Does your child, a family member, or a friend you know have ADHD? You've probably heard this name before. Difficulty staying in one place, inability to focus , and impulsiveness make these people face many challenges in their daily lives. But a new study has revealed another serious risk that comes with this condition, but one that we don't talk about much. That is the risk of premature death. But don't worry, in this article we will not only talk about that risk, but also about the best solution for it.
What exactly is ADHD?
Before we talk about this, let's simply understand what ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is. This is a condition related to the development of the brain's neurons. It is not laziness, mischief, or something done intentionally. People with this condition can see three main symptoms.
- Inattention: Difficulty paying attention, whether it's while studying, doing work, or when someone is talking. The mind wanders here and there, unable to focus.
- Hyperactivity : Difficulty sitting still. Constantly fidgeting, getting up from a chair, and running around. This affects not only children but also adults.
- Impulsivity: Acting impulsively without thinking about the consequences. Examples include jumping across the street without looking both ways, interrupting others while they are talking, and doing whatever comes to mind right away.
These symptoms can affect all aspects of life, including education, work, and personal relationships.
What the latest research reveals
Recently, a group of researchers in Sweden conducted a very important study. They monitored nearly 150,000 people with ADHD for several years. They divided these people into two groups:
1. Those who took medication for ADHD: Those who started treatment on medical advice after diagnosis.
2. Those who did not take medication: Those who were diagnosed but did not start treatment within the first 3 months.
The results of this study are truly amazing. Those who took medication for ADHD under proper medical advice had a 20% lower risk of premature death from any cause compared to those who did not take medication.
Of particular note was the significant reduction in the risk of death from "unnatural causes."
Simply put, properly using the medication prescribed by a doctor for someone with ADHD can go a long way in protecting their life.
How can the risk of 'unnatural deaths' be reduced?
Now you might be wondering, what is "unnatural death"? How can medication reduce it? According to this research, there are three main types of risk . Let's look at what these risks are, how they relate to ADHD, and how medication can help manage them.
| Risk type | How ADHD increases risk | How to reduce the risk of taking medication |
|---|---|---|
| Accidental Injuries | Impulsivity and lack of attention can lead to accidents while walking, driving, or falling from heights. People may engage in risky behaviors because they do not think things through. | The medication activates the parts of the brain that control attention and impulses. This improves decision-making ability. It reduces impulsivity and encourages you to work more carefully and safely . |
| Accidental Poisoning | There is a risk of making hasty decisions, taking too much medication by mistake due to lack of attention, switching medications, or ingesting another chemical. | With improved attention, you will be more careful about the dosage and timing of your medication. You will be less likely to make rash decisions and will avoid trying risky things. Remember that if you accidentally ingest a poison, you should immediately call the National Poison Information Center at the Colombo National Hospital . |
| Suicide | ADHD often co-occurs with other mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. These, along with suicidal thoughts and actions, can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and actions. | When ADHD symptoms are controlled through treatment, life becomes easier to manage. This reduces stress. Conditions such as depression are controlled, mood is stabilized, and suicidal thoughts are controlled. |
How do ADHD medications work?
Now you know how these risks are reduced. Medications for ADHD work by balancing the activity of the neurotransmitters in the brain that control attention and behavior. Imagine that our brain has a traffic light system. In ADHD, these signals get a little messed up, and red lights up where it should be red, and red lights up where it should be green. Medications work by getting this traffic light system working properly again. Then, instead of driving recklessly, you can think clearly and make decisions.
There are various medications for this, for example `(Adderall, Concerta, Ritalin, Strattera)`. However , only a qualified doctor should choose the right medication and dosage for you or your child.
Is it necessary to see a doctor?
Yes, definitely. This is the most important message in this article.
If you suspect you have ADHD symptoms, the first thing to do is see a qualified doctor, preferably a psychiatrist or pediatrician.
- Don't self-diagnose: Don't decide "I/my child has ADHD" based on what you read online or hear from others.
- Don't take other people's medicine: Medicine given to a friend will never work for you. It can be dangerous.
- Accurate diagnosis: Only a doctor can accurately tell you whether this is ADHD or another condition, after reviewing your complete medical history and performing the necessary tests.
- Co-occurring conditions: Other conditions that come with ADHD, such as depression and anxiety, need to be treated together. Only a doctor can manage these complexities.
Very important: If you or someone you know is having thoughts of harming or killing themselves, do not delay . Go to the nearest hospital emergency department (ETU) immediately. Or, tell someone you trust and ask for help. Don't suffer alone.
Take-Home Message
- ADHD is not laziness or bad behavior. It is a real medical condition that can be treated.
- Untreated ADHD increases the risk of premature death from unnatural causes, such as accidents, accidental poisoning, and suicide.
- This serious risk can be significantly reduced by taking ADHD medication properly under the supervision of a qualified physician.
- If you or your child has symptoms of ADHD, never self-diagnose or use other people's medications. Always see a doctor.
- Proper treatment not only controls ADHD symptoms, but also enhances a person's overall quality of life and safety.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න