Struggles faced by Canadian adults without an ADHD diagnosis
Montreal resident Casey Marie Ecker had long battled with constant fatigue and difficulty focusing. Working a typical 9-to-5 job during the pandemic heightened these challenges, ultimately leading her to quit. Now, at 29, Ecker juggles part-time jobs to make ends meet. Frustrated with her lack of concentration, she sought help at a clinic. Although she suspected ADHD since high school, she only received temporary treatments rather than a diagnosis. Her story highlights the struggle of many Canadians who suspect ADHD but lack formal confirmation.
Diagnosing adult ADHD: Challenges and complexities
Many adults were missed in childhood ADHD diagnoses due to various factors. Psychologist Anne Bailey, who leads a Toronto clinic specializing in ADHD, notes that children with ADHD may develop coping strategies, such as grounding themselves with sounds or smells. The pandemic’s disruptions revealed these symptoms in adults who had masked them for years. Since then, Bailey has observed a significant increase in adults seeking ADHD testing. Diagnosing ADHD requires extensive assessment, confirming symptoms traceable back to childhood.
The influence of social media has also affected the demand for ADHD evaluations, with adults arriving at clinics well-versed in ADHD symptoms. Bailey estimates that 60–70% of those seeking consultations are convinced they have ADHD before a formal consultation even begins.
Misinterpretation and over-identification with ADHD symptoms
Some ADHD symptoms—such as forgetfulness and difficulty concentrating—can stem from other mental health conditions. Dr. Nikola Grujich, a psychiatrist at Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto, notes that ADHD is a complex diagnosis requiring thorough assessment to rule out other mental health disorders. Dr. Grujich cautions that some may relate to certain criteria, though these may not indicate ADHD. He suggests evaluating life stressors and commitments before concluding the cause of the symptoms.
Costs and accessibility issues in ADHD diagnosis and treatment
Canadians seeking a faster diagnosis often turn to private clinics, such as Anne Bailey’s, where evaluations start at $2,300. Although effective, these services carry significant out-of-pocket costs since public insurance doesn’t cover ADHD assessments in private settings. Bailey frequently faces the difficult task of explaining these costs to patients mistakenly expecting coverage. Limited access to affordable ADHD diagnosis is a significant barrier for many adults.
Bailey and Grujich advocate for improved education for general practitioners, who often feel unprepared to diagnose adult ADHD. This view is echoed in a recent *JAMA Psychiatry* article, which calls for clearer diagnostic guidelines to ensure effective and comprehensive treatment for adults with ADHD.
source: CBC
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