What is ADHD? Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the ability to regulate attention, emotion, and behaviour. A brain with ADHD has differences in the frontal lobe of the prefrontal cortex. The frontal lobe is responsible for cognitive skills that help us to plan, control, and evaluate what we do. These skills, called executive functions, include attention, organization, time management, self-monitoring, impulse control, working memory, processing speed, cognitive flexibility, and emotional regulation.
What are the symptoms of ADHD? ADHD can look different for different people. Some people struggle with symptoms of inattention: they might have trouble maintaining focus, ignoring distractions, organizing belongings, prioritizing tasks, and following through on projects. Some people struggle with symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity: they might fidget, talk excessively, struggle to inhibit urges, and feel restless and impatient. Some people struggle with both inattention and hyperactivity. In addition to individual variation, symptoms can present differently across life stages and genders.
How is ADHD assessed and diagnosed? There is no single test to identify ADHD, and other mental health conditions (e.g., anxiety, depression) and life circumstances (e.g., stress, burnout, sleeplessness) can have similar symptoms to ADHD. A psychologist, psychiatrist, or physician can diagnose ADHD by evaluating symptoms in the context of a developmental history and ruling out other causes of symptoms. An ADHD assessment involves a clinical interview and may also involve psychometric measures and neuropsychological testing. To meet diagnostic criteria, symptoms must be present in multiple settings (e.g., home and school) before the age of 12.
How is ADHD treated? Behaviour therapy and medication are the recommended treatments for ADHD. With support, people with ADHD can learn executive functioning skills and create systems to feel more effective.
What should I do if I think I might have ADHD? If you believe symptoms of ADHD are impairing your functioning at home, school, or work, you can start by having a conversation with your primary care provider. You and your primary care provider can determine if a referral to a psychologist or neuropsychologist for further testing is warranted or if another type of support is needed. You can also learn more about ADHD by consulting our list of resources.
During COVID-19, healthcare professionals have seen an increase in patients presenting with attention-related concerns. Some of these patients may have undiagnosed ADHD. They may be struggling more during COVID-19 (e.g., working remotely with less structure and more distraction), but they can also identify areas in which they struggled or had to compensate before the age of 12.
Rather than having an underlying neurodevelopmental disorder, many patients presenting with attention-related concerns may be feeling the long-term effects of living through a global pandemic. Chronic stress and uncertainty, disruptions in daily routines, transitions in homeschooling and remote work, increased screen time, and a more sedentary lifestyle can all affect our executive functions and mimic ADHD symptoms. Regardless of the underlying cause, symptoms of ADHD deserve your care and attention. Steps to improve your overall wellbeing can also improve your attention:
Try to reduce and manage your stress level
Ask someone you trust for help
Aim for 7 to 9 hours of sleep with a consistent sleep-wake schedule
Prioritize regular exercise and take movement breaks, especially if you’re sitting at a desk all day
End screen time and turn off devices at least an hour before bedtime
For information on ADHD and tics or tic-like behaviour, click here.
Select any of the links below for information and resources. Although we have taken care selecting this list, we cannot accept responsibility for the content published by the authors. Please consult websites for up-to-date information.
Websites
ADDitude: Inside the ADHD Mind A media network that provides credible and accessible articles, podcasts, and webinars to support individuals living with ADHD
Attention Deficit Information A website led by Canadian psychiatrist Dr. Annick Vincent that provides practical tips on managing ADHD and associated concerns with sleep, appetite, and screen time
Canadian ADHD Resource Alliance (CADDRA) A not-for-profit organization primarily geared to healthcare professionals and researchers; however, information for youth, parents, and adults affected by ADHD is available under Resources and Public Info
Centre for ADHD Awareness, Canada (CADDAC) A national charity that provides expert information, webinars, conferences, research studies, and professional directories to support Canadians affected by ADHD
Children and Adults with A.D.D. (CHADD) Canada A non-profit parent-run organization that publishes Attention Magazine and provides resources, workshops, and conferences to support Canadians affected by ADHD
Learning Disabilities Association of Ontario A registered charity and resource hub dedicated to supporting Ontarians with neurodiversity, such as learning disabilities and ADHD
Regroupement des associations PANDA du Québec A group of Québec-based organizations that works with representatives from school, health, and social sectors to help people affected by ADHD
Understood A non-profit organization that provides community, expert guidance, personal stories, and neurodiversity simulations to support those who think and learn differently
Jessica @ How to ADHD A YouTube channel for youth and young adults from someone with lived experience
Rolling with ADHD Adapted from a BC Children’s Hospital program, this eight-module online series provides practical tips and strategies for parents of children ages 6 to 12 with ADHD
Adolescents and ADHD: Gaining the Advantageby Patricia O. Quinn, MD
All Dogs Have ADHD by Kathy Hoopman
Annie’s Plan: Taking Charge of Schoolwork and Homework by Jeanne Kraus
Attention Girls! A Guide to Learn All about Your AD/HD by Patricia O. Quinn, MD
My Brain Needs Glasses: Living with Hyperactivity by Annick Vincent, MD
My Brain Still Needs Glasses: ADHD in Adolescents and Adults by Annick Vincent, MD
My Whirling, Twirling Motor by Merriam Sarcia Saunders
Smart but Stuck: Emotions in Teens and Adults with ADHD by Thomas E. Brown, PhD
The Executive Functioning Workbook for Teens: Help for Unprepared, Late, and Scattered Teens by Sharon A. Hansen, MSE, NBCT
Thriving with ADHD Workbook for Kids: 60 Fun Activities to Help Children Self-Regulate, Focus, and Succeed by Kelli Miller, LCSW, MSW
Winning with ADHD: A Playbook for Teens and Young Adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder by Grace Friedman and Sarah Cheyette, MD
books for caregivers
ADHD: What Every Parent Needs to Know (3rd edition) by Mark L. Wolraich, MD, FAAP and Joseph F. Hagan Jr., MD, FAAP
Smart but Scattered: The Revolutionary “Executive Skills” Approach to Helping Kids Reach their Potential by Peg Dawson, EdD and Richard Guare, PhD
Smart but Scattered Teens: The “Executive Skills” Program for Helping Teens Reach their Potentialby Richard Guare, PhD, Peg Dawson, EdD, and Colin Guare
Taking Charge of ADHD (4th edition): The Complete, Authoritative Guide for Parents by Russell A. Barkley, PhD
The Gift of ADHD: How to Transform Your Child’s Problems into Strengths by Lara Honos-Webb, PhD
Understanding ADHD in Girls and Women edited by Joanne Steer
Understanding Girls with ADHD (2nd edition): How They Feel and Why They Do What They Do by Kathleen G. Nadeau, PhD, Ellen B. Littman, PhD, and Patricia O. Quinn, MD
books for adults
A New Understanding of ADHD in Children and Adults: Executive Function Impairments by Thomas E. Brown, Ph.D.
Delivered from Distraction: Getting the Most out of Life with Attention Deficit Disorder by Edward M. Hallowell, MD and John J. Ratey, MD
My Brain Still Needs Glasses: ADHD in Adolescents and Adults by Annick Vincent, MD
Scattered Minds: The Origins and Healing of Attention Deficit Disorder by Gabor Maté, MD
Smart but Stuck: Emotions in Teens and Adults with ADHD by Thomas E. Brown, PhD
Taking Charge of Adult ADHD (2nd edition): Proven Strategies to Succeed at Work, at Home, and in Relationships by Russell A. Barkley, PhD
The Couple’s Guide to Thriving with ADHD by Melissa Orlov and Nancie Kohlenberger, LMFT
The New Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults Workbook by Lynn Weiss, PhD
The Smart but Scattered Guide to Success: How to Use Your Brain’s Executive Skills to Keep Up, Stay Calm, and Get Organized at Work and at Home by Peg Dawson, EdD and Richard Guare, PhD
Understanding ADHD in Girls and Womenedited by Joanne Steer
You Mean I’m not Lazy, Stupid or Crazy?!: The Classic Self-Help Book for Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder by Kate Kelly and Peggy Ramundo
