What Is ADHD? A Clear Guide for Adults in Calgary
ADHD is a common neurodevelopmental condition that affects attention, organisation, and impulse control. At Clear Minds Psychology in Calgary, we help adults to better understand how ADHD impacts their day-to-day lives and to develop practical strategies to help improve focus, manage overwhelm, and rebuild confidence.
ADHD Symptoms in Adults: A Calgary Psychologist’s Guide
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that begins in childhood and continues into adulthood¹.
ADHD is associated with differences in how certain parts of the brain develop and function, particularly in areas involved in attention, impulse control, and movement. It presents in three different subtypes, or “presentations”:
- Predominantly Inattentive Presentation
- Predominantly Hyperactive/Impulsive Presentation
- Combined Presentation
At Clear Minds Psychology in Calgary, we help adults understand and manage ADHD using evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) to improve focus, organisation, and self-esteem.
If you’re noticing ongoing difficulties with focus or organisation, you may want to consider a formal ADHD assessment for adults to understand your symptoms clearly. You can also learn more about ADHD Therapy including treatment options, diagnosis, and support at Clear Minds Psychology.
ADHD – Predominantly Inattentive Presentation
Common symptoms include:
- Making careless mistakes
- Difficulty sustaining attention
- Appearing not to listen
- Struggling to follow through with instructions
- Disorganization
- Avoiding tasks that require sustained effort
- Frequently losing things
- Being easily distracted
- Forgetfulness in daily activities
This type, sometimes referred to as ADD, is more common in women and often goes unnoticed until adulthood. Because inattentive symptoms are less visible, they can be misinterpreted as daydreaming, lack of motivation, or anxiety. Social expectations and the desire to fit in can also contribute to a delayed diagnosis.
ADHD – Predominantly Hyperactive/Impulsive Presentation
Common symptoms include:
- Fidgeting or squirming in seat
- Difficulty remaining seated
- Running or climbing excessively in children (or feeling extremely restless in adults)
- Acting or feeling as if “driven by a motor”
- Talking excessively
- Blurting out answers before questions are finished
- Difficulty waiting or taking turns
- Interrupting or intruding on others
This is the least common but most easily recognised presentation of ADHD, especially in children. Hyperactivity and impulsivity are more visible and can appear disruptive. In adults, symptoms often look different, for example, restlessness, difficulty relaxing, and a constant sense of being “on the go.”
ADHD – Combined Presentation
The combined type is the most common presentation. Individuals with this type meet the criteria for both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive symptoms.
What Causes ADHD?
There is no single known cause of ADHD. However, research has identified several contributing factors.
1. Genetics
ADHD tends to run in families, with around 40% of children with ADHD having a parent or sibling who also has the condition². It’s common for adults to seek their own ADHD assessment after a child’s diagnosis, recognising similar struggles with attention, organisation, or emotional regulation. Adults may also recognise ADHD traits in a parent who was easily overwhelmed, inconsistent, or emotionally reactive.
2. Brain Differences
Brain imaging studies³ show that certain areas of the brain develop more slowly or are smaller in people with ADHD. There are also lower levels of the brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine⁴, which help regulate attention, motivation, and emotion. In some cases, brain injuries from trauma or illness can result in ADHD-like symptoms.
3. Environmental Factors
Research suggests that other factors may increase risk⁵, such as:
- Exposure to nicotine or alcohol during pregnancy
- Exposure to high levels of lead during infancy and early childhood
- Low birth weight
If you’d like to learn more about how ADHD affects the brain, check out my blog: “ADHD and Brain Function: The Science Behind Attention, Motivation, and Emotion.”
What It’s Like to Have ADHD
ADHD affects people differently, but many share similar day-to-day struggles. While ADHD isn’t a learning disorder, it can make learning, organisation, and staying on track much harder. Over time, this can lead to frustration or a sense of always being a step behind others.
Social challenges are also common. Some children with ADHD are labelled as “too much”, due to being seen as overly talkative, impulsive, or disruptive, while others may withdraw and appear shy or anxious. Repeated misunderstandings, corrections, or criticism can take a toll, affecting confidence and self-esteem as they grow.
Many adults with ADHD describe a lifelong feeling of underachievement or inconsistency, even though they know they are capable. They may internalise messages that they are “lazy” or “not good enough” because tasks that seem simple for others, such as following through, sticking to routines, managing time, require much more effort.
As adult responsibilities increase, undiagnosed or untreated ADHD can start to affect work, relationships, and everyday functioning. Common challenges include:
- Managing daily responsibilities like bills, chores, and appointments
- Procrastination and last-minute rushing
- Forgetfulness or frequently misplacing things
- Starting tasks but struggling to finish them
- Inconsistent work performance
- Relationship stress and miscommunication
Even when someone with ADHD knows exactly what needs to be done, staying focused and following through can be difficult. This inconsistency is often mistaken for a lack of effort, when in reality, it reflects the underlying neurological differences associated with ADHD.
ADHD and Co-Occurring Conditions
ADHD often occurs alongside other mental health conditions, known as comorbidities. Most adults with ADHD have at least one additional diagnosis, such as:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Substance use disorders
- Sleep problems or disorders
- OCD
Treating ADHD effectively can help reduce symptoms of these related conditions and improve overall well-being.
The Good News – ADHD Can Be Managed
While there is no cure for ADHD, it can be effectively managed with the right support and strategies. With greater understanding and appropriate treatment, many people find they are better able to work with their ADHD rather than against it, and go on to lead fulfilling, successful lives.
If you’re exploring support options and wondering who might be the best fit for you (for example, a psychologist or a counsellor), you may find my article ‘What’s the Difference Between a Psychologist and a Counsellor in Calgary?‘ helpful.
Treatment for ADHD in Calgary
ADHD Therapy offered at Clear Minds Psychology in Calgary may include:
- Psychoeducation – learning that ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition, not a personal failing
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) – to better understand ADHD, learn strategies for daily life, and challenge negative self-beliefs
- Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) – to address emotional distress or trauma related to years of misunderstanding and self-criticism
- Medications can also be prescribed by your family physician to help regulate attention and impulse control.
Through therapy, you can learn to manage your symptoms, strengthen focus and organization, and rebuild self-confidence. With understanding, compassion, and practical strategies, it’s possible to thrive, not just cope, with ADHD.
Support for Adult ADHD in Calgary
If you suspect you may have ADHD or are struggling to manage symptoms as an adult, help is available. At Clear Minds Psychology, we offer ADHD assessments and therapy for adults and seniors across Calgary.
Book a FREE consultation at Clear Minds Psychology to learn more about ADHD therapy in Calgary and discover how we can help you move toward a clearer, more focused, and balanced life.
FAQ: About ADHD in Adults
Can adults develop ADHD?
No. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that begins in childhood, although it may not be recognised or diagnosed until adulthood. Many adults seek an assessment after years of struggling with attention, organisation, time management, or emotional regulation, often without realising these difficulties are related to ADHD. Increased responsibilities at work, in relationships, or at home can make symptoms more noticeable, leading many people to receive their first diagnosis as an adult.
What are signs of adult ADHD?
Signs of adult ADHD can vary from person to person but often include difficulty maintaining attention, distractibility, forgetfulness, procrastination, poor time management, disorganisation, and trouble completing tasks. Many adults also experience restlessness, impulsivity, emotional dysregulation, or feeling overwhelmed by everyday responsibilities. These challenges can affect work, relationships, and daily life. If these difficulties have been present since childhood and are interfering with your functioning, an ADHD assessment can help determine whether ADHD may be contributing to your symptoms.
Can ADHD be mistaken for anxiety?
Yes. ADHD and anxiety can share similar symptoms, including difficulty concentrating, restlessness, racing thoughts, and feeling overwhelmed, which can make them difficult to distinguish. It’s also common for ADHD and anxiety to occur together. A comprehensive assessment considers your history, current symptoms, and how they affect your daily life to determine whether ADHD, anxiety, or both may be contributing to your difficulties. An accurate diagnosis is important because the most effective treatment depends on understanding the underlying cause of your symptoms.
How is ADHD treated?
ADHD is typically treated using a combination of approaches tailored to the individual’s needs. Treatment may include evidence-based therapy, medication, practical strategies to improve organisation and time management, and lifestyle changes such as good sleep, regular exercise, and healthy routines. Therapy can help you better understand how ADHD affects your daily life, develop effective coping strategies, improve emotional regulation, and build skills to manage work, relationships, and everyday responsibilities. Together, we can develop a treatment plan that supports your goals and strengths.
References
1 Barkley, R.A., Fischer, M., Smallish, l., et al. Young adult outcome of hyperactive childreb: adaptive functioning in major life activities. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2006; 45: 192-202.
2 Barkley, Russell A. (2015). Etiologies of ADHD. In R. A. Barkley (Ed.), Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Handbook for Diagnosis and Treatment, 4th ed. (pp. 356–390). New York, NY: Guilford Press.
3 Hoogman, M., Bralten, J., Hibar, D.P., et al. Subcortical brain volume differences in participants with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and adults: a cross-sectional mega-analysis. Lancet Psychiatry. 2017; 4(4):310-319. doi:10.1016/S2215-0366(17)30049-4
4 Arnsten AF. The Emerging Neurobiology of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: The Key Role of the Prefrontal Association Cortex. J Pediatr. 2009 May 1;154(5):I-S43. doi: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2009.01.018. PMID: 20596295; PMCID: PMC2894421.
5 Thapar, A., Cooper, M., Jefferies, R., & Stergiakouli, E. What causes attention deficit hyperactivity disorder? Arch Dis Child. 2012 Mar;97(3):260-5. doi: 10.1136/archdischild-2011-300482. Epub 2011 Sep 7. PMID: 21903599; PMCID: PMC3927422.
About the Author
Michelle Fox is a Registered Psychologist and the owner of Clear Minds Psychology Services in Calgary. With over 30 years of experience in mental health care, she began her career as a mental health nurse in the UK before becoming a psychologist in Alberta.
Michelle works with adults and seniors, providing evidence-based therapy for anxiety, OCD, trauma, depression, adult ADHD, stress, burnout, grief, and life transitions. She integrates Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) to help clients build resilience and create meaningful, lasting change.
In addition to her clinical work, Michelle has contributed mental health articles to Alberta Senior Living Magazine, including Spring Mental Health Check-In: Managing Anxiety, SAD Transitions & Light Exposure, where she shares practical, evidence-based strategies to support emotional wellbeing.
Learn more about Registered Psychologist Michelle Fox and her approach to therapy.