What Is ADHD? Traits, Types, Causes, Diagnosis & Treatments Explained
- Kaitlyn Boudreault
- Jun 7, 2024
- 6 min read
Updated: Jun 6
What Is ADHD?
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition and neurodivergence that impacts how individuals think, behave, and interact with the world.
Understanding the ADHD definition, common ADHD traits, and the types of ADHD can help people recognize this neurodivergence.
ADHDers may struggle with hyperactive, impulsive, or inattentive traits, which can interfere with their relationships, work, school, and other life activities.
If you're experiencing these traits, you're not alone. Approximately 366.33 million people globally, or about 5% of the population, are estimated to be ADHDers.
Both children and adults can receive an adult ADHD diagnosis, though many remain undiagnosed for years.
Women, in particular, are often diagnosed later and may experience misdiagnosis or underdiagnosis during childhood.
This guide covers the ADHD diagnosis process, causes, and various evidence-based ADHD treatments, including ADHD coaching and therapy, medication, and support options in Canada.
Myths About ADHD: What ADHD Isn’t
In the last decades, the prevalence of ADHD has steadily increased, largely due to research advancements and improved understanding of neurodivergence.
Despite this progress, several harmful misconceptions about ADHD persist, which can stigmatize the ADHD community.
To enhance your understanding of ADHD and dispel these myths, here are some key facts:
ADHD is real.
ADHD is misunderstood.
You can be an ADHDer even if you are not hyperactive.
Any one can be an ADHDer.
Bad parenting does not causes ADHD.
ADHD is not a learning disability, but it can often co-occur with learning challenges.
Accommodations for ADHD level the playing field.
If you were unaware of these facts, numerous resources exist to debunk ADHD-related myths, including CADDAC.
Common ADHD Traits and Symptoms
ADHD traits can vary and also depend on the specific subtype diagnosed. Common traits of ADHD include:
Lack of focus
Inattention
Time agnosia (difficulty telling time or recognizing how much time has passed)
Poor planning
impulsivity
Hyperactivity
Inability to sit still
Rejection-sensitive dysphoria (heightened emotional response to rejection)
Increased anxiety while waiting
Many adults with ADHD may not even realize they have it until it begins to interfere with their daily lives. Common traits include missed deadlines, forgotten meetings, boredom impatience while waiting in line, and mood swings.
Recognizing common ADHD traits such as inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity is essential in the diagnosis and management of ADHD.
Causes of ADHD
The exact causes of ADHD remain unclear.
But research into ADHD causes points to genetics and brain chemistry as significant factors in the development of ADHD.
Researchers are still investigating whether specific genes, including those related to the neurotransmitter dopamine, contribute to the development of ADHD.
It's important to note that ADHD does not result from parenting styles, video games, sugar intake, or laziness.
Types of ADHD: Hyperactive, Inattentive, and Combined
ADHD divides into three types, each characterized by different traits:
Hyperactive-Impulsive ADHD
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 hands while seated
Inability to remain seated
Engaging in excessive moment
Difficulty playing quietly
Excessive talking
Blurting out answers before others finish speaking
Trouble waiting for their turn
Interrupting others
Inattentive Type ADHD
A common misconception about ADHD is that one must be hyperactive to be an ADHDer. In reality, primarily inattentive ADHDers display inattentive traits excessively, without impulsive or hyperactive behaviours. Your traits might include:
Making careless mistakes
Struggling to maintain sustained attention
Failing to listen when spoken to directly
Difficulty following instructions
Disorganization
Avoiding tasks that require prolonged mental effort
Frequently losing items
Becoming easily distracted
Experiencing forgetfulness
Primarily Combined-Type ADHD
Individuals with combined-type ADHD show a mix of inattentive, impulsive, and hyperactive traits.
According to the DSM-5 criteria, to qualify for a diagnosis of combined-type ADHD, you must meet criteria for both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive types, which requires demonstrating five out of the 9 traits for at least 6 months from each type. The traits must also interfere with your performance in key areas of your life.
ADHD Diagnosis Process: How ADHD Is Diagnosed in Children and Adults
ADHD does not have a single assessment or test. Professionals trained to evaluate ADHD, such as family doctors, nurse practitioners, psychiatrists, neurologists, or psychologists, can diagnose this neurodivergence.
The ADHD diagnosis process involves a thorough evaluation by healthcare professionals, including psychiatrists and psychologists, who assess symptoms based on established criteria.
Your healthcare provider will assess your ADHD traits over six months and may also evaluate whether any of your traits could be attributed to another medical or psychiatric condition.
For adults to receive an adult ADHD diagnosis, traits must have been present before the age of 12. Therefore, boys are more frequently diagnosed with ADHD than girls, largely because teachers and other adults more commonly notice common ADHD traits in boys.
For those who go undiagnosed, untreated ADHD can negatively impact various aspects of your life, including relationships, work, and academic performance.
If you live in Canada, Blue Sky Learning offers a step-by-step guide for adults seeking an ADHD diagnosis.
ADHD Co-occurring neurotypes, conditions, and Identities
ADHD often co-occurs with other neurodivergence. Approximately 60–70% of adults with ADHD have at least one co-occurrence. Common co-occurring neurodivergence includes:
Autism: Scientific literature suggests that ADHD and autism occur together, with co-occurrence rates around 50%-70%. This combination is often referred to as AuDHD.
Mood Disorders: Individuals with ADHD may also experience depressive episodes, bipolar disorder, and other mood-related conditions. The interplay between ADHD traits and mood disorders can lead to a cycle where mood challenges such as motivational issues exacerbate ADHD and vice versa.
Anxiety Disorders: Anxiety is prevalent among individuals with ADHD. The persistent worry and nervousness can intensify ADHD traits, and ADHD traits can similarly worsen anxiety.
Academic Learning Difficulties: Adults with ADHD often face learning challenges, scoring lower in academic tests compared to their peers and encountering difficulties in the classroom. Academic coaching can provide support for these learning difficulties associated with ADHD.
Other Co-occurring Conditions: In addition to mood and anxiety disorders and learning difficulties, individuals with ADHD might also experience chronic pain conditions.
Interestingly, those with ADHD are also more likely to identify as LGBTQ+ or neuroqueer.
ADHD Treatments: Coaching, Therapy, Medication, and More
There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for ADHD. Each individual's treatment plan varies,, with effective ADHD treatments often involving a multimodal approach combining ADHD coaching and therapy with medication.
This approach may combine various strategies to alleviate ADHD traits, including:
ADHD coaching
ADHD therapy
Medication
Strategies
ADHD Coaching
ADHD coaching empowers individuals to take control of their lives, enhancing productivity across various areas—school, work, relationships, and beyond.
Coaching could occur virtually and focuses on personal growth, equipping clients with the tools they need for positive life changes.
An ADHD coach guides you in recognizing your strengths, building self-awareness and confidence, and developing strategies for success.
ADHD Therapy
For those seeking ADHD support in Canada, organizations like Blue Sky Learning provide comprehensive therapy.
ADHD therapy, also known as neurodivergent-affirming therapy, acknowledges and supports your ADHD or neurodivergent identity.
An ADHD therapist views neurodivergence as a valuable aspect of diversity and does not attempt to fix you or view ADHD as a flaw.
At the same time, they validate the challenges you face as an ADHDer and address how ableist societal systems can be disabling.
Together, you will work on finding accommodations that support your disability.
Many ADHD coaches and therapists offer free consultations, allowing you to determine whether their approach aligns with neurodivergent-affirming principles.
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.
To determine which medication is right for you, consult your healthcare provider to discuss the potential risks and benefits and make an informed decision.
ADHD Strategies
Book a Free Consultation With Blue Sky Learning
Are you an ADHDer seeking an ADHD assessment from one of the Blue Sky Learning partner clinics?
Are you seeking ADHD coaching or ADHD therapy from an ADHD coach or ADHD therapist on the Blue Sky Learning team?
Book a free 20-minute consultation with one of the Blue Sky Learning team members by emailing hello@blueskylearning.ca or going through the link below.
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