Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), makes it hard for people to pay attention, concentrate, sit still, or wait their turn. ADHD especially makes it tough to stay on top of complicated tasks that take organization, planning, and focus. Because of this, people with ADHD have a hard time doing their best at school, home, or work. Usually ADHD is diagnosed in school-aged children, but it can continue to cause problems into adulthood.
It’s important to know that there are many options for treatment. People can find relief from counselling, making changes at home or at school, behavioural coaching, individual therapy, self-help groups, and medication.
What is normal?
Almost everyone feels distracted and restless at times. Normally, these feelings pass and we can easily get back to work. But ADHD is a real illness, and it’s diagnosed only when symptoms are severe enough to cause ongoing problems in more than one area of your life or your child’s life.
What are common signs and symptoms?
For adults, signs of ADHD could include:
- Impulsiveness
- Disorganization
- Poor time management skills
- Problems focusing on a task
- Trouble multi-tasking
- Feeling restless
- Poor planning
- Getting frustrated quickly
- Mood swings
- Problems completing tasks
- Hot temper
- Trouble coping with stress
For kids, ADHD typically includes both inattention and hyperactivity:
- Making careless mistakes in schoolwork
- Trouble staying focused
- Appearing not to listen, even when spoken to directly
- Trouble organizing tasks at home or school
- Avoiding tasks that take focused mental effort (like homework)
- Being easily distracted
- Fidgeting and squirming
- Difficulty staying seated
- Running around or climbing when it's not appropriate
- Trouble playing quietly
- Talking too much
- Blurting out answers and interrupting others' conversations
- Difficulty waiting for his or her turn
Should I seek help?
If any of the listed symptoms disrupt your life on a regular basis, talk to your doctor about whether you might have ADHD.
If you're worried that your child shows signs of ADHD, see your family doctor or pediatrician. Your doctor may refer you to a specialist, but it's important to have a medical evaluation first to check for other possible causes of your child's difficulties.
19 Program(s)
The Gathering Place
The Gathering Place provides a safe, non-clinical, non-stigma space for clients who are stable in the diagnoses to attend on a weekly basis. The activities planned for each week vary, ranging from cooking low-cost, simple meals; what resources are...
Mental Health and Addictions Provincial Intake
The Mental Health and Addictions Provincial Intake is the entry point for all requests for service. People can self-refer online (click here) or through the provincial toll free number at 1-855-922-1122, available Monday to Friday and all week-day...
Strongest Families Institute - Child, Youth and Parent
Strongest Families Institute (SFI) offers evidence-based, bilingual mental health services for children/youth and their families, when and where they need it.
SFI’s scientifically proven distance-delivered services improve mental health and well...
IWK Mental Health and Addictions Program
The IWK Mental Health and Addictions Program provides specialized care throughout the province for children and youth up until their 19th birthday within a patient and family...
Eskasoni Mental Health
Eskasoni Mental Health Services (EMHS) provides a wide range of services to the Mi’kmaq people of Eskasoni, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. The Tui'kn Residential School Survivor Team...
Caregivers Nova Scotia
Caregivers Nova Scotia provides free programs, services, information, and advocacy for family and friend caregivers. We are dedicated to providing recognition and practical assistance to friends and family giving care.
211
211 is a free, confidential information and referral service that can connect you to thousands of programs and services offered by local community groups, nonprofits and government departments across Nova Scotia, 24/7.
Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services - Mental Health Programs and Services
Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services (CFMWS) is responsible for administering Non-Public Property (NPP) on behalf of the Chief of the Defence Staff and for delivering...
Veterans Affairs Canada Assistance Service
Veterans Affairs provide targeted services and benefits to improve well-being including support and services related to your physical and mental health and wellness.The VAC...
Families Matter in Mental Health
Families Matter in Mental Health is an 11-week education and support program for family or friends who are providing practical and/or emotional support to someone who has a...
DaRT Program
The Dynamic (attachment-focused) Relational Therapy Program (DaRT) is a part-time six week intensive group psychotherapy program. It is a treatment program that is designed to support adults who have experienced complex emotional trauma resulting in...
Adult Neurodevelopmental Stabilization Unit - Dual Diagnosis Program (Intellectual Disability in combination with Mental Illness)
The Adult Neurodevelopmental Stabilization Unit (ANSU) is an acute care unit that provides services for persons with intellectual disability and acute mental illness that cannot...
Community Outreach Assessment Support and Treatment Team (COAST) - Dual Diagnosis Program (Intellectual Disability in combination with Mental Illness)
The community outreach assessment support and treatment team provides services for persons with both intellectual disability and also mental illness. These services include:
- A...
School Mental Health (SchoolsPlus)
The school mental health clinicians provide individual and group therapy, mental health and addictions education for school staff and consultation services. Clinicians are on...
Provincial Mental Health and Addictions Crisis Line
The Provincial Mental Health and Addictions Crisis Line provides crisis intervention for children, youth and adults experiencing a mental health crisis or mental distress.
The...
First Nations Services
Mental Health clinicians work as part of the first nations health care team in several first nations communities. The Mental Health Clinician provides assessment, diagnosis and...
Crossroads Cape Breton
Located in Sydney, Crossroads Cape Breton offers a variety of outreach, housing and community supports. Through this program, people discover purpose, build skills and improve...
Adult Community Mental Health and Addictions Services
Community Mental Health and Addictions includes a team of mental health and addictions professionals who provide services on an outpatient basis. The team provides assessment...
Child and Adolescent Services
Child and Adolescent Services/Child Youth and Family/Child and Adolescent Outpatient Clinical Services provide mental health and addiction services to children and youth (under...
