What Is ADHD? Symptoms, Types, Diagnosis, and Treatment in Canada
- Kaitlyn Boudreault
- Jun 7, 2024
- 6 min read
Updated: Jul 11
If you've ever wondered whether your challenges with focus, organization, impulsivity, time management, emotional regulation, or executive functioning might be signs of ADHD, you're not alone.
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects both children and adults. While many people receive an ADHD diagnosis during childhood, countless others, particularly girls and those assigned female at birth (AFAB), remain undiagnosed or are overlooked until adulthood because their traits may present differently or be masked.
According to current estimates, approximately 366.33 million people worldwide, or about 5% of the global population, have ADHD, though many people remain undiagnosed until adulthood.
Despite how common ADHD is, misinformation and stigma continue to prevent many people from recognizing their experiences and accessing appropriate support.
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition and a form of neurodivergence that influences how people think, learn, regulate emotions, process information, and interact with the world.
If you identify as an ADHDer or think you may have ADHD, working with a neurodiversity-affirming ADHD therapist or international ADHD coach can help you better understand yourself, build on your strengths, and develop strategies that work with your brain rather than against it.
In this guide, we'll explore what ADHD is, common symptoms and traits, the types of ADHD, diagnosis, treatment options, including ADHD coaching and therapy, medication, and support options in Canada.
What Is ADHD?
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition and a form of neurodivergence that affects attention, executive functioning, impulse control, and emotional regulation.
Although ADHD is often thought of as only hyperactivity, many ADHDers experience primarily inattentive traits or a combination of inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive traits.
These challenges can interfere with school, work, relationships, household responsibilities, finances, and self-esteem.
Many adults, particularly women and AFAB individuals, are surprised to learn they have ADHD because they developed coping strategies that masked their traits for years.
Related: ADHD Assessments in Canada
Despite research advancements and improved understanding of neurodivergence, several myths about ADHD continue to persist.
To enhance your understanding, it is important to understand that ADHD is not:
A lack of intelligence
A fake diagnosis
Only experienced by children
A character flaw
For additional evidence-based information to debunk ADHD-related myths, see CADDAC.
ADHD Symptoms and Traits
ADHD symptoms can vary depending on your age, environment, and type of ADHD.
How Does ADHD Affect Executive Functioning
One of the core features of ADHD is difficulty with executive functioning.
Executive functioning refers to the brain-based skills that help us plan, organize, regulate emotions, manage time, remember information, and complete everyday tasks.
Executive dysfunction may include challenges with:
Focusing on tasks
Switching between tasks
Regulating emotions
Remembering appointments or deadlines
Making decisions
Many ADHDers describe this experience as feeling "stuck" rather than unwilling.
Learn more about ADHD Tax and how executive functioning differences can create unexpected financial and practical costs.
Hyperactivity & Impulsivity
Restlessness
Impulsivity
Fidgeting
Emotional & Sensory Experiences
Mood swings
Anxiety and other mental health challenges
Burnout
Rejection-sensitive dysphoria (RSD: heightened emotional response to rejection)
Causes of ADHD
Researchers continue to study the exact causes of ADHD, as this currently remains unclear.
But current evidence suggests that ADHD develops through a combination of genetic, neurological, and environmental factors.
For example, ADHD runs in families. You are more likely to have ADHD if your parent or a close biological relative is also an ADHDer. Researchers continue to investigate whether specific genes contribute to ADHD.
Research also suggests that differences in neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine contribute to how attention, motivation, reward, and executive functioning are regulated.
We do know is that ADHD is not caused by:
Laziness
Too much sugar
Television or video games
A lack of discipline
ADHD is divided into three types, each characterized by different traits.
Individuals with primarily hyperactive-impulsive ADHD exhibit hyperactive and impulsive traits as their main characteristics, with no inattentive traits. These traits may include:
Fidgeting or tapping
Difficulty remaining seated
Excessive talking
Interrupting others
Blurting out answers
Trouble waiting for their turn
Primarily inattentive ADHDers display inattentive traits exclusively, without impulsive or hyperactive behaviours. Your traits might include:
Making careless mistakes
Difficulty sustaining attention
Difficulty following instructions
Disorganization
Avoiding lengthy mental tasks
Losing items frequently
Forgetfulness
Becoming easily distracted
Primarily Combined-Type ADHD
Combined-type ADHD includes a mix of inattentive, impulsive, and hyperactive traits, and is one of the most commonly diagnosed presentations. To receive a diagnosis of combined-type ADHD, you must meet the diagnostic criteria for both the inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive presentations. This means experiencing at least five traits from each presentation for six months or longer, with those traits significantly affecting your daily functioning.
How ADHD Is Diagnosed in Children and Adults
There is no single assessment, blood test, or brain scan that diagnoses ADHD. ADHD can be assessed and diagnosed by family doctors, nurse practitioners, psychiatrists, neurologists, or psychologists.
In Canada, the ADHD assessment process typically includes:
A detailed clinical interview
A review of current symptoms
Questions about childhood experiences
Assessment of how symptoms affect daily functioning
Your healthcare provider may assess you over six months and may evaluate whether any of your traits could be attributed to other medical or mental health conditions.
For an adult ADHD diagnosis, symptoms must have been present before age 12, even if you were not formally recognized at the time.
ADHD and Co-occurring Conditions
Approximately 70% of adults with ADHD have at least one co-occurrence. Common co-occurring conditions include:
Condition | Description |
ADHD and autism frequently occur together (around 50%-70%), often referred to as AuDHD. | |
Mood Disorders | Depression and bipolar disorder may occur alongside ADHD. The interaction can lead to a cycle where mood challenges, such as motivational issues, exacerbate ADHD and vice versa. |
Anxiety is common in ADHD. Persistent worry and nervousness can intensify ADHD challenges. | |
ADHD can affect academic performance and information processing. Academic coaching can help address these challenges. | |
Many ADHDers experience difficulties with sleep regulation. | |
Chronic pain | Some individuals experience chronic pain or other health concerns alongside ADHD. |
Identity Considerations | ADHDers are also more likely to identify as LGBTQ+ or neuroqueer, highlighting the importance of affirming care. |
ADHD Treatments Options
There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for ADHD. Each individual's treatment plan varies, with effective ADHD treatment often involving a multimodal approach, which may include:
ADHD coaching
ADHD therapy
Medication
Executive functioning strategies
Accommodations
Lifestyle supports
ADHD Coaching
ADHD coaching focuses on practical strategies, productivity, accountability, and skill-building across various areas, such as school, work, relationships, and beyond.
An ADHD coach guides you in recognizing your strengths, building self-awareness and confidence, and developing strategies for success in various areas, including:
Time management
Organization
Planning
Prioritization
Task initiation
Goal setting
Academic and workplace support
ADHD Therapy
Neurodivergent-affirming ADHD therapy recognizes ADHD as a valuable aspect of diversity rather than something that needs to be fixed.
Therapy concurrently validates the challenges you face, including:
Emotional regulation
Trauma-related experiences
Self-compassion
Together, you will work on finding accommodations that support your disability.
ADHD Medications
Medication options include both stimulant and non-stimulant ADHD medications, tailored to individual needs.
Stimulants increase the levels of chemicals like dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain.
If stimulants are ineffective or cause adverse side effects, non-stimulants can serve as an alternative treatment option.
Medication decisions should always be made in consultation with a qualified healthcare provider to discuss the potential risks and benefits and make an informed decision.
ADHD Strategies
FAQ About ADHD
What are the first signs of ADHD?
Common early signs include distractibility, forgetfulness, impulsivity, difficulty following instructions, and challenges with organization.
Can adults be diagnosed with ADHD?
Yes. Many people receive an adult ADHD diagnosis after recognizing lifelong patterns that were previously overlooked.
Is ADHD genetic?
Research suggests that genetics plays a significant role in the development of ADHD.
Do I need medication to manage ADHD?
Not necessarily. Many people benefit from a combination of coaching, therapy, accommodations, and practical strategies, with or without medication.
What’s the difference between ADHD coaching and therapy?
Coaching focuses on practical skills and productivity, while therapy explores emotional regulation, mental health, and systemic challenges.
Book a Free Consultation With Blue Sky Learning
Are you looking for ADHD coaching, ADHD therapy, or an ADHD assessment referral in Canada?
Blue Sky Learning provides neurodivergent-affirming support for ADHDers across Canada and worldwide. Email hello@blueskylearning.ca or go through the link below.
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