Vancouver first in Canada to proclaim ADHD Awareness Week

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VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – It’s a condition that often goes undiagnosed in adults.

Pete Quily runs a local support group for those suffering from ADHD, and says there are a lot of misconceptions around the disorder. He says many think it only affects young boys, while the truth is, it hits both genders and ages equally.

“So they don’t get diagnosed and the don’t get treated. Other common misconceptions is that it’s over diagnosed. Ninety per cent of adults with ADHD are undiagnosed and untreated and often they self-medicate with alcohol, drugs and tobacco,” Quily notes.

He says learning to manage the disorder can help.

“With that extra energy — hyper-focus, creativity, the ability to multi-task — if you’re really doing something you love, you can actually concentrate harder and do more than non-ADD people,” Quily adds. “If I’m interested in something, I don’t have a deficit of attention, I have a surplus.”

Today marks the start of Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder week. Vancouver is the first city in Canada to proclaim this ADHD Awareness Week.

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