Imagine trying to focus on a single task while a whirlwind of thoughts race through your mind. Or feeling overwhelmed by the simplest of chores. These experiences might sound familiar if you or someone you know have ADHD.
ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is a neurodevelopmental disorder often
associated with hyperactivity and impulsivity. However, this is just one side of the coin. Many
individuals with ADHD exhibit inattentive symptoms, often going unnoticed. This can lead to
feelings of frustration, underachievement, and inadequacy.
Did you know? Up to 60% of individuals with ADHD primarily display inattentive symptoms
rather than hyperactive-impulsive ones.1
What is Inattentive ADHD?
Inattentive ADHD is characterized by a persistent pattern of inattention and difficulty with
sustained focus. People with this condition may struggle with:
Difficulty paying attention to details, which can result in seemingly careless mistakes in
work or school.2
Trouble staying focused on tasks or play.
Difficulty listening when spoken to directly, often appearing to daydream or zone out.
Problems following through on instructions or finishing tasks.
Difficulty organizing tasks and activities and struggling with time management and
prioritization.
Procrastinating or finding it a challenge to engage in tasks that demand concentration.
Misplacing items frequently.
Being easily distracted by external stimuli, like noises or visual distractions.
Forgetfulness in daily activities, including being on time for appointments, chores, or
return calls.
Why Does It Go Unnoticed?
Stereotypes often link ADHD to hyperactivity, overlooking the inattentive symptoms that many individuals experience. Unlike the disruptive nature of hyperactive ADHD, inattentive ADHD often manifests as internal struggles, making it less visible to others. Furthermore, symptoms can emerge or become more pronounced in adulthood, further complicating diagnosis.
Did you know? Women are more likely to be diagnosed with inattentive ADHD than men. This gender bias in diagnosis is a significant issue that needs to be addressed.3
The Impact of ADHD on Daily Life Inattentive ADHD can significantly impact various aspects of life, including:
Difficulty concentrating, organizing, and completing tasks can lead to academic
struggles.
Challenges with focus, time management, and follow-through can hinder career
advancement.4
Inattentiveness can strain personal relationships due to forgetfulness, missed
appointments, or difficulty maintaining conversations.
Individuals with ADHD may experience increased rates of anxiety, depression, and low
self-esteem.
Common Myths and Truths
Myth #1: ADHD is just a childhood disorder. While symptoms often appear in childhood, ADHD can persist into adulthood.
Myth #2: ADHD is caused by poor parenting or laziness. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder with biological factors contributing to its development.
Myth #3: People with ADHD are simply unintelligent.
Many highly successful individuals have ADHD, including entrepreneurs, artists, and scientists.
Did you know? Some of the most successful and creative people in history are believed to have had ADHD, including Albert Einstein, Bill Gates and Walt Disney. Celebrities include Ryan Gosling, Emma Watson, Justin Timberlake, Paris Hilton and Michael Jordan.
Treatment and Support
Finding the right treatment for ADHD is a personalized journey. A combination of approaches often works best. Medication, whether stimulant or non-stimulant, can help individuals focus and stay on task.5 Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) offers strategies to manage symptoms and boost self-confidence.6 Lifestyle changes—think regular exercise, a balanced diet, and enough sleep—can also make a big difference. If you or someone you care about is struggling with ADHD symptoms, seeking professional evaluation is crucial. Early diagnosis and intervention can significantly improve quality of life.
Getting a Diagnosis in Ontario
Getting a diagnosis for ADHD in Ontario can be a complex process. While it's a common condition, the path to diagnosis can vary depending on factors like age, symptoms, and available resources.
Who Can Diagnose ADHD?
In Ontario, only specific healthcare professionals can provide a formal ADHD diagnosis:7
Medical doctors: This includes family physicians, pediatricians, and psychiatrists.
Nurse practitioners
Psychologists
The Diagnostic Process
Typically, the process involves several steps:
Initial Consultation: You'll discuss your symptoms, medical history, and daily challenges with a healthcare provider.
Screening Tools: You might complete questionnaires or rating scales to assess ADHD
symptoms.
Comprehensive Evaluation: If screening suggests ADHD, a more in-depth evaluation may be necessary. This could involve psychological testing, interviews with parents or teachers (for children), and a review of medical records.
Cost of Diagnosis
The cost of an ADHD diagnosis in Ontario depends on the healthcare provider and the type of assessment.
OHIP Coverage: If you see a family doctor or psychiatrist covered by OHIP (Ontario Health
Insurance Plan), the initial consultation and some assessments might be covered. However,
comprehensive psychological evaluations are often not fully covered.
Private Pay: If you choose to see a psychologist or nurse practitioner in private practice, you'll likely need to pay out-of-pocket for the assessment. Costs can range from several hundred to thousands of dollars.
Navigating the System
Navigating the healthcare system for ADHD diagnosis and treatment can be challenging due to potential complexities and wait times. Patience and persistence are key. Begin by consulting with your family doctor for initial guidance and referrals. Research healthcare providers who specialize in ADHD assessment and treatment. Lastly, be prepared to advocate for yourself or your child by clearly communicating your symptoms and concerns.
Additional Tips
Keep a journal of your symptoms and how they impact your life.
Seek support and connect with others who have ADHD to share experiences and
advice.
Be patient. The diagnostic process can be time-consuming.
Living with inattentive ADHD can feel isolating, but you’re not alone. Therapy offers a safe and supportive space to explore your experiences, develop coping strategies, and build self-esteem. By working with a qualified therapist, you can unlock your full potential and thrive.
Take the first step towards a brighter future. Contact Toronto Psychotherapy Space today for a free 20-minute psychotherapy consultation.
Resources and Links:
CADDAC is a national charity providing leadership in awareness, education, and advocacy for ADHD across Canada.
CAMH has compiled this list of resources and references that offer ADHD assessment for Adults in Ontario.
1 Source: American Psychiatric Association, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition, text revision [DSM-5-TR]. Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Association; 2022.
2 Source: Faraone, S. V., & Doyle, A. E. (2005). The impact of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder on educational outcomes: A meta-analysis of the literature. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 38(3), 199-223.
3 Source: Barkley, R. A. (2015). Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Handbook for Diagnosis and Treatment. Guilford Publications.
4 Source: DuPaul, T. J., & Stoner, G. (2017). Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults: A handbook for professionals. Guilford Publications.
5 Source: National Institute of Mental Health. (2022). Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). [Website] Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9713849/
6 Source: Barkley, R. A. (2015). Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Handbook for Diagnosis and Treatment. Guilford Publications.
7 Source: College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario. (2023). ADHD: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. [Website] Retrieved from https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/
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