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Compassionate, Personalized Care for ADHD
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with or suspect that you/they may have ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder), it is important for you to know that many treatment options are available.
We’ll make it easy to connect you with a therapist or psychiatric clinician who is experienced in treating patients with ADHD.
Your clinician will perform a thorough evaluation and develop a personalized treatment plan.
Your clinician maintains a proper level of care through therapy sessions while staying connected with your support system. If appropriate, your clinician can refer you to a LifeStance psychiatric clinician for evaluation and medication management.
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What Is ADHD?
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that can affect a person’s attention, impulsivity, memory, and other cognitive functions. While it is often diagnosed in childhood and many people think of ADHD as something that primarily affects kids, it affects adults as well. Some children live with ADHD into adulthood, while others do not get a diagnosis until they’re adults.
Are There Different Types of ADHD?
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Primarily Inattentive and Distractable ADHD (formerly known as ADD):
What was once called ADD is now known as Primarily Inattentive and Distractable ADHD. This type is characterized by symptoms of inattention, such as difficulty paying attention, forgetfulness, and disorganization. People with this type of ADHD may struggle with completing tasks, following instructions, and maintaining focus. The distinguishing characteristic here is that someone is inattentive and distracted but is not hyperactive. -
Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type ADHD:
This type is characterized by symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity, such as fidgeting, talking excessively, interrupting others, and engaging in risky behavior. People with this type of ADHD may have difficulty sitting still, waiting their turn, and controlling their impulses. Someone who would have been diagnosed with ADHD but not ADD in the past would now be diagnosed with Primarily Hyperactivity/Impulsivity ADHD because they are hyperactive and impulsive, but not inattentive or distracted. -
Combined Type ADHD:
This type is a combination of the inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive types. It is the most common type of ADHD and is characterized by symptoms of both inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity. People who exhibit both types of symptoms now receive a Combination ADHD diagnosis.
ADHD Symptoms
ADHD Symptoms in Adults
ADHD symptoms in adults can vary widely from person to person and often change with age. Below are some symptoms commonly associated with the three types of ADHD in adults:
- Difficulty focusing on details at work or in daily tasks
- Short attention span, even for preferred activities or hobbies
- Poor executive functioning, such as planning, organizing, or making decisions
- Frequently forgetting daily responsibilities
- A strong dislike or avoidance of tasks that require sustained concentration
- Restlessness and an inability to sit still
- Excessive talking and difficulty relaxing
- A tendency to be constantly on the go or choose highly active jobs
- Making impulsive decisions, like ending relationships or quitting jobs
- Overreacting to frustrations
- More frequent driving violations
ADHD Symptoms in Children
Diagnosing ADHD in children can be more complex. This is because children are very different in terms of development from adults and may not share certain symptoms. Parents and teachers should look for the following behaviors if they suspect ADHD in a child.
- Making mistakes they shouldn’t make in schoolwork
- Never staying with one toy or activity for very long
- Avoidance of tasks that take focus and concentration
- An inability to keep track of things
- Not staying still in class even when told to
- Constant fidgeting and tapping
- Inappropriate running or climbing
- Boundless levels of energy
- Endless talking
- Interrupting
ADHD Treatment Options
Therapy Options
While medication is often an effective part of ADHD treatment, there are other approaches that can significantly help manage symptoms and improve daily functioning.
Medication Options
Addressing ADHD with medication requires a customized approach, much like finding the right pair of shoes. Deciding which medication to use depends on individual patient needs, the side effect profile, duration of action, and personal preferences. Your healthcare provider will work with you to find the most effective medication and dose, with regular monitoring to help increase likelihood of success. There are two main types of ADHD medications, stimulants and non-stimulants.
Stimulants are often the preferred type of medication for managing ADHD because they can act quickly, often taking effect within minutes to hours after taking the medication. There are two main types of stimulant medications:
- Amphetamines: This group includes medications such as Adderall®, Vyvanse®, and Dexedrine®. Amphetamines are available in both immediate-release (short-acting) and extended-release (long-acting) formulations. They can be effective in reducing ADHD symptoms, such as inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity.
- Methylphenidate and Dexmethylphenidate: These medications include Ritalin®, Concerta®, and Daytrana® (a patch). They come in immediate, intermediate, and extended-release forms, offering flexible duration of action. They are considered similar to amphetamines in terms of effectiveness but may have a slightly different side effect profile.
Nonstimulant medications are typically considered when stimulants are not effective or cause unacceptable side effects. They take longer to act, often requiring several weeks to achieve full effectiveness.
- Atomoxetine (Strattera®): Atomoxetine is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) that can help regulate attention and impulsivity by increasing norepinephrine levels in the brain. It is associated with a relatively low risk of misuse and is typically taken once daily. The onset of action can take up to four weeks, and it can be a good option for those who cannot tolerate stimulants.
- Bupropion (Wellbutrin®): Bupropion, primarily an antidepressant, can help manage ADHD symptoms, particularly in adults. It may take a few weeks to take effect, and it is often considered when stimulants and atomoxetine are not suitable.
- Guanfacine (Intuniv®) and Clonidine (Kapvay®): These medications were originally developed to treat high blood pressure but can help manage ADHD symptoms, particularly impulsivity and hyperactivity.
Online Treatment Options for ADHD
ADHD diagnosis and treatment can sometimes be conducted through online appointments during which patients meet with a clinician through their smartphone, tablet, or computer, which may be more convenient for some patients. Our online appointments are designed to be safe and HIPAA-compliant.
ADHD FAQs
Online tests can serve as an initial step in exploring a diagnosis of ADHD. However, these should always be followed by a comprehensive evaluation by a qualified health care professional for a definitive diagnosis.
While therapists can provide valuable support and therapeutic interventions, a comprehensive ADHD diagnosis typically must be made by a psychiatrist, psychologist, neurologist, or specialized pediatrician.
While someone with anxiety may not able to focus because they are having anxious thoughts, someone with ADHD might be easily distracted, even though their mind is calm.
Standard treatments for ADHD in kids are essentially the same as for adults and typically include medication, education, skills training and psychological counseling.
