ADHD Therapists in California
![Photo of Dr. Divya Kakaiya - Healthy Within Neurofeedback, PhD, MS, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c8e3224-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/4/320x400.jpeg)
We are a cutting-edge state-of-the-art brain care center for ALL brain conditions. Neurofeedback brings improvement if you have tried medications and have not had the most optimum results. Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, Migraines, Pain Conditions, Addictions, and Autism are all conditions we are experts at. I am a warm, compassionate, seasoned Integrative Psychologist who brings over 3 decades years of experience. Gut/Brain Health and Neuroscience is also our specialty. We offer Neurofeedback as a treatment for brain regulation. If you want research-based innovative brain care, we are the clinic for you.
We are a cutting-edge state-of-the-art brain care center for ALL brain conditions. Neurofeedback brings improvement if you have tried medications and have not had the most optimum results. Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, Migraines, Pain Conditions, Addictions, and Autism are all conditions we are experts at. I am a warm, compassionate, seasoned Integrative Psychologist who brings over 3 decades years of experience. Gut/Brain Health and Neuroscience is also our specialty. We offer Neurofeedback as a treatment for brain regulation. If you want research-based innovative brain care, we are the clinic for you.
![Photo of Matthew Ortega, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/61bc63ed-1cdc-4a96-bf63-bf1b25a6ee62/1/320x400.png)
Hi, I am a Marriage & Family Therapist licensed in California with over 11 years of experience working as a mental health counselor, therapist, mentor to at-risk youth, and life coach. I have worked with clients (ages 4-70+) with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, personality disorders, relationship issues, career challenges, OCD, and ADHD. I also helped many people who have experienced anger control issues and eating disorders.
Hi, I am a Marriage & Family Therapist licensed in California with over 11 years of experience working as a mental health counselor, therapist, mentor to at-risk youth, and life coach. I have worked with clients (ages 4-70+) with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, personality disorders, relationship issues, career challenges, OCD, and ADHD. I also helped many people who have experienced anger control issues and eating disorders.
![Photo of Douglas Livingston Quinn, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/86ecd078-15f1-4c21-9ee9-ce382681d68e/1/320x400.png)
My name is Douglas Livingston-Quinn, a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. I have masters degrees in divinity and counseling psychology, as well as a doctorate in clinical psychology. I have great insight and comfort working with adults and young adults, and an extensive background working with clients with ADD/ADHD, anxiety disorders, autistic-spectrum disorders, depression, loss and grief, sexual abuse, and trauma/PTSD. I employ a mix of approaches including interpersonal, client-centered, behavioral, cognitive, solution-focused and motivational modalities, as well as elements of EMDR where it seems useful.
My name is Douglas Livingston-Quinn, a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. I have masters degrees in divinity and counseling psychology, as well as a doctorate in clinical psychology. I have great insight and comfort working with adults and young adults, and an extensive background working with clients with ADD/ADHD, anxiety disorders, autistic-spectrum disorders, depression, loss and grief, sexual abuse, and trauma/PTSD. I employ a mix of approaches including interpersonal, client-centered, behavioral, cognitive, solution-focused and motivational modalities, as well as elements of EMDR where it seems useful.
![Photo of Jennifer Griffith, MSW, ACSW](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3caac9f8-6e58-49d5-acc1-0e901e30efb4/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jennifer Griffith
Associate Clinical Social Worker, MSW, ACSW
Verified Verified
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
If you are tired of feeling misunderstood, out of place or uncertain where you belong, then WELCOME. I provide exceptional care to exceptional people. I serve the neurodivergent community specifically individuals & parents of children with Autism (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Social Anxiety, Oppositional Defiance Disorder (ODD), & Learning Disabilities. I use a variety of tools to help people process their thoughts, feelings, & experiences: aromatherapy, gaming (board & video), creative arts, roleplay, music, movement & meditating. Let's go beyond talk therapy!
If you are tired of feeling misunderstood, out of place or uncertain where you belong, then WELCOME. I provide exceptional care to exceptional people. I serve the neurodivergent community specifically individuals & parents of children with Autism (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Social Anxiety, Oppositional Defiance Disorder (ODD), & Learning Disabilities. I use a variety of tools to help people process their thoughts, feelings, & experiences: aromatherapy, gaming (board & video), creative arts, roleplay, music, movement & meditating. Let's go beyond talk therapy!
![Photo of Ari Daphne Vinion, LPCC, LMFT](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6c0c377d-6bee-44a2-88f8-529c465fc874/1/320x400.jpeg)
Ari Daphne Vinion
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94608 (Online Only)
I want to support my clients in feeling whole. This can mean learning how to safely unmask your Autism or ADHD, healing traumas old & new, setting healthy boundaries, strengthening communication with partners, learning new ways to approach challenges without shame, or bringing compassion to chronically ill bodyminds. I specialize in working with neurodivergant people and couples. My young clients enjoy my playful interventions that help them feel confident and proud of being uniquely themselves. My adult clients are relived to tackle challenges without shame and ableism.
I want to support my clients in feeling whole. This can mean learning how to safely unmask your Autism or ADHD, healing traumas old & new, setting healthy boundaries, strengthening communication with partners, learning new ways to approach challenges without shame, or bringing compassion to chronically ill bodyminds. I specialize in working with neurodivergant people and couples. My young clients enjoy my playful interventions that help them feel confident and proud of being uniquely themselves. My adult clients are relived to tackle challenges without shame and ableism.
![Photo of Nancy Lewis Lappen, LCSW, CPCC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/55155f43-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Nancy Lewis Lappen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CPCC
Verified Verified
Lake Arrowhead, CA 92352 (Online Only)
Would you like to get help fulfilling your life, whether you have lost a job, marriage, relationship, relative, or location? Do you have ADHD? How did you find out? I offer free consultations to those adults who are looking to improve their quality of life, especially if they are anxious or depressed. I can help you decide if coaching or therapy will work better for you. Most of my clients seek help, due to a change in their life that they would like to handle in a more positive, and efficient way.
Would you like to get help fulfilling your life, whether you have lost a job, marriage, relationship, relative, or location? Do you have ADHD? How did you find out? I offer free consultations to those adults who are looking to improve their quality of life, especially if they are anxious or depressed. I can help you decide if coaching or therapy will work better for you. Most of my clients seek help, due to a change in their life that they would like to handle in a more positive, and efficient way.
![Photo of Phil Boissiere, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ed1cd115-d6db-4acf-90da-4f4540103ed4/2/320x400.jpeg)
Phil Boissiere
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94123
I work best with clients that are motivated for change. I specialize in the treatment of adult ADHD/ADD, Couples/Marriages, and executives in a very goal oriented and short term way. I believe therapy should be a useful learning and growing experience that provides clients with real life tools and skills they can use for a life time.
I work best with clients that are motivated for change. I specialize in the treatment of adult ADHD/ADD, Couples/Marriages, and executives in a very goal oriented and short term way. I believe therapy should be a useful learning and growing experience that provides clients with real life tools and skills they can use for a life time.
![Photo of Pinkal Shah, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/add3551e-914e-4e2a-b60b-92a2b1c43ab2/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I provide safe, accepting, and mindful environment as well as culturally sensitive services for children, adults, and families who are experiencing difficulties with emotional stress such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, behavioral issues such as ADHD, defiant, and oppositional behaviors, culture-related stress such as immigration and issues regarding identity including gender variant clients.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I provide safe, accepting, and mindful environment as well as culturally sensitive services for children, adults, and families who are experiencing difficulties with emotional stress such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, behavioral issues such as ADHD, defiant, and oppositional behaviors, culture-related stress such as immigration and issues regarding identity including gender variant clients.
![Photo of Desiree Ingram-Garcia, MA](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5970bf98-d180-4778-b607-77ba3ad21f92/1/320x400.jpeg)
Desiree Ingram-Garcia
Registered Psychological Associate, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
La Crescenta, CA 91214
I specialize in working with clients who struggle with ADHD, anxiety, and depression. Many individuals come to therapy with concerns about how these challenges have shaped their identity. My approach to treatment is non-judgmental, focused on creating a safe space and enhancing clients' lives. I am committed to building a strong therapeutic alliance, guiding clients through their transformative process, and exploring deeper aspects of the self. While I primarily work with adults, my goal is to help clients develop emotional tools that improve their relationships—with themselves, others, and in the workplace.
I specialize in working with clients who struggle with ADHD, anxiety, and depression. Many individuals come to therapy with concerns about how these challenges have shaped their identity. My approach to treatment is non-judgmental, focused on creating a safe space and enhancing clients' lives. I am committed to building a strong therapeutic alliance, guiding clients through their transformative process, and exploring deeper aspects of the self. While I primarily work with adults, my goal is to help clients develop emotional tools that improve their relationships—with themselves, others, and in the workplace.
![Photo of Kat O'Malley, MA, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1a76fac2-c660-4329-a847-e8dd54f40e25/3/320x400.jpeg)
Kat O'Malley
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
11 Endorsed
San Marino, CA 91108
I see clients of all ages as well as couples, and my specialties are LGBT+ affirmative therapy, grief work, and working with neurodivergent populations (Autistic & ADHD).
You are already taking the first step on a transformative journey by advocating for yourself and looking into therapy! Whether you are experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, relationship stress, PTSD, or want to gain a better insight to your patterns and emotions, therapy can bring you closer to coming home to your authentic self and living the life you want. There is a proverb that states if you want to go fast go alone, but to go far, you must go together. Let’s go together to find the right pathways out of the woods as we untangle your mental knots, let go of what is no longer serving you, and help you write your own narrative.
I see clients of all ages as well as couples, and my specialties are LGBT+ affirmative therapy, grief work, and working with neurodivergent populations (Autistic & ADHD).
You are already taking the first step on a transformative journey by advocating for yourself and looking into therapy! Whether you are experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, relationship stress, PTSD, or want to gain a better insight to your patterns and emotions, therapy can bring you closer to coming home to your authentic self and living the life you want. There is a proverb that states if you want to go fast go alone, but to go far, you must go together. Let’s go together to find the right pathways out of the woods as we untangle your mental knots, let go of what is no longer serving you, and help you write your own narrative.
![Photo of Edith Arias - grow wellness practice, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0b020380-5e78-4bf6-89be-5fe68bd1e673/2/320x400.png)
grow wellness practice
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94702 (Online Only)
Experienced trauma-informed therapist specializing in trauma, ADHD, and first-gen immigrants.
I am a dedicated and compassionate trauma-informed therapist with a focus on helping individuals who have experienced trauma, ADHD clients, and first-generation immigrants. With a deep understanding of the unique challenges these populations face, I provide a safe and supportive environment for healing and personal growth.
Experienced trauma-informed therapist specializing in trauma, ADHD, and first-gen immigrants.
I am a dedicated and compassionate trauma-informed therapist with a focus on helping individuals who have experienced trauma, ADHD clients, and first-generation immigrants. With a deep understanding of the unique challenges these populations face, I provide a safe and supportive environment for healing and personal growth.
15 Second Videos
Jennifer Griffith
Nancy Lewis Lappen
ADHD Coach - Christina Coravos
Kaitlyn Torres
Marcos D Lopez
Ruth S Glass
Christa Scholtz
Jodi Klugman-Rabb
Teen Adhd Specialist Carlo Catabijan
Melissa E. Muller
Robert O'Brien
Hailey Williford
Helene E Goble, MFT
Sasha McPherson
Jamie Penticoff Gonzalez
Elana Luban
Robert Nemerovski
Dr. Blied {Autism & ADHD Testing - teens & adults}
Yoojin Nam
Hilary See
Greg Piken
Hilber Psychological Services
Brett L Patterson
Lyca Sedaka
Aspire Wellness Clinic
Max Fay
Melanie Dosen
Hillary Buckholtz, ADHD Specialist
Wendy Mendoza
Roya Dedeaux
Gina Metcalf
Tanisha Tatum
ADHD Collective
Christian Holmes
Shari Grande
Christina Frenzel
Kristy Lynn Bradford
Lara Honos-Webb
Sarah Raike
Ollie Maggi
Arnold Acquah
Laine Lipsky, Parenting Coach
Desirae Hutchinson
Shannon N Thomas
Cecilia (Ceci) Walken
Sarah Raike
ADHD Career & Life Coaching Specialist
Will Koehler
Michal Rogers
Peter Reynolds
![Photo of Richard Vieille, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/42aabef6-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
In addition to psychotherapy, I also employ Neurofeedback & Biofeedback Training to address ADHD in adults and children, addiction/alcoholism recovery, sleep issues, depression, anxiety, PTSD, cognitive fog due to chemotherapy or Lyme, poor stress tolerance, age-related cognitive decline, migraine, OCD.
My approach is to create an accepting, supportive, non-judgmental partnership in order to help my clients discover their strengths, inner resources, and to achieve a deeper understanding of who they are. This work will help you to overcome or more effectively deal with such problems as anxiety, depression, anger, stress, relationship difficulties, life transitions, and attention deficit disorder. We work together to identify self-defeating thought patterns or unconscious defenses that might be getting in the way of your natural capacity for satisfying relationships, or the full and authentic expression of who you are.
In addition to psychotherapy, I also employ Neurofeedback & Biofeedback Training to address ADHD in adults and children, addiction/alcoholism recovery, sleep issues, depression, anxiety, PTSD, cognitive fog due to chemotherapy or Lyme, poor stress tolerance, age-related cognitive decline, migraine, OCD.
My approach is to create an accepting, supportive, non-judgmental partnership in order to help my clients discover their strengths, inner resources, and to achieve a deeper understanding of who they are. This work will help you to overcome or more effectively deal with such problems as anxiety, depression, anger, stress, relationship difficulties, life transitions, and attention deficit disorder. We work together to identify self-defeating thought patterns or unconscious defenses that might be getting in the way of your natural capacity for satisfying relationships, or the full and authentic expression of who you are.
![Photo of Jacqueline Hong, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/13bc137a-552d-4044-9e7d-cebffc08d1dd/1/320x400.png)
Jacqueline Hong, LMFT124664, has extensive knowledge and experience working with adults with undiagnosed/diagnosed ADHD. I also work with disorders comorbid with ADHD, such as anxiety, panic, and depression with anxious features. My approach to therapy is mainly psychodynamic and relational, but also integrative since the needs of the client are all different. My approach to therapy is integrative. I mainly use psychodynamic and relational approaches. However, I use CBT for initial symptom reduction.
Jacqueline Hong, LMFT124664, has extensive knowledge and experience working with adults with undiagnosed/diagnosed ADHD. I also work with disorders comorbid with ADHD, such as anxiety, panic, and depression with anxious features. My approach to therapy is mainly psychodynamic and relational, but also integrative since the needs of the client are all different. My approach to therapy is integrative. I mainly use psychodynamic and relational approaches. However, I use CBT for initial symptom reduction.
![Photo of Chris Jensen, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/45fdb197-65d4-436e-adb3-13315e3ba941/2/320x400.jpeg)
ADHD, Digital Health, Men's Mental Health, Teen and Family Counseling - I have extensive experience as a therapist within the school system, working with students with IEPs (including Autism, Emotional Difficulties, and I’m an ADHD Certified provider). I specialize in Digital Health, helping clients struggling with online addictions to develop a balanced relationship with technology. I also specialize in Men's Mental Health, fostering insight and personal responsibility and helping men to lead more productive, meaningful, and fulfilling lives.
ADHD, Digital Health, Men's Mental Health, Teen and Family Counseling - I have extensive experience as a therapist within the school system, working with students with IEPs (including Autism, Emotional Difficulties, and I’m an ADHD Certified provider). I specialize in Digital Health, helping clients struggling with online addictions to develop a balanced relationship with technology. I also specialize in Men's Mental Health, fostering insight and personal responsibility and helping men to lead more productive, meaningful, and fulfilling lives.
![Photo of Elizabeth Hua, MS, LPCC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/40ff6e61-1d87-4cbb-bb34-f099c538d66b/1/320x400.png)
Elizabeth Hua
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MS, LPCC
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92122 (Online Only)
Fluent in both English and Cantonese, I specialize in addressing conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, and complex PTSD.
Hello! I'm Elizabeth Hua, and I'm dedicated to offering steadfast support every step of the way. With a foundation in counseling and a Certificate in EMDR training, I am devoted to guiding you towards emerging from these trials as a more robust and resilient individual.
Fluent in both English and Cantonese, I specialize in addressing conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, and complex PTSD.
Hello! I'm Elizabeth Hua, and I'm dedicated to offering steadfast support every step of the way. With a foundation in counseling and a Certificate in EMDR training, I am devoted to guiding you towards emerging from these trials as a more robust and resilient individual.
![Photo of Dr. Courtney Kwan, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ccf4f4bb-0ca4-4b03-a4a1-903c8faf53cf/1/320x400.png)
Dr. Kwan is a practicing licensed psychologist specializing in assessments and treatment for children, adolescents, and young adults. She has years of experience working with individuals who struggle with neurodevelopmental (autism, ADHD, executive functioning challenges, social skill difficulties), medical (i.e, coping, medical regimen adherence), and/or psychiatric conditions (anxiety, adjustment challenges, depression, stress, OCD, tics, and sleep difficulties).
Dr. Kwan is a practicing licensed psychologist specializing in assessments and treatment for children, adolescents, and young adults. She has years of experience working with individuals who struggle with neurodevelopmental (autism, ADHD, executive functioning challenges, social skill difficulties), medical (i.e, coping, medical regimen adherence), and/or psychiatric conditions (anxiety, adjustment challenges, depression, stress, OCD, tics, and sleep difficulties).
![Photo of Dr. Dean Leav - Psychological Testing & Evaluations - Dr. Dean, PsyD, QME, Author, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6f1b9c48-64d0-43a9-8308-67502682cffb/2/320x400.jpeg)
Psychological Testing & Evaluations - Dr. Dean
Psychologist, PsyD, QME, Author
Verified Verified
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
I'm Dr. Dean Leav, licensed psychologist and qualified medical evaluator (QME). I've been featured on ABC, NBC, KCAL, and other programs as an expert psychologist. I provide Evaluation Services, including (and not limited to): diagnostics (ADHD, Autism, Learning Dis.), cognitive/neuropsychological evaluations, workers' compensation (QME/AME), immigration-related evaluations, pre-adoption psychological evaluations, parenting/bonding assessments, drug & alcohol evaluations, pre-employment evaluations, and legal/forensics/criminal evaluations. These evaluations may be used to meet eligibility for certain services or accommodations.
I'm Dr. Dean Leav, licensed psychologist and qualified medical evaluator (QME). I've been featured on ABC, NBC, KCAL, and other programs as an expert psychologist. I provide Evaluation Services, including (and not limited to): diagnostics (ADHD, Autism, Learning Dis.), cognitive/neuropsychological evaluations, workers' compensation (QME/AME), immigration-related evaluations, pre-adoption psychological evaluations, parenting/bonding assessments, drug & alcohol evaluations, pre-employment evaluations, and legal/forensics/criminal evaluations. These evaluations may be used to meet eligibility for certain services or accommodations.
![Photo of Dr. Renata Way, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/17bb3500-2d96-412f-b85c-f3f8b25211e0/3/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in the assessment and treatment of neurodevelopmental disorders like learning differences and ADHD.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with many years of experience working with children, adolescents, and their families, as well as adults. My interventions are heavily rooted in behavioral therapy and evidence-based practices including feminist and attachment theories. However, I tend to conceptualize clinical presentations from a multicultural and social justice perspective. While I employ empirically validated treatments to ignite change, I am also of the belief that there is no single story to any individual. Consequently, it is important to understand the social, cultural, political, and spiritual context of each individual.
I specialize in the assessment and treatment of neurodevelopmental disorders like learning differences and ADHD.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with many years of experience working with children, adolescents, and their families, as well as adults. My interventions are heavily rooted in behavioral therapy and evidence-based practices including feminist and attachment theories. However, I tend to conceptualize clinical presentations from a multicultural and social justice perspective. While I employ empirically validated treatments to ignite change, I am also of the belief that there is no single story to any individual. Consequently, it is important to understand the social, cultural, political, and spiritual context of each individual.
![Photo of Julia Smith, LPCC, NCC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6132f8e9-1b86-4acd-96bf-83d12991d7bf/2/320x400.jpeg)
Julia Smith
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC, NCC
Verified Verified
Monterey, CA 93940 (Online Only)
I provide the skills and climate to help gain the resolution you are seeking. My expertise covers issues associated with anxiety, mood, relationships, attention deficit disorder, life changes, codependence, advancing years, and the military.
I provide the skills and climate to help gain the resolution you are seeking. My expertise covers issues associated with anxiety, mood, relationships, attention deficit disorder, life changes, codependence, advancing years, and the military.
![Photo of Dr. Brennan Whitley, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/038a5693-3b5d-47b7-b79c-d53927a321ff/2/320x400.jpeg)
dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia), ADHD, Autism, executive functioning, slow processing, creativity, anxiety, and depression.
I provide assessment services for children, teens, and adults to answer questions such as: 1) How does my child or how do I learn best? 2) Why is my child or why am I struggling in a particular area and what can help? and 3) What resources and accommodations may be helpful? Assessment reports provide a blueprint for a person's learning, social, processing, and emotional development. Assessments can look at one specific area or many areas depending on the testing questions.
dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia), ADHD, Autism, executive functioning, slow processing, creativity, anxiety, and depression.
I provide assessment services for children, teens, and adults to answer questions such as: 1) How does my child or how do I learn best? 2) Why is my child or why am I struggling in a particular area and what can help? and 3) What resources and accommodations may be helpful? Assessment reports provide a blueprint for a person's learning, social, processing, and emotional development. Assessments can look at one specific area or many areas depending on the testing questions.
See more therapy options for California
ADHD Therapists
When should I seek treatment for ADHD?
You should seek treatment for ADHD if you consistently have difficulty with attention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity that interferes with your daily life. Symptoms of ADHD include the inability to sustain attention during tasks, difficulty organizing tasks and activities, being easily distracted, frequent fidgeting or squirming, and talking or interrupting excessively. If these symptoms interfere with your career, academics, or relationships—for example, consistently failing to complete professional projects on time—you should seek an evaluation for ADHD.
How does treatment for ADHD work?
Effective treatment for ADHD often consists of medication, behavioral therapy, and lifestyle changes. Stimulant medications such as Adderall and Ritalin work by altering levels of neurotransmitters in the brain; higher levels of dopamine and norepinephrine are known to improve attention and focus. Therapy works by helping people with ADHD understand the condition, discuss their areas of difficulty, and develop behavioral strategies to manage their symptoms. In some cases, modifying one’s diet and exercise can also help improve symptoms.
Are there specific medications for ADHD?
Medications to treat ADHD are generally stimulants, the most common are Adderall and Ritalin. There are two categories of stimulants: Amphetamines include Adderall, Dyanavel, Vyvanse, and Dexedrine, and methylphenidates include Ritalin, Concerta, Daytrana, Focalin, Quillichew, Quillivant, and Metadate. Non-stimulants and antidepressants may be used as an alternative if stimulants aren’t effective or viable for a particular patient.
How long does treatment for ADHD take?
It’s tough to give an exact time frame because everyone varies. In terms of medications, stimulants begin to work very soon after you take them, generally within the hour. It may take time to identify the right medication and dosage, but the medication itself is fast-acting. In terms of therapy, it takes time to develop skills and put them into practice, but you will likely see improvements within a few weeks or months.