Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects large numbers of individuals. It is a long-term chronic brain condition that causes executive dysfunction. There are differences in the brain, nerve systems, and neurotransmitters of people with ADHD that cause various symptoms. While usually diagnosed in children, ADHD can persist into adulthood, with many adults having undiagnosed ADHD, as mentioned earlier. 

While there is no official ADHD test, your child’s pediatrician will use a set of guidelines set up by the American Academy of Pediatrics, which are specifically set for children aged 4 to 17. The provider will ask multiple people who observe the child in different settings like school and home. They will ask you, the parent, as well as teachers, healthcare providers, caregivers, etc. Based on these observations, the provider will compare your child’s symptoms to their age. They will also look at the guidelines in the DSM-5-TR to diagnose ADHD. These guidelines are:

• Your child’s symptoms must occur in two or more settings (home, school and/or social situations) and cause dysfunction.
• Your child’s provider must identify the presence or absence of six or more symptoms (see below).
• Your child’s symptoms must considerably impair their ability to function in daily activities.
• Their symptoms must have started before they turned 12 years old.
• They’ve had symptoms for at least six months(Cleveland). 

After these evaluations, they will be able to make a diagnosis. 

ADHD can bring with it a wide variety of symptoms that can cause various issues:

• Difficulty with focus and organization – Trouble starting or completing tasks, forgetfulness, or feeling overwhelmed by daily responsibilities.
• Impulsivity and restlessness – Acting before thinking, interrupting conversations, or struggling with patience.
• Time management challenges – Chronic lateness, procrastination, or difficulty estimating how long tasks will take.
• Emotional dysregulation – Intense emotions, mood swings, or difficulty managing frustration and stress.

Hyperactivity or mental restlessness – Feeling constantly “on the go”, struggling to slow down, or experiencing racing thoughts.

Yes, therapy may help individuals cope with ADHD. However, your medical team, including your therapist and psychiatrist are best equipped to answer this question for your specific situation. There may be different therapies that can help children, teenagers, and adults with issues that may appear with ADHD, such as anxiety disorders. Some of these therapies include:

• Psychoeducation: This involves individuals openly discussing ADHD, which can in turn help them cope and live with the condition.

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) : CBT helps individuals change unhelpful thought patterns and develop practical strategies to manage symptoms like impulsivity, procrastination, and emotional regulation.

• Behavior Therapy: This approach focuses on teaching skills, structuring environments, and using positive reinforcement to promote desired behaviors. For example, caregivers or teachers might reward a child for sitting calmly during mealtime.

Other possible options include diet, specifically eating a balanced diet with whole foods, and supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids. However, these are not substitutes for therapy and medication that may be needed to manage the condition (NHS). 

There are also a variety of medications and therapies available to help manage ADHD.

There are three types of medications that are used for treatment: 

1. Stimulants - These medications work by increasing dopamine in the brain. The effect of increased dopamine is a corresponding increase in concentration, and a decrease in hyperactivity and impulse behaviors. These medications do come with side effects, such as difficulty sleeping, decreased appetite, and increased blood pressure. They can also interfere with other medications and so they are not advised for everyone. Examples include Adderall & Ritalin.
2. Nonstimulant medications, such as Atomoxetine and Viloxazine are prescribed when stimulants are not effective or tolerated . While they are easier to tolerate for many, they are not always as effective as stimulants. These medications work by inhibiting the reuptake of neurotransmitter norepinephrine, which helps control impulsivity and hyperactivity. There is another class of nonstimulant medications called alpha-2 adrenergics (such as Clonidine), which at much higher doses are used to treat high blood pressure. Alpha-2 adrenergics are used less frequently but they can help improve attention in addition to reducing hyperactivity and impulsivity.
3. Antidepressants are themselves not approved to treat ADHD,  they are prescribed off-label in cases where ADHD coexists with mood disorders (Medline).

As always, the choice of medication should be tailored by a qualified medical professional based on individual needs and health history.

There are many ways to find an ADHD psychiatrist nearby. There are online directories you can use such as Psychology Today and the American Medical Association. You can also check in with your health insurance provider for information as well. You may also look for an ADHD Psychiatrist near you and read their review in order to assess if they are a good fit for your needs.

Usually during a first visit to an ADHD psychiatrist, the patient can expect an ADHD screening. A screening is essentially an evaluation to diagnose ADHD. It involves a series of steps taken to diagnose, including guidelines from the DSM-5-TR: 

• The first step involves identifying any ADHD symptoms the patient exhibits.  
• The next step is to rule out any alternative reasons for these symptoms such as lack of sleep.
• The final step is to identify any additional conditions that the patient may have such as a learning disability or an anxiety disorder (Cleveland). 

Yes, adults can absolutely have ADHD. While typically children are diagnosed with it, ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that often continues into adulthood and many adults are suspected to have undiagnosed ADHD. 

Some symptoms of adults with ADHD include:

• Difficulty maintaining attention or focus on tasks
• Poor organizational skills
• Restlessness or feeling constantly "on edge"
• Impulsivity, such as interrupting or making quick decisions without thinking
• Excessive activity or talking (in some cases)

While most of the core symptoms of ADHD—such as inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity—are generally consistent across age groups, they tend to be more subtle in adults. Children will often tend to display more physical restlessness such as running around, whereas adults will display less overt symptoms such as difficulty with organization or struggling with time management (SADAG). 

We absolutely do. At Crossroads Counseling, we understand that ADHD does not mean you are “lazy” or “lack ambition”. ADHD is a serious condition that can feel like a never-ending uphill battle. However, it does not need to define your entire life, and with the right treatment, you can find it easier to take back control of your life.  Through therapy, we help individuals with ADHD develop practical coping skills, improve self-regulation, and build confidence so they can navigate life with greater ease and success.

Yes, we offer virtual consultations. Please visit our website for more information about the therapies we provide virtually and if you are looking to schedule a meeting with one of our highly specialized and compassionate therapists.