ADHD RESOURCE CENTRE
ADHD: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment
ADHD can look different at different stages of life. This guide covers the signs to look for, how assessment works, and what treatment can involve.
Written for patients by the Verra Health Clinic team · Last reviewed August 2026
What is ADHD?
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that can affect attention, activity level, impulse control, planning, and emotional regulation. Symptoms are different for every person and may change with age, structure, stress, sleep, and responsibilities.
Common symptoms
Inattention
- Difficulty organizing tasks or time
- Forgetting appointments, instructions, or items
- Starting many tasks but struggling to finish
- Being easily distracted
Hyperactivity and impulsivity
- Restlessness or feeling internally driven
- Interrupting or acting before thinking
- Difficulty waiting or sitting through long activities
- Talking or making decisions quickly
ADHD in adults, women, and children
Adults may notice problems with deadlines, finances, driving, relationships, household tasks, or work performance. Women and girls may be overlooked when symptoms are mainly inattentive or masked by effort and coping strategies. Children may show difficulties at school, at home, or in activities. Assessment considers the whole pattern rather than one symptom or one questionnaire.
How ADHD is diagnosed
There is no single blood test or scan for ADHD. A clinician reviews symptoms, onset, impairment, development, school or work history, mental health, physical health, sleep, substance use, medications, and information from other people when available. Screening questionnaires can support an assessment but do not establish a diagnosis by themselves.
Treatment and support
Treatment is individualized. Options may include education, skills training, cognitive behavioural therapy, coaching, workplace or school accommodations, sleep and exercise strategies, treatment of co-existing conditions, and medication. Medication and psychological or behavioural strategies often work best together.
Frequently asked questions
Can ADHD begin in adulthood?
ADHD symptoms begin in childhood, but some people are not recognized until adult responsibilities make the pattern more apparent. A proper assessment also considers other explanations such as sleep problems, anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, thyroid disease, and medication effects.
Is ADHD hereditary?
ADHD commonly runs in families. Genetics are important, but development, health, environment, and learning experiences also influence how symptoms appear.
Can ADHD cause anxiety?
ADHD and anxiety can occur together. Treating both conditions may be important, and the order of treatment depends on symptom severity, safety, and your goals.
Does medication change your personality?
The goal is improved attention and self-management, not a different personality. Feeling emotionally flat, unusually irritable, or unlike yourself is a reason to contact your prescriber.
Can ADHD be treated without medication?
Yes. Skills-based strategies, cognitive behavioural therapy, coaching, workplace or school accommodations, sleep, exercise, and treatment of co-existing conditions can all help. Many people benefit from a combined approach.
Explore the ADHD medication guides
How medications work, side effects, monitoring, pregnancy, and breastfeeding.ADHD Medications While Breastfeeding
Evidence-informed information for parents making a treatment decision.Choosing an ADHD Medication
A Canadian-focused comparison of common formulations and treatment considerations.
Questions about your own situation? Book an appointment or call (587) 404-2000.