Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Need help immediately?
If there is a life-threatening safety concern, please call 9-1-1 or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital.
Suicide prevention hotline: 1-800-784-2433
BC Crisis Line: 604-310-6789
Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868
Indigenous Crisis and Support Line - KUU-US Crisis Support Line: 1-800-588-8717
Harm reduction: Toward the Heart
ADHD is highly treatable and manageable.
ADHD is prevalent in all age groups with approximately eight per cent of children, six per cent of adolescents, and four per cent of adults experiencing symptoms.
Young adulthood is a pivotal life transition point with increasingly less support from parents and teachers. ADHD can be triggered by these transitions, and can negatively impact education, career, finances and relationships if not managed effectively.
Untreated ADHD can impact people with ADHD through: Increased likelihood of car accidents, high-risk sexual behaviour (STD’s or unwanted pregnancy), incurring high debt, high absenteeism at school or work, etc.
ADHD is a neurological, biological, developmental disorder that often runs in families.
Frequently asked questions about ADHD
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I am under the age of 17. Where can I access ADHD services?
Please connect with Mental Health Services at BC Children Hospital.
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I am over the age of 35. Where can I access ADHD services?
Please explore the information, resources, and support offered by the Centre for ADHD Awareness Canada or connect with your primary care provider. If you do not have a family doctor or nurse practitioner, register with Health Connect Registry.
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I think I have ADHD. How can I get a referral?
Talk with your primary care provider (i.e., family doctor or nurse practitioner) about care for ADHD, including a referral to the ADHD clinic. The clinic only accepts referrals from your primary care providers so that you can receive ongoing continued care after treatment at the clinic.
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I don’t have a family doctor or nurse practitioner. How do I find one?
If you do not have a primary care provider, register with Health Connect Registry. When a provider in your area becomes available, the team in your community will contact you to get matched.
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Where can I learn more about ADHD?
Take a look at the Canadian ADHD Resource Alliance (CADDRA) website for resources including support groups and a potential connection to a primary care provider in the Vancouver Coastal Health region.
