https://www.openlearning.com/u/hermannchaney-sp2gc5/blog/TenWaysToBuildYourLongTermEffectsOfUntreatedAdhdInAdultsEmpire Untreated ADHD in Adults Can Lead to Feelings of Worthlessness and Depression People with untreated ADHD frequently suffer from an inexplicably low level of performance, which can cause feelings of worthlessness and depression. This is particularly evident when they fail to meet their personal and professional goals. Diagnoses can be difficult to make when there are overlaps in symptoms between ADHD and depression. Identifying the symptoms is a good first step towards seeking treatment. 1. Feelings of Unworthiness Many people who suffer from untreated ADHD or depression co-occurring with it are plagued by feelings of inadequacy and lack of worth. They may blame themselves for their struggles and believe that they're lazy or "scatterbrained" and that their problems are their own blame. If these negative thoughts start to dominate they can make it very difficult to seek help. It is crucial to keep in mind that these thoughts are the result of untreated ADHD and are not a failure on your part. can be exacerbated due to the fact that people with ADHD may have more difficulty in important areas of their lives, including at school or at work. This can result in stress, frustration and depression. People with untreated ADHD are also more likely to be in lower income brackets, which can add to the burden of depression. Additionally, it's common for the symptoms of depression and ADHD to be overlapping and obscuring one another. A person who is depressed may feel more energized around others, making it difficult to recognize sadness and anxiety. The good news is that there are numerous options for treatment. For instance, cognitive behavior therapy is a powerful tool that can help you learn to manage your symptoms and alter the way you think about them. It can be combined with medications to increase concentration and focus. Getting enough sleep and eating