ADHD

Attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can significantly impact your well-being. ADHD can severely disrupt your ability to live in the moment, concentrate, and function normally. At Shah Psychiatry in Phoenix, Arizona, Neet Shah, MD, creates treatment plans that often incorporate effective medications and supplements that allow you to function better and prosper in life while always prioritizing your safety and well-being. For treatment-resistant ADHD or ADHD that cannot be managed with other means, Dr. Shah provides a cognitive behavioral approach with life coaching and organizational skills development. To learn more, call the office or schedule your telepsychiatry appointment online today.

What is ADHD?

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition that affects brain function due to alterations in neurodevelopment in early childhood. People with ADHD have ongoing problems with attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

Though symptoms and coping mechanisms change throughout your life, ADHD doesn’t go away. People with ADHD may find that their symptoms affect work performance and relationships. Without treatment, ADHD may lead to other mental health conditions like depression and anxiety.

What are the symptoms of ADHD?

ADHD symptoms fall into two categories: inattention, and hyperactivity and impulsivity. The severity of the symptoms ranges from mild to severe.

Inattention ADHD symptoms

Inattention means you have a hard time paying attention. In adults with ADHD, this symptom may cause you to miss important details and make careless mistakes. Or, you may have a hard time staying on task and miss deadlines.

Hyperactivity and impulsivity ADHD symptoms

Hyperactivity means you have a lot of energy and feel the need to always be on the move. Impulsivity is acting without thinking about the consequences. 

In adults with ADHD, hyperactivity makes you feel restless, and you may have a hard time engaging in quiet leisure activities. With impulsivity, you may have a hard time waiting your turn, and you're likely to interrupt others when they’re speaking. 

People with ADHD may have a more dominant symptom. Meaning they struggle more with inattention than hyperactivity/impulsivity or vice versa.

When should I seek help for ADHD?

You should seek help for ADHD at Shah Psychiatry if you have ADHD symptoms that affect your daily life. Dr. Shah takes a personalized approach to care, conducting a thorough psychiatric assessment at your initial visit to fully understand your needs.

If you have a history of ADHD, your psychiatric assessment may focus on your current symptoms and any co-occurring mental health issues. 

If you think you have ADHD but weren’t diagnosed as a child, Dr. Shah spends time talking to you about your childhood and school experiences to see if symptoms were present then. He may also have you complete a standardized behavior rating scale for ADHD. 

Depending on the findings from your psychiatric assessment, Dr. Shah may recommend genetic testing with Genomind® to determine what medication works best for your genetics.

What are the treatments for ADHD?

Dr. Shah provides essential psychiatric care for ADHD. That may include medication management, high-quality supplements, and psychotherapy, depending on your needs. 

He schedules follow-up appointments for therapy and medication management that last anywhere from 15 to 60 minutes.

For personalized ADHD care from a skilled adult psychiatrist, call Shah Psychiatry or schedule an appointment online today.