This article, part of the ADHD Without the Shame Q&A series, defines ADHD as a neurodevelopmental condition with strong genetic roots. It details core symptoms, and highlights differences in presentation. The post attributes rising diagnosis rates to reduced stigma and better diagnostic tools, while also discussing the consequences of untreated ADHD and the unique strengths of the ADHD neurotype.
During our recent webinar, ADHD Without the Shame: From Diagnosis to Empowerment, attendees submitted dozens of insightful questions about ADHD assessment, treatment, and life beyond diagnosis. While we addressed many of them live, we wanted to ensure every question received a thoughtful response. This blog series is our way of continuing that conversation. In this post, we're focusing on questions related to the ‘what’ and ‘how’ of ADHD—exploring the evidence, clarifying misconceptions, and offering practical guidance. Your questions deserve answers rooted in both science and compassion.
Is ADHD Acquired or are you Born With it?
The origins of ADHD are somewhat debated among professionals. A quick google search shows that there are varying beliefs and interpretations of its conception and development. However, in an effort to remain evidence-based, Cognito health follows clinical research from authorities such as CADDRA, and a highly regarded, leading clinical researcher in the field, Dr. Russel Barkley.
Dr. Barkley acknowledges ADHD occurance is complex and can have multiple causes. However, he shares that “To date, all of the major [causes] fall in the realm of neurology and genetics (biological causation) with no evidence that social factors alone can account for the condition” (Barkley, 2017). Furthermore, Dr. Barkley adds that the most prominent genetic effects are through inheritance, and along with the several other specific genetic occurrences, about 65%-75% ADHD cases are genetically caused.
The remaining cases of ADHD, according to Dr. Barkely (2017) are not genetic, but likely arise from neurologically compromising events, such as early traumatic brain injuries, which make up about 15-25% of ADHD cases in total. A smaller percentage of cases, likely 5-10% or less, are attributed to various factors that occur after birth. These postnatal biohazards include things such as lead poisoning during the first few years of life or strokes.
What are the Main Signs of ADHD?
The main signs of ADHD include inattentiveness, and/or hyperactivity. Note, there can be individual variations. For example, you can have ADHD and display little hyperactivity. Some of the common challenges with ADHD include (Mayo Clinic, 2023):
- Mind wandering in the middle of conversations
- A feeling of restlessness, like there is a motor on, and you are always on the go
- Forgetfulness, similar to the adage ‘out of sight, out of mind’
- Poor time management and awareness – often described as ‘time blindness’
- Procrastinating on tasks that you find boring and uninteresting
Experienced between men and women with ADHD, several differences are noted in their symptoms and experiences (Attoe, 2023). For example, women are more likely to have inattentive symptoms than hyperactive symptoms, which may be less likely to lead to a referral and diagnosis (American Psychiatric Association, n.d.).
To read more about how ADHD differs for women, check out our blog: ADHD and Women | ADHD Webinar Q&A
What are the Earliest Signs of Having ADHD?
The earliest signs of ADHD in children are often observed through behaviors that disrupt the classroom or family environment. These children frequently struggle with tasks they do not find immediately stimulating, leading to a perceived lack of effort despite their potential. This can result in feedback from teachers and parents that often sounds like, "You are a good kid, you just need to put in some effort," paired with constant reminders to sit still, follow directions, and the need for intense supervision to keep them focused on the task at hand.
A child with undiagnosed ADHD is often seen as a "disrupter" due to impulsive actions and a difficulty with sustained attention. In childhood, ADHD symptoms can include common behaviors such as difficulty remaining seated, frequently interrupting others, and excessive daydreaming (Ramsay, 2025). These behaviours are often the first indicators that an underlying neurodevelopmental difference is impacting the child's ability to regulate their attention and activity level.
For an adult who has gone undiagnosed throughout childhood, the earliest signs might manifest differently as they develop coping mechanisms to mask or compensate for core symptoms. These signs often relate to executive functioning challenges in the adult world, such as chronic difficulty with organization, time management, and prioritizing tasks. Adults may frequently miss deadlines, struggle with maintaining household routines, or have a history of job instability. They may also experience emotional dysregulation, manifesting as a quick temper or difficulty managing frustration, and a persistent, underlying feeling of restlessness or an "internal motor" that makes relaxation difficult.
“Why does it seem like everyone is getting diagnosed with ADHD right now?”
Mental health stigma is decreasing, according to the American Psychological Association (2025), leading more people to open up about their struggles. This prompts a question: is there a true increase in conditions like ADHD, or are we simply becoming more aware of what has always been present in private lives?
A significant factor contributing to this increased awareness is the sharing of personal stories, particularly on social media. Individuals are seeing their own difficulties—such as decreased productivity, motivation, attention, and task completion, which are symptoms of ADHD (Mark, 2023)—reflected in the experiences of others. This social validation and information-sharing are leading more people to think, "Do I have ADHD?" and prompting them to seek professional assessment and help.
This trend is also supported by improvements in diagnostic practices. Previously, difficulties with motivation and emotional dysregulation were often misattributed to mood and anxiety disorders (Ramsay, 2025). We are now in a period of "overcorrection," where adults who were previously misdiagnosed are now being correctly diagnosed with ADHD due to more nuanced and accurate assessments. These improved diagnostic tools and criteria allow clinicians to distinguish ADHD from conditions with overlapping symptoms, leading to more accurate diagnoses than in past years.
Furthermore, some theories suggest a mismatch between our evolutionary wiring and the demands of modern life. Suddendorf & Corballis (2007) suggest that contemporary environments reward and advocate for long periods of sustained, often minimally stimulating, work—such as completing a 15-page paper or taxes. This requires individuals to plan weeks or months ahead, a need that is far more common today than 10,000 years ago. From an evolutionary perspective, our brains are not accustomed to the level of sustained, long-term planning and focus now required, which may exacerbate symptoms for those with an underlying attentional challenge.
What is the Impact of Untreated ADHD?
Researchers Riglin et al. (2021) reported undiagnosed ADHD can lead to an increased risk of developing depressive symptoms. This is because individuals who struggle to maintain the function of their daily lives may begin to feel frustration, exhaustion and often end up comparing themselves to others (especially the highlight reel of social media), leading to feelings of inadequacy and shame.
Fields (2026) explains that ADHD, untreated, increases the probability of an individual engaging in dangerous behaviours such as substance abuse, unprotected sex, and risky driving. These individuals are also at a greater risk for struggling to create and maintain relationships, romantic and platonic alike. Further, these troubles can lead to disciplinary actions from employers and teachers due to performance struggles.
Untreated ADHD can certainly contribute to poor life satisfaction due to the compounding struggles in daily life; however, it is crucial to recognize that the ADHD neurotype also holds several notable strengths. Individuals with ADHD often demonstrate a unique ability to think outside the box, possess deep wells of creativity, and maintain a spontaneous, energetic approach to problem-solving and life experience. These strengths, especially when coupled with effective treatment and self-understanding, can lead to a rich and meaningful life. If you are struggling, remember that empowerment and a fulfilling future are absolutely within reach.
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Disclaimer: This post is for education and self-awareness. It is not a diagnosis or replacement for therapy.
References
American Psychiatric Association. (n.d.). ADHD in adults. Psychiatry.org - ADHD in Adults. https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/adhd/adhd-in-adults#:~:text=t%20have%20it.-,Numbers%20and%20Trends,that%20mask%20symptoms%20of%20ADHD.
American Psychological Association. (2025, May). Public attitudes toward mental health in the United States. https://www.apa.org/pubs/reports/mental-health-attitudes
Attoe, D. (2023, May). (PDF) miss.. diagnosis: A systematic review of ADHD in adult women. Research Gate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/369656508_Miss_Diagnosis_A_Systematic_Review_of_ADHD_in_Adult_Women
Barkley, R. (2017). What Causes ADHD? https://www.russellbarkley.org/factsheets/WhatCausesADHD2017.pdf
Canadian Psychological Association. (2021, January 21). “Psychology works” fact sheet: Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder - canadian psychological association. Canadian Psychological Association - The national voice for psychology in Canada https://cpa.ca/psychology-works-fact-sheet-attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder/
Fields, L. (2026, February). What can happen if you don’t treat ADHD? untreated ADHD. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/childhood-adhd/risks-of-untreated-adhd
Mark, G. (2023, February). Speaking of Psychology: Why our attention spans are shrinking, with Gloria Mark, PhD. American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/news/podcasts/speaking-of-psychology/attention-spans
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2023, January 25). Adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/adult-adhd/symptoms-causes/syc-20350878
Ramsay, R. (2025, February). Speaking of Psychology: Why are more adults being diagnosed with ADHD? With Russell Ramsay, PhD. American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/news/podcasts/speaking-of-psychology/adult-adhd
Riglin, L., Leppert, B., Dardani, C., Thapar, A. K., Rice, F., O’Donovan, M. C., Davey Smith, G., Stergiakouli, E., Tilling, K., & Thapar, A. (2021, August). ADHD and depression: Investigating a causal explanation. Psychological medicine. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8381237/
Suddendorf, T., & Corballis, M. C. (2007). The evolution of foresight: What is mental time travel and is it unique to humans? Behavioral and Brain Science, 30, 299–313. doi: 10.1017/S0140525X07001975
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