Attention-Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects both children and adults, characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interfere with daily functioning and development. Individuals with ADHD may struggle to focus on tasks, follow through on instructions, organize activities, or sustain attention in work or play. They may also exhibit impulsive behaviors, such as interrupting others or acting without considering consequences, and show signs of hyperactivity, including restlessness, excessive talking, or difficulty remaining seated. ADHD presents in different subtypes: predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive, or combined, depending on the symptom profile.
The exact causes of ADHD are not entirely understood, but research points to a combination of genetic, neurological, and environmental factors. While ADHD is often diagnosed in childhood, it can persist into adulthood, where symptoms may manifest differently - often as disorganization, difficulty managing time, or trouble maintaining focus in professional or personal settings. Effective treatment typically involves an approach that may include behavioral therapy, educational interventions, lifestyle adjustments, and medication such as stimulants.
"ADHD is probably one of the more common mental health diagnoses, I’d say. It is a neurodevelopmental disorder that has an effect on aspects of cognitive function, such as memory. I was always a quiet, well-behaved kid in school. I got good grades and excelled among my peers. Hell, I even published a book whilst in grade six! This would seem like a perfect kid, right? Where people failed to connect the dots was among my procrastination. Oh, she’s just lazy, they’d say. If only she just applied herself. I can recall forgetting projects being due in school, as well. Or I’d half-ass it and miss details. I couldn’t stay focused on a task - unless I was SUPER into it. Art class was terrible. All I wanted to do was draw my goofy little hyperfixation characters. But no. Paint some pears instead. Due to my high average throughout grade and high school, no one once thought I’d be later diagnosed with combined type ADHD," says Em, the owner of Rooting for You! She is now twenty, but was diagnosed at the age of eighteen.
Em was diagnosed with ADHD in October 2023, during her first year of post-secondary school. Although, she was diagnosed with other mental health conditions in 2017 - including three clinical anxiety disorders (social anxiety, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder [GAD]) and major depressive disorder (MDD). Studies show that these comorbid disorders may be caused by untreated ADHD, or present symptoms are worsened by the undiagnosed ADHD. There is also evidence to show that women experience ADHD differently than men. Emotions and moods may be a larger factor. Things like rejection sensitivity are a part of ADHD - and something Em experiences. "Rejection sensitivity is essentially internalizing and speculating about being told no. For example, if you ask a friend to hangout over the weekend, and they say they're busy, you may ruminate about why they said no. Is it because they don't like you, or are they actually busy? Are they lying about their reason because they don't want to hangout with you?"
What exactly are the subtypes of ADHD? What does "combined type" mean?
"Combined type? What does that mean? Well, there are three subtypes of ADHD; hyperactive, inattentive, and combined. Hyperactive ADHD is your stereotypical “I can’t sit still,” symptoms. Hyperactive ADHD-ers tend to fidget, act impulsively, and feel as though they are being driven by a motor. Inattentive ADHD-ers struggle with memory, attention or concentration - this subtype used to be called just ADD. Combined type ADHD-ers means you’ve won the ADHD lottery, because you have both categories of symptoms. Yay! To be diagnosed with ADHD, one must have six or more of the marked DSM symptoms. Examples include a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity. Namely fidgeting, running around or standing where inappropriate, being “driven by a motor,” excessive speaking, and trouble with patience for hyperactivity, or, failure to maintain close attention to detail, difficulty with sustaining attention during tasks, an inability follow instructions accurately, difficulty with organization, misplacing objects/belongings, and avoiding tasks that require a sustained mental effort for inattention. It is important to note that an ADHD diagnosis can only be made if symptoms persist for six months or more and cause dysfunction or impairment. A specification will be made to note if the diagnosed ADHD is mild, moderate, or severe. Predominantly hyperactive ADHD is the most uncommon type of ADHD."
Em underwent five appointments with a private clinic to be diagnosed with combined type ADHD. The first appointment involved a screening with a physician, then a screening with a psychologist. The third session was the actual two-hour test, where Em would follow digital prompts to test her attention, memory, and impulsivity. The fourth meeting was her diagnosis with the same psychologist, and the last appointment involved the possibility of medication with the physician. She was prescribed Biphentin, a stimulant medication to help with focus and manage impulsiveness.
"It was funny, actually," Em notes. "I originally challenged the combined type diagnosis as I was expecting the inattentive-type diagnosis. But the doctor laughed when I did, and I looked down to realize I was twirling my pencil. I also feel like sitting down for prolonged periods of time suck, and during the two-hour test I had to take breaks to stretch. During dinner with my family, when I'm done eating, I'll stand behind my chair to talk and pace a little bit. I didn't realize these were hyperactive symptoms until they were pointed out to me. My post-secondary accommodations for ADHD include being able to stand if need be, without being told to sit back down."
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In summary, Em's experiences with (combined type) ADHD were negatively affecting her life, even though symptoms were not a "problem" or "noticed" until she went to college. While her symptoms persisted through her life, no one thought to screen her for the diagnosis until it was causing distress. People will exhibit symptoms. This is normal. It's the impairment and distress that warrants a diagnosis. Em notes that there's a reason symptoms need a strict criteria met. Everyone exhibits symptoms from time to time, and most people struggle to sit down to write, say, an essay. But it's when the persistent dysfunction gets in the way of daily life, one should perhaps consider a diagnosis. Em advocates that medication is not a requirement for treatment of ADHD, though it helps balance neurotransmitters in the brain and make focus/impulse control easier. Therapy, strategies, routines, and the like are, according to Em, some of the more helpful aspects of treatment (in her experience). "Biphentin has been a game-changer, but, routines, making lists... they've been an eye-opener."
ADHD is most definitely a difficult disorder to live with, but, like any diagnosis - there are ways to live productive, fulfilling lives. "Your disorder does not define you," Em notes. "You cannot control your emotions and thoughts/impulses, but, you can control the way you act toward them." Em encourages her fellow "ADHD-ers" to find strategies that work for them. Em shares some ADHD tips and tricks that work for her:
Keep a planner or whiteboard to write down tasks. Check off when you’ve completed something - it’s satisfying to do!
Break bigger tasks into steps - and take breaks!
If you need stimuli, grab a study buddy!
COLOUR CODE!!!
Start a small, manageable task (like laundry) before tackling a bigger, more mentally-draining task (like my goddamn stats homework)!
Have a “work space,” and avoid working in your bed. Sit at a desk, the kitchen table, or go out to a cafe. Designate a spot to be mindfully present and active on a task!
Reward yourself for completing a task!
Mindful activities to ground yourself!
Keep calm, and ADHD on!
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Great post!! Some really helpful tips too :)
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