ADHD IN ADULTS
Adult ADHD: Symptoms, Assessment and Treatment
Adult ADHD can affect attention, planning, impulse control, time management, and consistency. It can be missed when a person has developed strong compensatory strategies.
Reviewed by Dr. Rilwan Aransi, MD, CCFP · Verra Health Clinic, Edmonton · Last reviewed August 2026
Eligible insured medical appointments may be covered by the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan.
Meet the clinicPossible adult experiences
Adults may notice inattention, unfinished tasks, time-management difficulties, forgetfulness, restlessness, impulsivity, emotional frustration, or difficulty shifting between tasks. These concerns can affect employment, education, finances, household organization, relationships, sleep, and driving.
Common life difficulties are not automatically ADHD. Sleep problems, anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, medication effects, and medical conditions can overlap with attention concerns.
Treatment options
When clinically appropriate, treatment may include education, practical systems, counselling or skills-based therapy, workplace or school supports, sleep and lifestyle changes, medication, and follow-up. A combined approach may be useful, but no single option is right for everyone.
When to seek assessment
Consider discussing an assessment when persistent attention or impulsivity concerns are affecting important areas of daily life, especially when you recognize a pattern that may have been present since childhood.
Verra Health Clinic
Ready to discuss your symptoms with a physician?
Choose a virtual appointment across Alberta or in-person care in Edmonton through our existing booking page.