Nikki Houde, an Edmonton resident, was 41 when she got formally diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in November 2021. Working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic, she noticed her concentration drifting in video meetings, avoiding tasks, and creating distractions to avoid work. Seeking help after talking to a friend with ADHD, she discovered she was one of many adults struggling with undiagnosed ADHD. Dr. Ainslie Gray, a psychiatrist and medical director at the Springboard Clinic in Toronto, emphasized that adult ADHD can significantly impact overall quality of life if left undiagnosed. The disorder can affect various aspects of an individual's life, contrary to the stereotype that it resolves in adulthood. Gray noted that even those diagnosed in childhood often face challenges in adulthood. Houde expressed relief upon her diagnosis, as it explained aspects of herself beyond her control. According to Gray, adults often feel relief as they gain an understanding of the areas of their life responsible for impairment. ADHD, usually genetic, is a neurodevelopmental disorder with symptoms ranging from hyperactivity and restlessness to inattention. CADDAC reports that around 5-7% of children and 4-6% of adults in Canada are diagnosed with ADHD. While boys are more likely to be diagnosed than girls, the ratio becomes roughly 50/50 in adulthood. Houde, looking back, recognized signs of ADHD in her childhood, including hyperfixation, difficulty following conversations, and speaking rapidly. However, since her experiences didn't align with the boys diagnosed in her class, she didn't consider having ADHD. As she grew older, difficulties completing tasks and procrastination persisted, but she developed coping mechanisms like using post-it notes and multiple calendars. Dr. Sara Binder, an adult psychiatrist in Calgary, highlighted that adults with undiagnosed ADHD often find workarounds to manage symptoms, sometimes choosing stimulating professions. Binder emphasized that diagnosing adults with ADHD can be challenging because they may present symptoms associated with other conditions. The first step in treating ADHD at any age is consulting an appropriate specialist for a diagnosis. Gray recommended patients meet with a psychiatrist, clinical psychologist, and coaching therapist. After a diagnosis, a combination of prescribed medication and coaching or behavioral intervention is often effective. Gray emphasized the effectiveness of stimulants, stating that long-acting preparations are safer than immediate-release pharmaceuticals. For Houde, life improved after diagnosis, and she no longer struggles with managing responsibilities. She pays bills on time, stays connected with friends and family, and has enhanced communication skills. Houde encouraged those worried about ADHD or medication use to seek help, stating her journey helped boost her self-image.