Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is commonly thought of as a childhood disease but the condition is increasingly being diagnosed in adults.
John Scirvin is one of the almost 700,000 Canadians who have ADHD, but it wasn't until he was 55 that he was diagnosed.
"I knew there was something going on, my entire life," he said. "Once it was diagnosed as such a type of thing it was quite an eye opener and things have been much improved ever since."
The three main symptoms of ADHD in kids are inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity but as they age some of those problems die down.
"What happens over the cycle of the adult life is that the inattention stays relatively constant but the impulsivity and hyperactivity declines. So we are seeing primarily adults with major problems with inattention," said psychiatrist Dr. Derryck Smith.
That inattention can cause social challenges -- impacting relationships and employment.
And because it's long been thought that children outgrew the condition there are limited resources for adults to turn to for help.
"So some people don't even think it exists now," said Smith. "Unfortunately, there is no adult ADHD clinic in the major teaching hospitals like there is for depression, schizophrenia and bipolar (disorder)."
Treatment for adults is similar to that for children -- behavioural strategies and medication to help alleviate the symptoms.
Smith said that educating patients is also important.
"If you understand it then you are going to be able to manage and live with it."
That was the key for Scirvin who says now that he's treating his ADHD his life has improved dramatically.
"I am a pretty happy camper right now and that's the way it should be."
With a report from CTV British Columbia's Dr. Rhonda Low
