Attention deficit disorder (ADD) effects will vary based on the patient and his or her circumstances. Those who have a diagnosis earlier in life will generally find ways to cope with this condition better than those who don’t know why they are having symptoms. Effects that ADD can have on a person can include low self-esteem, behavioral problems, aggressive behavior, depression, anxiety, sadness, and sometimes guilt. These can often be alleviated with counseling combined with proper treatment of ADD.
ADD is a spectrum disorder, which means that sufferers can have a wide range of symptoms in various degrees of severity. It is generally marked by an inability to concentrate or focus and is sometimes accompanied by hyperactive actions or thoughts. Those with ADD may also have trouble remembering things, act compulsively, and may have trouble with comprehension when reading or performing math problems. Patients are generally of average or above average intelligence.
Although it has no bearing on intelligence, attention deficit disorder effects often include feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. Many children and even adults with this condition perform poorly in school or in structured activities because they learn differently than those without the disorder. This can lead to poor grades, ridicule from teachers and classmates, and falling behind.
All of these things can compile together to create even more dramatic attention deficit disorder effects. Students may act out in order to get attention or avoid doing school work. They may refuse to do work altogether, behave aggressively, or disrupt class. Adults may find it hard to keep a job or they may perform poorly while working.
These effects can be avoided with proper counseling. Those who have ADD can learn effectively if they are taught in the correct way. Working with a teacher or counselor, these students are often able to learn the ways they learn best and apply techniques to everyday life. This allows them to perform better in school and work. Specialized attention should be started as soon as possible so that the person does not fall behind any more than necessary.
Those who are not properly treated may experience troublesome and sometimes dangerous attention deficit disorder effects. They may become depressed or anxious, leading to severe sadness or lack of interest. This can be detrimental to the individual, who may never reach his or her full potential. Occasionally, depression can become severe and lead to suicidal thoughts or actions.
Attention deficit disorder effects may be heightened in some individuals because ADD almost always accompanies some other mental or emotional disorder. This is often dyslexia, although there are a wide range of disorders that patients may have. Symptoms often develop during childhood and early intervention is highly recommended.