The Cost of Untreated ADHD
- Jamie Sorenson
- Feb 25
- 3 min read
The cost of untreated ADHD can be incredibly high and often overwhelming. The costs associated with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) extend far beyond just medical expenses; they encompass a wide range of factors that can significantly impact both personal and professional life.
I could have devoted this valuable time to meticulously identifying and maximizing deductibles for my business, which is crucial for optimizing tax returns and ensuring financial stability. However, instead of focusing on those important tasks, I found myself creating a somewhat ridiculous video to illustrate the real-time costs of ADHD.
I aim to shed light on the various expenses that individuals with ADHD may encounter daily, which can include not only the costs of medications and therapy sessions but also the indirect financial burdens such as impulsive spending, spending to compensate for lost/forgotten items, lost productivity, missed deadlines, and the need for additional support services. The reality is that ADHD can lead to increased stress and anxiety, which may further compound financial difficulties.
Moreover, the video serves as a candid representation of my personal experience navigating these challenges, showcasing the often chaotic reality of living with ADHD. It highlights how distractions can derail focus and productivity, ultimately leading to greater financial strain. By sharing these insights, I hope to raise awareness about the true financial burden of ADHD.
In doing so, I aim to encourage understanding and support for those affected by this condition, while also emphasizing the critical role that skilled accountants play in helping individuals manage their financial responsibilities more effectively amidst these challenges. I also think people with ADHD need a specific Healthcare Savings Account program, that they actually use!
Let's walk through the day of a person with untreated ADHD and find the cost for the day (the person is me):
Get up and go to work, car is not well maintained because of ADHD symptoms and procrastination. This car will ultimately require a much more expensive bill down the road due to my neglect.
Get to work, forgot my coffee, order a $7 dollar coffee and a $12 bagel because I like this local restaurant in town, Paper Fox.
Forget that I have a bunch of coats and sweaters at home, and order more on Costco, because who doesn't need more warm clothes? Especially living in Florida. Find out that I actually ordered the same piece of clothing twice inadvertently and never return the second item because Costco returns cause anxiety for me.
Lunch rolls around and there's no lunch provided at work today, so I order lunch for $30 from somewhere that is somewhat reasonable because omg the lunches are that expensive these days.
Finish work head home. Decide not to eat dinner because I'm too full from lunch and don't want to cook. Then eat 20 peanut butter pretzels 20 minutes before bed which makes my nighttime medication last too long, leaving me sedated in the morning.
Next day, I'm late to work because I'm my own worst enemy. Then viewed as unprofessional and not get raises when I really ought to.
And repeat, I'm sure you can see how this behavior adds up over time. With treatment of ADHD we can reduce a lot of these issues (not always solve them) and save our patients time and money while increasing their quality of life.
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Disclaimer: Posts are for education and entertainment only. No medical advice given. This information is for general knowledge and not meant to diagnose or treat any conditions.
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