Could It Be ADHD?
Do you think you might have ADHD? Does your child, sibling, or parent have it? Maybe some of the information here has you wondering, “Could it be…?” Maybe it’s time to find out.
THE SYMPTOMS OF ADHD FALL UNDER THREE MAIN CATEGORIES:
1
Inattentiveness
Trouble paying attention, focusing, or organizing.
2
Hyperactivity
Highly or excessively active behaviour.
3
Impulsivity
The tendency to act or do things without thinking or caring about the consequences.
These core symptoms of ADHD can occur in everyone occasionally—for example, forgetting or losing items.
However, people with ADHD tend to experience more of these symptoms—much more often. This has a significant impact on their ability to function from the time they get up in the morning until they go to bed at night, every single day.
For ADHD to be diagnosed, at least 6 symptoms of inattention or 6 symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity must:
- Be present for at least 6 months
- Be present in 2 or more settings (e.g., at school/work, at home, and/or while socializing)
- Impair (cause problems in) daily functioning
In addition, several inattentive or hyperactive-impulsive symptoms must have been present during childhood (before age 12 years).
In older adolescents and adults (17 and older), at least 5 symptoms of either type must be present.
ADHD HAS
MANY FACES:
- Not every person with ADHD shows all of the symptoms.
- Some people have mild symptoms, while others have severe ADHD that results in significant impairments.
- Symptoms of ADHD can show up differently in children, teens, and adults.
Childhood ADHD Symptoms
Children with ADHD face many challenges and frustrations, as their behaviours are often misunderstood.
Learn more about ADHD in children
Teen ADHD Symptoms
The teenage years are demanding, even for the most well-adjusted adolescents. Teens with ADHD (and their caregivers) face a whole extra set of challenges.
Learn more about ADHD in teens
Adult ADHD Symptoms
Symptoms of ADHD start at an early age, but they may not be noticed until adulthood. Even then, adults who have lived with undiagnosed ADHD may not recognize lifelong challenges as symptoms of ADHD.
Learn more about ADHD in adults