What Is ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)?
ADHD is a brain-based condition that affects the ability to maintain attention, control impulses, and regulate activity levels.
The main symptoms fall into three categories:
- Inattention: difficulty focusing, following conversations, or completing tasks.
- Impulsivity: acting or speaking without thinking.
- Hyperactivity: constant need to move or stay active.
It is important to distinguish ADHD from normal distractibility or typical childhood energy. ADHD symptoms are persistent and interfere with daily functioning at school, at work, or at home.
ADHD Diagnosis and Evaluation
An ADHD diagnosis requires a full clinical assessment performed by a physician or a mental health professional (psychologist or neuropsychologist).
The evaluation helps clarify the symptoms, such as inattention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity and their impact on daily life, whether at school, work, or home.
It may include:
- Analysis of symptoms (inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity)
- Standardized questionnaires or age-appropriate ADHD tests
- A discussion with the individual and, for children, with parents or teachers
There is no online ADHD test that can provide an official diagnosis, but screening tools may help identify preliminary signs.
If you recognize several of these symptoms, speak with your doctor or your Accès pharma chez Walmart pharmacist, who can guide you toward a complete evaluation.
Recognizing ADHD Symptoms in Children and Adults
ADHD looks different depending on age and on the ADHD subtype. Some people mainly experience inattentive ADHD, while others show a combination of inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. Understanding these differences helps identify the signs more accurately and adapt support strategies.
ADHD in Children
Inattentive ADHD (formerly ADD)
Children with inattentive ADHD are often quiet and may go unnoticed in class because they are not disruptive.
They may:
- Have difficulty concentrating or following instructions;
- Be easily distracted by sounds or thoughts;
- Frequently forget homework or school materials;
- Appear “daydreamy” or “in their own world”.
These children are sometimes misinterpreted as unmotivated, when in fact they struggle to maintain attention.
ADHD with Hyperactivity and Impulsivity
Other children show more visible restlessness and impulsivity:
- Difficulty staying seated for long periods;
- Constant need to move, talk, or touch objects;
- Trouble waiting their turn;
- Interrupting others in class or during play.
hyperactivity. An appropriate diagnosis helps parents and teachers provide better support.
Associated Conditions
Some children with ADHD may also have oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), characterized by arguing, defiance, or strong reactions to frustration.
These behaviours do not result from poor parenting but from specific emotional regulation challenges. Consistent routines and support from a care team, including the physician, the Accès pharma chez Walmart pharmacist, and, when needed, a psychologist, can help ease family life.
ADHD in Adults
ADHD in adults often appears more subtly, through disorganization, mental fatigue, or difficulty managing priorities.
ADHD with primarily inattentive symptoms
Adults may experience:
- Difficulty concentrating during reading, meetings, or conversations;
- Frequent forgetfulness about dates, appointments, or belongings;
- Procrastination or trouble completing important tasks;
- Feeling mentally “foggy” or easily distracted.
ADHD with hyperactivity and impulsivity
Adults may also show:
- A constant need to stay busy or active;
- Difficulty relaxing or engaging in calm activities;
- Impulsive decisions or remarks;
- Mood swings and marked impatience.
Many adults present traits from both profiles.
ADHD in Women
In women, ADHD often appears in a quieter form, with inattention, disorganization, and mental load being more prominent. Many develop coping strategies, like perfectionism or over-organization, which can mask symptoms for years. This often leads to delayed diagnosis and a greater risk of anxiety or burnout.
ADHD Treatments
ADHD treatment typically combines behavioural strategies and medication, depending on the individual’s needs. The goal is not to “cure” ADHD but to improve focus, time management, and overall quality of life.
Non-Medication Approaches
ADHD treatment without medication can be effective, particularly in mild to moderate cases. These approaches include:
- Cognitive-behavioural therapy to develop coping strategies.
- Time-management tools: planners, reminders, scheduling.
- Healthy lifestyle habits: good sleep, balanced diet, regular physical activity.
- Mindfulness and meditation to improve attention and reduce stress.
- Support in school, work, or family environments to adapt expectations.
These strategies can be combined with medication when symptoms remain significant.
ADHD Medications
ADHD medications are often prescribed when symptoms interfere with daily functioning. They help regulate dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain.
Two main types exist:
- Stimulants (e.g., methylphenidate, amphetamines), which improve focus and reduce hyperactivity
- Non-stimulants, used when stimulants are ineffective or not well-tolerated
Medication for adults with ADHD is chosen based on lifestyle, symptom profile, and tolerance. Doses are usually adjusted gradually.
Side Effects of ADHD Medication
ADHD medication may cause side effects. The most common include:
- Reduced appetite or weight loss;
- Trouble falling asleep;
- Nervousness or irritability;
- Headaches;
- Dry mouth.
These effects are often temporary or improve with dose adjustments. Your Accès pharma pharmacist can help you:
- Track and monitor side effects;
- Choose the best time of day to take the medication;
- Communicate with your doctor to adjust treatment if necessary.
Regular follow-ups with both the pharmacist and the physician help ensure the right balance between effectiveness and well-being.
The Role of the Pharmacist in ADHD Treatment
Your Accès pharma chez Walmart pharmacist is a trusted partner in ADHD care. Beyond dispensing medication, they help optimize treatment effectiveness, ensure safety, and support daily well-being.
ADHD Medication Counseling
Your pharmacist can advise on:
- How and when to take your ADHD medication.
- How to minimize side effects or interactions (e.g., with caffeine).
- What to do in case of missed doses or intolerance.
- How to integrate medication into your daily routine to improve consistency.
Personalized Treatment Follow-Up
Every person experiences ADHD differently. Your Accès pharma chez Walmart pharmacist is often the healthcare professional you see most regularly for your treatment. This makes them a key partner in long-term follow-up, checking the effectiveness of your medication at each refill and ensuring that your treatment continues to meet your needs. They can:
- Monitor how your symptoms evolve over time.
- Collaborate with your physician to adjust the dose or medication when needed.
- Suggest strategies for managing stress, sleep, or concentration.
- Support consistency with non-medication approaches (healthy habits, organization, physical activity).
Supporting Parents and Adults
- For children: establishing a consistent medication routine, tracking day-to-day effects, and maintaining open communication with teachers.
- For adults: recognizing symptom patterns, planning doses, and developing habits that support treatment success.
Your Accès pharma chez Walmart pharmacist can also recommend practical tools to help you track your treatment progress, for example, writing down observed effects in a notebook or using an app to make follow-up discussions easier during medical visits.
This information does not replace medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist for personalized recommendations.
