Attention Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a brain-based condition that looks different among teenagers. No one knows for sure why some people have ADHD, but scientists have noticed that the brains of people with ADHD work a little differently from people without it.

ADHD impacts the way people act and interact with the world around them. These differences come with advantages and disadvantages (read more on this below).

ADHD used to be divided into two terms, ADD and ADHD, but the term ADD is no longer used by doctors. ADHD can show up in different ways for different people. Doctors refer to three types of ADHD: inattentive, hyper-active/impulsive, and combined. The two main types of ADHD are inattentive and combined.

• Inattentive: People with this type of ADHD have trouble controlling – or regulating – their attention. They are not especially restless or active.
• Hyperactive-impulsive: People with this type of ADHD have trouble controlling their activities, including movement, talking and decision making.
• Combined: People with this type of ADHD have trouble controlling their attention plus they are restless or very active and impulsive.

For more information, check out this video that explains common ADHD-related terms.

Symptoms of ADHD begin at a young age and typically start before the age of 12. ADHD is more commonly diagnosed in children and youth. Girls and transgendered, gender diverse, and non-binary (TGDNB) youth may be underdiagnosed with ADHD for a variety of reasons, such as having different symptoms from boys and gender bias. Diagnoses in adults are also less common because adults often have found ways to adapt to activities of daily living. 

Here are common signs related to ADHD:

• You find it easier to pay attention when things are new, exciting or interesting to you or when a deadline is approaching.
• You find it harder to pay attention when things are boring, repetitive, slow or when there is no deadline approaching.
• You might be impulsive – you often think, feel and react quickly before you have had a chance to think about what might happen.
• You like to joke around a lot. People may have described you a “class clown”.
• You find it hard to keep your cool when you are angry, upset or frustrated.
• You often move around or feel restless.
• You move your feet, bite your nails or doodle often.
• You lose track of time, and you are often late.

Everyone has these experiences sometimes, but it doesn’t mean you have ADHD. Consider connecting with a healthcare provider to learn more about ADHD if you experience these signs for more than six months and across many different activities, like at school, at work and when hanging with friends. A healthcare provider can provide you with additional information and suggest next steps, like getting an assessment for ADHD.

Living with ADHD comes with challenges for many people. However, research has also shown that people with ADHD are more likely to:

• be extra creative
• be great conversationalists
• be humorous
• be courageous and spontaneous
• have high energy which allows them to thrive in fast-paced environments

Although having ADHD can create some challenges and struggles in school and workplace settings, many people with ADHD become resilient from working past the obstacles.

Jessica McCabe tell us the story of her life. Once a gifted child with bright future, who later lives a life of a constant failures, because one thing – her ADHD diagnosis. Until one thing changed everything and she realized, that she is not alone. Her Youtube channel HowtoADHD is dedicated to help not only people with ADHD, but also their parents, partners a teachers and to remind them, that they are not alone.

Check out this inspiring TedTalk from Jessica McCabe, Failing at Normal: An ADHD Success Story, describing her challenges and successes living with ADHD.

If you suspect you have or have been diagnosed with ADHD, you might want to try different ways to build up your skills that work for you in your daily life. 

Here are some strategies to try:

• Find a quiet place with minimal distractions to study. Try ear plugs or listening to instrumental music if you can’t find a quiet place.
• Use good lighting that shines directly on your work, like a desk lamp or a book light, rather than overhead (ceiling) lighting.
• Find someone to share a space with who also has important work to do. 
• Put all your study supplies in one place, like a pencil case or box. These might include pens, pencils and erasers, highlighters, blank paper or study cards, calculator, ruler and fidget tools.
• Break down your studying into small, manageable steps and schedule in frequent breaks.
• Communicate with your teacher about your learning needs. For example, you might need more time to complete an assignment or breaks during a test. At college or university, go through the Centre for Accessibility to access these supports.
• Try out the ADHD accessibility settings when looking at information on websites (where available).

Check out this video, How to Homework: Top 10 Tips for ADHD Success, which offers ten tips for students with ADHD to improve their homework habits. The tips are presented by a YouTuber who partnered with Nobel Coaching, an online tutoring service, and include strategies like creating a dedicated study space, breaking down assignments into smaller chunks, and rewarding oneself for effort. The video also addresses the importance of respecting downtime and seeking help if needed.

Here are some things you might try:

• Get a good night’s sleep. People with ADHD tend to be “night owls.” Getting a good night’s sleep is especially important to help you focus. Aim for 8 to 10 hours of sleep per night. Here are some tips to help you get a good night’s sleep.
• Eat and drink regularly. This may help you with your focus and prevent mood swings. Try not to skip breakfast and have easy-to-access snacks on hand for when you are hungry. Keep a water bottle close by. Learn more about eating and nutrition here.
• Stay active. Physical activity is very important for optimal brain function and mental well-being. You might find it easier to focus after short bouts of activity that get your heart rate up. Here are some suggestions for integrating physical activity throughout your day.
• Pack up your stuff the night before. Whether it’s your lunch or backpack for school or work, packing the night before makes mornings less rushed. You are also less likely to forget something. Having a checklist of what to pack can help.
• Take the time to learn more about ADHD. When you understand where certain behaviour comes from, you can find ways to manage it. Check out the Rolling with ADHD for Teens resource or this video from BC Children’s Hospital.
• Look after your mental health. People with ADHD may also experience mental disorders, such as Anxiety and Depression. They may also be more likely to experience substance-related harm because their brains may be more sensitive to the effects of substances. If you notice mental health symptoms or feel like substance use is causing you harm, it may be helpful to get support.
• Talk to someone. It can be difficult at times to manage ADHD on your own. You can talk to a friend or a trusted adult in your life. There are resources for parents/guardians and schools to support teens with ADHD that you can share with the adults in your life.
• Speak to a health care professional. Speak to a health care professional who can help with the more challenging aspects of ADHD and discuss different options. There is strong evidence that medications work very well for those living with ADHD. You can read about the different types of ADHD medications here.

For ADHD assessment and diagnosis, talk to a healthcare provider like your doctor or nurse practitioner. They are able to diagnose and treat ADHD. You may also be referred to a specialist for an ADHD assessment, such as a pediatrician, psychiatrist or psychologist. For more about how your family doctor can help and where you may be referred, click here.

Looking for more information on this topic? Connect with a peer support worker or counsellor at Foundry to discover additional resources, learn more about support and treatment options or just to find a listening ear.