Attention deficit disorder with or without hyperactivity (ADHD) is characterized by inattention, or a short attention span, which may or may not be accompanied by impulsivity and hyperactivity. It can affect development and social, emotional and intellectual functioning.
The disorder, present from birth, becomes apparent in early childhood, often before starting school. In 50 to 65% of cases, it persists in adulthood.
Signs and symptoms
People with ADHD may experience difficulties with family and friends, at home, at school or at work. The nature and intensity of the symptoms vary.
Attention problems can be characterized by the following symptoms:
difficulty concentrating and staying attentive
inattentive listening and the need for constant repetition
difficulty getting organized (regularly losing objects, being distracted, poor attention to detail)
lack of planning (difficulty carrying out actions in a logical order or prioritizing them, poor time management)
discouragement, giving up or avoiding tasks that require sustained effort
difficulty following instructions and completing tasks
Hyperactivity and impulsivity can be characterized by the following symptoms:
restlessness (inability to stay still or stop talking)
inability to wait one’s turn, interrupting other people when they are speaking or not respecting queues
difficulty following instructions or acting without thinking
mood swings, impatience
feelings of trembling
age-inappropriate behaviour
When to consult
The sooner ADHD is detected, the greater the possibility of minimizing the consequences. If your child or you have signs or symptoms of ADHD, you can consult a resource working in the field of ADHD to find information, help and support.
However, consult a doctor or another healthcare and social services professional if the signs and symptoms are causing suffering, interfering with the ability to function at home, school or work, or are affecting relationships with family and friends and if they have been present for more than six months.
The person you will meet can assess your needs or your child’s needs and offer solutions to to reduce the signs and symptoms of ADHD. To clarify the nature of your difficulties, they may suggest that you carry out a health check, follow up with the school (where applicable) or refer you to another healthcare professional for a more in-depth assessment. They will then discuss with you the services or approaches that could meet your needs.
Recognizing signs of distress
Distress and suffering may be very severe for a person with ADHD. If you have suicidal thoughts and fear for your safety or that of people around you, consult the page Recognizing signs of distress and preventing suicide. You will find further information on help and resources available.
Care and services
There are treatments and services, combined or not with medication, that are recognized as effective in supporting people with ADHD. They may help alleviate the signs and the symptoms associated with this disorder and help them regain control of their lives and daily activities. It is not necessary to have a diagnosis to access them.
You may be offered psychosocial interventions to try to reduce the signs and symptoms and their effects in everyday life. Behavioural interventions can also help people learn to manage their behaviour better and get organized. Lifestyle changes such as having a good diet, exercising regularly and sleeping well also help manage symptoms. At school, adjustments, such as personalized support or changes in teaching, can be put in place. Finally, when parents and family are involved in the follow-up, people with ADHD may feel better understood and supported.
Learning disabilities, anxiety and depressive disorders, oppositional defiant disorder and behavioural disorder are frequently associated with ADHD. People with ADHD are also at higher risk of developing addiction problems (drugs, alcohol, gambling, screens) or delinquent behaviours.
Living with untreated ADHD can have several consequences for the person and their family and friends. In children, this can result in problems with self-esteem, depression, opposition to authority, conflict with others or anxiety disorders. In adults, this can lead to relationship problems and a sense of underperformance sometimes resulting in job loss or problems with the law.
Prejudice
People living with ADHD are sometimes victims of their own prejudices and those of society at large. Lack of motivation and effort, lazy, disruptive, less intelligent, in constant need of attention: those misconceptions persist, wrongly, about people with ADHD.
These prejudices discourage people from seeking help or continuing their treatment.
ADHD has no clear identified cause. Although the disorder results from a combination of genetic, biological, psychosocial and environmental risk factors, its main cause is hereditary transmission, which is estimated to be about 75%. People whose parents have ADHD are therefore at a higher risk of manifesting signs and symptoms of ADHD.