ADD A to Z: Your Guide to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Download Your Copy Today

When a parent first discovers his or her child has Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), or an adult suddenly has a name for the symptoms he or she has been living with, all types of fears and questions arise. Probably one of the most commonly heard questions is, “Can you die from ADHD?” The good news is that you cannot die from ADHD but some of the medication prescribed has cost people their lives. For the person living with ADHD, there are times when death seems like a good thing. After all, life is filled with one struggle after another and many uncertainties.

Considering that people with this disorder often have trouble maintaining relationships, are unable to sit still, and struggle constantly with lack of concentration, life can be hard. However, it is imperative that every person with ADHD, regardless of age or intensity, know options are available that can give you back your life! Therefore, if someone asks, “Can you die from ADHD”, the answer is no! Now, as mentioned, while the disorder itself cannot kill, the drugs prescribed can for some people be a problem. Take the drug Ritalin as an example.

Ritalin has been the top drug for ADHD for years. While many people have great results, there have also been cases of people dying. Many researchers are now finding that these anti-psychotic drugs are being prescribed at alarming rates. In fact, since 1996, the number has doubled. Keep in mind that Ritalin is extremely powerful and therefore, it should be administered and considered a serious drug. One of the problems is that some doctors are not screening the patients well enough and instead of offering other forms of treatment, are putting the people with ADHD on Ritalin immediately, sometimes with disastrous results.

So, can you die from ADHD medication? Yes, this does happen. Although the numbers are still low, with such an increase for drugs being prescribed, it leads to great concern that the number of deaths will also rise. Sadly, in the United States, it seems that you can find several drugs for everything, which includes ADHD and other undesirable behaviors in children. The problem is that ADHD is often treated quickly when other possible treatment options would be just as successful. For example, if a child has a mild case of ADHD, then behavioral therapy, solid family counseling, good diet, and working with the school to gain their support, will often make a huge difference. Keep mind that when drugs are prescribed by a reputable doctor who has done a complete workup on the individual with ADHD, and considered all other options, they certainly can make life better.

Therefore, to the answer of can you die from ADHD, the answer is not directly. However, sometimes, by being prescribed the wrong drug, the wrong dosage, having a doctor that does not follow up, or parents that do not report problems, death has occurred. In addition to Ritalin for ADHD, other drugs need to be taken seriously to avoid possible problems. Other concerns have to do with overdose, which usually happens accidentally but when a person with ADHD is dealing with extreme depression, it can also be done intentionally, along with drinking alcohol while taking medication, which is very dangerous, or not taking prescribed medication, which can lead to bouts of severe depression, and unfortunately, suicide.

The key is to work with a reputable doctor that understands ADHD, one that will address the concern of can you die from ADHD to guide you with proper medication and treatment.