ADHD is a medical neurobiological disorder, included in the field of mental health
ADHD conservatively occurs in 4% of adults and 5% of children worldwide
80% of children maintain their diagnosis into adolescence
60% are still affected by core symptoms in adulthood
Research shows that ADHD is most often inherited
There are three subtypes of ADHD, depending on the three core symptoms, inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity present:
predominately inattentive (previously referred to as ADD)
predominately hyperactive (very rare)
combined (most prevalent)
Symptoms of ADHD include difficulty with the regulation of attention. Inattention, difficulties prioritizing attention and difficulty breaking and shifting attention (over-focusing) can all be an issue.
Executive functioning impairment and mood dysregulation can also impact many children and adults with ADHD
ADHD is still under-diagnosed and under-treated in Canada
Parenting styles do not cause ADHD
Diets and limiting food additives and sugar will not cure ADHD
Treatment for ADHD should always be multi-modal
Children, adolescents and adults with untreated ADHD are at a greater risk for:
learning difficulties, less academic success, school dropout, and fewer years of schooling
additional mental health disorders and problems with self esteem
substance abuse and a greater chance of becoming involved in the justice system
sustaining injuries and more accidents as well as automobile accidents
ADHD impedes the acquisition of human and social capital. By not recognizing and treating ADHD costs to the Canadian economy increase
