ADHD

There are three subtypes of ADHD: Inattentive, Hyperactive, and Combined type (which is comprised of characteristics of both inattentive and hyperactive types). In the current literature, there has been an emergence of data indicating that inattentive type may be more prevalent in women, hyperactive type more prevalent in men, and combined type becoming more equally distributed between the genders.

The areas of the brain which are typically impacted by ADHD are the limbic system (which may include the hippocampus and amygdala) as well as the prefrontal cortex which houses the processes largely responsible for our executive functions (eg. working memory and response inhibition).

People with ADHD (or ADHDers as they are called in activist communities) often experience other phenomena associated with executive functioning challenges such as sensory processing differences and alexithymia (which impacts an ADHDer's ability to know how they are feeling internally), which ultimately can have an impact on their ability to relate to others, possibly affecting their relationships, employment opportunities, and self-esteem.

Common Presentation

The prevalence rates of ADHD in youth ages 12-17 are estimated as being 13% of the population, with boys being more commonly diagnosed than girls (13% vs 6%). There are also a number of co-occurring disorders which are commonly diagnosed with ADHD such as behavioural/conduct disorders, anxiety, depression, autism, and Tourettes.

It is important to note that there has been an increasing call in the neurodiversity community to re-examine race-based data, given that the medical model has been historically discriminatory and that many assessment tools were tested and validated using white male participants. The community has also raised concerns about over-diagnosis of co-occurring disorders, highlighting the importance of accessing diagnostic and treatment services that are both culturally competent and specialized.

Myths About ADHD

There are several myths regarding ADHD which can delay diagnosis and treatment. Some examples are presented below:

• ADHD is a childhood disorder: There was a prevalent belief that ADHD was mostly a childhood disorder which is why the data on adults is so scant and even non-existent. Recent research has discovered that ADHD can, in fact, be present in adults. However, the fact that it is still largely believed to be a childhood disorder may impact an adult's access to diagnosis.
• Women are less likely to have ADHD: New research suggests that this may not be the case, and the COVID pandemic saw women and girls being diagnosed at unprecedented rates. Given that ADHD was previously believed to be a mostly "male" disorder, and hyperactivity is on average more prevalent in male ADHDers, many women, who are on average more likely to have the inattentive subtype, may be missed.
• Why can't they just stop behaving that way? They must be doing it on purpose: ADHD, sadly, has been equated to a disorder of morality, meaning that many people close to the ADHDer often think that they just need to "try harder" and they can overcome it, or worse, that they are just lazy. ADHD is a disorder of executive functioning and limbic system control; these impairments are legitimate, challenging, and can be quite damaging to the life of the ADHDer.

Strengths

There is a myth out there that a diagnosis of ADHD means that the person who has it may struggle their whole lives, and won't be successful. This could not be further from the truth. While some people do experience greater impairment, a diagnosis of ADHD does not guarantee negative outcomes. ADHDers are often very creative, emotionally in tune, with a laser focus on their passions. Treatment interventions have been shown to be highly effective in supporting ADHDers to manage their symptoms and live a fulfilling life.