Erickka Patmore was 22 when she first thought about ADHD, thanks to a friend disclosing similar issues.

The conversation about attention deficit hyperactivity disorder seized Patmore’s attention. She identified with the symptoms her friend was feeling.

“I never could have guessed,” Patmore said. “If (my friend) didn’t sit me down and list the symptoms, I would have been none the wiser.”

Patmore was inspired after her friend’s testimony. She made an appointment with her doctor to discuss her concerns.

“I did research and made a list of symptoms that I related to, but typical ADHD, I forgot the list for my appointment.”

ADHD is a genetic, neurodevelopmental condition affecting functioning in the brain. There are three branches: hyperactive, inattentive, or a combination of both. Poor organization is a hallmark of ADHD, but other traits include emotional dysregulation, impulsivity and difficulty concentrating, among others.

Medication has helped Patmore remain concentrated on tasks for longer periods of time. She has a better understanding of her difficulties stemming from ADHD and now has strategies to manage them. Diagnosis has also given her grief and frustration.

“I had to mourn the person I could have been,” Patmore explained. “Knowing how much my medication has helped me, it makes me wonder how I could have been helped before, instead of wondering what was wrong with me.”

Hayley Robinson also lives with ADHD. At 19, she was initially diagnosed with depression due to her low mood and irregular eating patterns.

At the time, Robinson was a new university student. She was embarking on a bright future, having won several academic awards upon graduating high school.

“People with ADHD get the reputation that they are incapable, but that isn’t the case,” said Robinson, now 26. “I had the grades, I had the scholarship, I had the interest, I was seemingly on track to succeed.”

Robinson’s medication for depression wasn’t working. Suicidal ideologies resulted in a referral to a psychiatrist, who diagnosed her with ADHD. Despite this, Robinson struggled with university, so she changed track and pursued a career in hairstyling.

Like Patmore, Robinson felt a sense of loss at her diagnosis.

“I went through a period of mourning,” Robinson said. “I am very smart. If I had the tools and confidence and intervention at a younger age, I would have had more success in university.”

There’s a perception that ADHD is identified in childhood. But that isn’t necessarily true, particularly for women. According to the Centre for ADHD Awareness Canada, boys are three times more likely to get diagnosed than girls. On average, girls are diagnosed with ADHD five years later than boys.

This gap in diagnosis is due to a difference in symptoms. Men with ADHD tend to have hyperactive-type, which can cause excessive fidgeting and restlessness. Women typically exhibit inattentive-type, making it difficult to pay attention and stay organized. These characteristics can be brushed off as personality traits rather than symptoms of the disorder.

In Regina, it’s difficult to book a consultation with a clinical psychologist. Prairie Psychology, located downtown, directs first-time callers to an automated message:

“Due to the overwhelming requests for services, combined with the inability to see new clients, our clinic will not be accepting new referrals at this time. Please refer to our website, prairiepsychology.com, for a list of resources within our community.”

Living with ADHD has been challenging for both Patmore and Robinson, but their diagnoses have been freeing, too.

“I’m a lot nicer to myself,” Patmore said. “If I’m going on a tangent or can’t find my wallet, I’m not going to beat myself up over it. I can be the gentle adult I needed as a kid.”

Like Patmore, Robinson’s diagnosis has given her optimism.

“Because of all the work I’ve done this year, in terms of reflection and forgiveness, I think more success is about to come,” said Robinson. “I needed time to learn how to live and function with ADHD.”

Information on ADHD can be found online at the Centre for ADHD Awareness, Canada: https://caddac.ca/