Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
What is ADHD?
When you think of ADHD, you might picture someone who is unable to focus or has trouble sitting still. While ADHD is in fact a medical disorder that can impact our ability to concentrate and complete daily tasks, many are described as "lazy" or "unmotivated." On the outside, it may look like they are unable to finish their work, but there are many reasons why someone with ADHD may struggle with different challenges.
ADHD Types & Symptoms
There are three main types of ADHD, each with unique symptoms.
1. Predominantly Inattentive: Challenges With Attention Span
Difficulty Staying Focused
Difficulty Sticking to One Task
Difficulty Following Instructions
Difficulty Remembering Minor Details
2. Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive: Extremely Active and Impulsive Behaviour
Difficulty Sitting Still
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Difficulty Waiting
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Interrupting Others
Lots of Energy
3. Combined: A mix of both types of ADHD
The most common type of ADHD is a combination of both inattentive and hyperactive symptoms. This does not mean your ADHD is "worse" than either of the other two types. Being diagnosed with combined ADHD means that you have shared symptoms from both.
What Causes ADHD?
The causes of ADHD are still unknown and cannot be pinpointed to one specific factor. Evidence shows that ADHD may be a genetic factor affecting young people, although some people are not diagnosed until later on in life.
Other possible factors contributing to the development of ADHD include premature birth, a mother's use of substances and health during pregnancy, as well as environmental risks. However, there is not enough evidence to prove what the main causes of ADHD are.
What Can Help to Manage Symptoms?
Medication: Medication can be an effective way to help individuals manage their symptoms. Talk to your doctor to help find the best solution for you.
Therapy: Combined with other coping skills, therapy can be a great tool to learn new tools and techniques to help decrease the impact of symptoms.
Lifestyle Changes: Developing habits for a healthy lifestyle can be beneficial, as it can make individuals feel more focused and create more balance in their lives.
It is always best to talk to your doctor about any concerns or questions you might have. This page should not be used as a resource to self-diagnose.
ADHD Infographics & Tip Sheets
Click one of the topics below to download and print our sheets or click here to view more of our infographics.