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We are the overlooked

Do you feel that you may have ADHD?

Steps to talking to your primary care provider:

1. Take the adult ADHD self-assessment
2. Download the doctor discussion guide
3. Bring both of these with you to your appointment with your primary care provider

Don’t Overlook ADHD

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurological condition, but people with ADHD are often dismissed and not taken seriously. They are the overlooked.

Did you know that the United States National Resource Center on ADHD states that up to 70% of those with ADHD will be treated for depression? And that sleep disorders affect people with ADHD two to three times as often as those without it?

It’s time we bring ADHD into the light and give it the recognition and understanding it demands. Don’t overlook ADHD.

What if she’s not just a free spirit?

Adults with ADHD are 2X as likely to get divorced and are less satisfied with their social, personal and professional lives.

Katzman et al. Adult ADHD and comorbid disorders: clinical implications of a dimensional approach. BMC Psychiatry 2017;17:302-16.

What happens when ADHD is not diagnosed?

50% fewer girls are referred for ADHD evaluations and treatment than boys, even though ADHD affects boys and girls equally.

Kingsley E & Connolly L. Why ADHD in girls is often overlooked. https://www.additudemag.com/the-truth-about-girls-adhd/. Accessed December 21, 2021.

What if he’s not just rebelling?

People with ADHD can have low self-esteem and may engage in substance abuse and risky sexual behaviour.

Shaw M, et al. A systematic review and analysis of long-term outcomes in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Effects of treatment and non-treatment. BCM Medicine 2012;10:99-114.
Monawar Hosain GM, et al. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity symptoms and risky sexual behavior in young adult women. Journal of Women’s Health. 2012;21(4):463-8.

What if he’s trying his best?

Students with ADHD are 2.7X more likely to drop out of school before graduation than those without ADHD.

Centre for ADHD Awareness, Canada. https://caddac.ca/understanding-adhd/in-general/. Accessed December 21, 2021.

What if she’s not just daydreaming?

Students with ADHD are at higher risk for lower levels of academic achievement and higher rates of disciplinary referrals and grade repetition.

Centre for ADHD Awareness, Canada. https://caddac.ca/understanding-adhd/in-general/. Accessed December 21, 2021.

What if it’s not that “he just needs to apply himself”?

Students with ADHD score 8 to 10% lower in literacy and numeracy than their classmates without ADHD.

Centre for ADHD Awareness, Canada. https://caddac.ca/understanding-adhd/in-general/. Accessed December 21, 2021.

What if it’s more than anxiety?

Up to 30% of children and 25-40% of adults with ADHD have a co-existing anxiety disorder.

ADHD Awareness. 7 Facts about ADHD. https://www.adhdawarenessmonth.org/myths-vs-facts/#14. Accessed December 21, 2021.

What if you didn’t grow out of it?

Many adults with ADHD also have co-occurring psychiatric disorders, including anxiety and mood, impulse control and substance use disorders.

CME Institute. Assessing adults with ADHD and comorbidities. Prim Care Companion J Clin Psychiatry 2009;11(1):25.

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ADHD is normally first diagnosed in children, but lasts into adulthood in more than 50% of cases.

Your healthcare provider can make a diagnosis of ADHD using the guidelines in the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth edition (DSM-5®).

Symptoms of ADHD can include:

  • Inattention (such as trouble with listening and concentrating, being forgetful, feeling distracted or being disorganized)
  • Hyperactivity and impulsivity (such as difficulty sitting still or being quiet, feeling restless, talking often or interrupting)
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ADHD is prevalent around the world. It is estimated that 5-9% of children and adolescents and 3-5% of adults have ADHD.

Take the adult ADHD self-assessment

Tips on how to start the conversation with your doctor

Doctor
discussion guide
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ADHD is not just behaving badly in school, not being able to sit still or getting easily distracted. And it’s not caused by lack of motivation or willpower.

It’s a real neurological condition, with real life consequences.

You can be part of the movement and help bring awareness to the Overlooked on your social media page.

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ADHD can feel overwhelming, but learning more about this condition may help. You can start by visiting these websites.