADHD symptoms. Read on to find out how.

A Functional Treatment for ADHD

What are 3 types of ADHD? The three types of ADHD are based on symptoms of ADHD displayed: symptoms of inattention, symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity, and combined type– the most common. 

It’s common practice to prescribe ritalin or other stimulant medications to treat these behavior problems, but we believe there is a better way. The root cause of the disorder cannot be treated  without properly looking at a few factors we always examine when devising a treatment plan:

  • Nutritional deficiencies. Children with ADHD are more prone to gastrointestinal problems, which can contribute to some behaviors– an upset tummy is no fun. Also, nutritional supplementation and avoiding food allergens can provide relief from ADHD symptoms. 
  • Detoxing from environmental toxins. The American Academy of Pediatrics found that people with ADHD are more likely to have pesticide exposure. Mold and other toxins can also aggravate the inflammation common in ADHD. Removing these can see a marked improvement in symptoms.
  • Improving immune status. Children and adults with ADHD are far more likely to experience inflammation, chronic illness, and immune issues. What’s more, findings indicate that some conditions involving toxins and immune stress may actually be misdiagnosed as ADHD.
  • Finding relief from stress and emotional strain. Not only for the patient, but also for family members, ADHD can take its toll. Learning how to work with your child’s conditions or educate those around you on your condition can improve self-esteem, emotional modulation, and social skills. These improvements will also lessen the severity of symptoms!

Can ADHD kill you? Not exactly, but as it ages into adulthood, the more serious symptoms we’ve discussed can kick in. Substance abuse, dangerous driving, dissatisfaction with life, and even mental health issues can interfere with both quality of life and longevity. 

ADHD, left untreated, keeps patients from living their very best lives. That’s why it’s so important to treat ADHD functionally; it can save years of trouble by getting to the bottom of the issue through functional medicine instead of just prescribing a pill with dramatic side effects.

Looking to the Future

ADHD symptoms can dramatically improve and even disappear when receiving proper care and treatment. This disorder can be managed and overcome when addressing the root issues, providing care that tends to detoxification, great nutrition, emotional support, and more. 

The future is bright if you or a loved one has just been diagnosed with ADHD. This label just gives you a launching point for taking the very best care of yourself with functional medicine and living without the symptoms that have been troubling you for so long. 

Staring at a recent ADHD diagnosis? We’d love to help provide a plan at The M Center in Roswell, Georgia, where two moms of special needs kids come together to help yours.

Sources

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