Living with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can feel like juggling too many things at once, but understanding how it affects you (or someone you love) is the first step to finding balance.

ADHD is a common condition that impacts both kids and adults, and it shows up in different ways depending on the person. Let’s walk through the basics of ADHD together and explore how it can look in different people.

1. Inattentive Type (ADHD-PI)

People with this type of ADHD are often characterized as being “easily distracted”, but it’s more than just losing focus—it’s about how the brain handles attention. Common signs include:

• Getting easily sidetracked, even with tasks you’re interested in

• Misplacing things like keys, wallets, or important paperwork

• Struggling with organization (everything feels overwhelming!)

• Forgetting things, like appointments or plans

This type of ADHD often goes undiagnosed, especially in adults, because the symptoms can be unfortunately mistaken for disorganization or lack of motivation.

2. Hyperactive-Impulsive Type (ADHD-HI)

Hyperactive-Impulsive ADHD is more commonly characterized as being constantly “on the go” and acting without thinking. You might notice:

• Fidgeting or tapping your hands and feet (it’s hard to sit still!)

• Trouble sitting through meetings or movies

• Talking more than usual or interrupting others

• Making quick decisions without considering the consequences

Hyperactive-Impulsive ADHD is more commonly diagnosed in children, especially boys, as the symptoms are often more outwardly noticeable.

3. Combined Type (ADHD-C)

For some people, ADHD is a mix of both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms. It’s like having a little bit of everything! This is the most common type, and it can feel like a constant balancing act between struggling to stay focused and organized, as well as managing restlessness and impulsive behaviours. The combination of these two symptom clusters can make daily life particularly challenging, as both the mind and body are often in a state of constant overactivity or distraction.

In children, ADHD-C often leads to difficulties in school, as both inattentiveness and hyperactivity can hinder learning and classroom behaviour. In adults, ADHD-C may create challenges in maintaining steady employment, managing household responsibilities, and balancing social relationships.

ADHD in Men vs. Women: Why it Looks Different

ADHD can look very different in men and women. Boys and men often show the more obvious hyperactive-impulsive symptoms—think constant movement, fidgeting, and acting on impulse. Because these behaviours stand out, they’re usually diagnosed earlier.

Women and girls, on the other hand, tend to show more subtle signs, like daydreaming, being forgetful, or struggling to stay organized. Because ADHD symptoms in women tend to be more internalized, rather than the hyperactive and impulsive behaviours typically seen in men, these symptoms can be overlooked or mistaken for other issues. Often, ADHD in women can be improperly diagnosed as anxiety, bipolar disorder, or simply a lack of motivation. By then, managing work, family, and other responsibilities can feel overwhelming, and it’s not uncommon for women to experience stress, self-doubt, or even burnout before realizing ADHD might be the cause.

Many women also develop strong coping mechanisms to mask their struggles, making the condition less obvious. Social expectations for women to be organized and attentive, combined with diagnostic criteria based on studies of boys, further contribute to missed diagnoses.

How We Can Support You on Your ADHD Journey

Living with ADHD can present unique challenges, but having the right support can make all the difference. At Latitude Wellness, while we don’t diagnose ADHD, our team of Registered Clinical Counsellors can offer valuable tools to help manage symptoms. Through counselling, we can work with you to develop personalized strategies for improving focus, reducing overwhelm, and enhancing your daily life.

Whether it’s learning practical skills like time management and organization, or working on emotional well-being, our counsellors provide a compassionate and understanding environment for you to grow.

We also offer affordable, low-cost counselling options through our graduate interns, Anthony and Natalie, who are specially trained to provide support for those diagnosed with ADHD. They can help you navigate the challenges with personalized coping strategies and mindfulness techniques, so you can better manage the impact ADHD has on your life.

If you’re looking for counselling to support your ADHD diagnosis, we’re here to help you every step of the way.