ADHD

ADHD Q&A

What is ADHD?

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a mental health disorder that starts in early childhood. People with ADHD have a combination of ongoing symptoms — inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity — that cause problems with learning, work or school performance, and relationships.

The symptoms associated with ADHD may cause low self-esteem and lead to other mental health problems such as depression or anxiety.

What are the symptoms of ADHD?

ADHD symptoms fall into two categories: inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity.

Inattention

With inattention, you have a hard time staying on task, finishing assignments, or keeping organized. You may miss important deadlines, forget about appointments, or appear like you’re not paying attention when others speak.

Hyperactivity/impulsivity

Hyperactivity symptoms may include restlessness, inability to sit still, or constant talking. With impulsivity in ADHD, people may struggle to control impulsive behaviors, blurt out answers before being called on, or make quick decisions without thinking about the consequences.

With ADHD, your symptoms may be more inattentive or hyperactive/impulsive. During an ADHD evaluation, the psychiatrist at Choulet Wellness determines your predominant symptoms and type. Your predominant symptoms, however, may change over time.

How is ADHD diagnosed?

There’s no single test to diagnose ADHD. When you come in for an ADHD evaluation at Choulet Wellness, the psychiatrist conducts a comprehensive evaluation to determine the right diagnosis that aligns with your corresponding symptoms.

For an ADHD diagnosis, you must have ongoing symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity/impulsivity that affect your daily life. For teens and adults not yet diagnosed with ADHD, you must have had signs and symptoms of ADHD by the time you reach age 12.

How is ADHD treated?

ADHD is a lifelong condition; however, symptoms may fluctuate throughout childhood and into adulthood. Our psychiatrists at Choulet Wellness provide comprehensive care to help you manage your symptoms to improve your daily life.

Treatment for ADHD includes:

Medication

Prescription medication is the primary treatment for ADHD and includes stimulant and non-stimulant medications. These medications improve the inattentive, hyperactive, and impulsive symptoms of ADHD to help you better manage daily responsibilities.

Therapy

The psychiatrists and therapists at Choulet Wellness: Scottsdale Concierge Psychiatry & Therapy provide therapy for ADHD, which may include behavioral therapy that teaches you how to develop techniques to improve organization and complete tasks on time.

For patients with a previous ADHD diagnosis, our psychiatrists offer medication management to monitor and prescribe ADHD medication as necessary.

For high-quality ADHD evaluations and care, call Choulet Wellness or request a consultation online today.