ADHD Treatment
Comprehensive assessment, medication management, and practical strategies for ADHD
Understanding ADHD
Living with ADHD can feel like your brain has 50 tabs open at once—and you can't find the one you need. Maybe you've been told you're "lazy" or "not trying hard enough," when the reality is you're working twice as hard just to keep up. You might start projects with enthusiasm but struggle to finish them, forget important appointments despite your best intentions, or zone out mid-conversation even when you care deeply about what someone is saying.
ADHD isn't about lacking intelligence or willpower—it's a neurological difference in how your brain regulates attention, impulses, and activity. It can affect every area of life, from work and school to relationships and self-esteem. But here's the good news: ADHD is one of the most treatable conditions in psychiatry. With the right medication, strategies, and support, people with ADHD thrive.
You might be experiencing:
Our Medication Approach
ADHD medications are among the most effective treatments in all of psychiatry, with 70-80% of people experiencing significant improvement. These medications work by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which helps regulate attention, impulse control, and executive function. Our goal is to find the right medication and dose that helps you function at your best with minimal side effects.
Stimulant Medications (First-Line Treatment)
Stimulants are the most effective ADHD medications, helping about 80% of people. They work quickly (often within 30-60 minutes) and have decades of safety research.
Methylphenidate-Based
Short-acting: Ritalin (3-4 hours), Focalin (4-6 hours)
Long-acting: Concerta (12 hours), Ritalin LA (8 hours), Focalin XR (12 hours)
Amphetamine-Based
Short-acting: Adderall (4-6 hours), Dexedrine (4-6 hours)
Long-acting: Adderall XR (10-12 hours), Vyvanse (12-14 hours)
- We often start with long-acting formulations for consistent coverage throughout the day
- May add short-acting for specific times (late afternoon, homework, evening tasks)
- Some people respond better to one type over another—we'll find what works for you
Non-Stimulant Medications
Good alternatives if stimulants aren't suitable due to side effects, substance use concerns, or coexisting conditions like anxiety or tics.
Atomoxetine (Strattera)
Takes 4-6 weeks to reach full effect. Provides 24-hour coverage. Can help with anxiety too.
Guanfacine (Intuniv) and Clonidine (Kapvay)
Originally blood pressure medications. Help with hyperactivity, impulsivity, and emotional regulation. Often used alongside stimulants.
Bupropion (Wellbutrin)
An antidepressant that can help with ADHD, especially if you also have depression.
Our Prescribing Philosophy
- Comprehensive evaluation to confirm ADHD diagnosis before prescribing
- "Start low, go slow"—we find the minimum effective dose
- Frequent follow-ups initially to fine-tune your medication
- Monitor for side effects: appetite, sleep, heart rate, mood changes
- Careful prescribing practices including written agreements when appropriate
- Medication works best combined with behavioral strategies and coaching
Common Concerns Addressed
Addiction risk: When taken as prescribed, stimulants for ADHD do not lead to addiction. In fact, treating ADHD reduces substance abuse risk.
Long-term safety: Decades of research show stimulants are safe for long-term use when monitored properly.
"Medication holidays": Some people take breaks on weekends or vacations; others prefer consistent daily coverage. We'll discuss what's right for you.
Therapy & Lifestyle Changes
Medication helps your brain function better, but it doesn't teach you the skills you might have missed developing because of ADHD. Therapy, coaching, and lifestyle strategies help you build systems, habits, and coping mechanisms that set you up for success.
Therapy Approaches We Recommend
ADHD Coaching
Highly practical support focused on building systems for time management, organization, task initiation, and follow-through. A coach helps you work with your ADHD brain rather than against it, creating personalized strategies that actually stick.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for ADHD
Addresses negative thought patterns that develop from years of struggling ("I'm lazy," "I always mess up"). CBT helps you challenge these beliefs, develop better organizational skills, and manage procrastination and time blindness.
Skills Training
Learning specific strategies for: breaking large tasks into smaller steps, using timers and alarms effectively, creating external reminders, managing emails and paperwork, maintaining routines, and reducing distractions.
Couples/Family Therapy
ADHD affects relationships. Therapy can help your partner or family understand ADHD isn't about not caring, improve communication, and develop systems that work for everyone.
Lifestyle Changes That Make a Real Difference
External Structure and Systems (Critical)
Your brain struggles with internal organization, so create external systems to compensate.
- One calendar for everything—digital works best with reminders
- Designated spots for keys, wallet, phone—always return items there
- Visual reminders: sticky notes, whiteboards, labels
- To-do lists with time estimates for each task
Sleep Hygiene (Non-Negotiable)
ADHD makes sleep problems worse, and poor sleep makes ADHD symptoms worse. Breaking this cycle is essential.
- Consistent bedtime and wake time, even weekends
- Set alarms to remind you to start bedtime routine
- Remove screens from bedroom (or use app blockers)
Regular Exercise
Exercise increases dopamine and norepinephrine—the same chemicals ADHD medications target. It's one of the most powerful tools for managing ADHD.
- Aim for 30-40 minutes of cardio most days
- Choose activities you actually enjoy—variety helps with boredom
- Morning exercise can help you start the day focused
Reduce Distractions
Work in quiet spaces, use noise-canceling headphones, turn off notifications, use website blockers during focus time. Create an environment that supports your attention rather than hijacking it.
Time Management Strategies
Work with your brain's natural rhythms and limitations.
- Pomodoro technique: 25 minutes of focus, 5-minute break
- Time-blocking: schedule specific tasks for specific times
- Build in transition time between activities
- Set alarms for appointments—multiple if needed
Nutrition
Protein-rich breakfast helps medication work better. Avoid excessive sugar and simple carbs which can cause energy crashes. Stay hydrated. Don't skip meals even when medication affects appetite.
Self-Compassion
You're not lazy, broken, or defective. Your brain is wired differently. Celebrate the strengths ADHD brings—creativity, passion, ability to hyperfocus on interesting things, spontaneity. Be patient with yourself as you learn new strategies.
Ready to Take Control of Your ADHD?
You don't have to keep struggling. With proper diagnosis, medication, and strategies tailored to your brain, you can thrive. Our team specializes in comprehensive ADHD care for teens and adults. Let's find what works for you.