Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Understanding ADHD
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects attention, organization, impulse control, and executive functioning. Although ADHD often begins in childhood, many individuals are not diagnosed until adolescence or adulthood, particularly if symptoms were subtle or compensated for over time.
ADHD is more than occasional distractibility or difficulty staying organized. It can affect work, school, relationships, daily responsibilities, and overall quality of life. With a comprehensive evaluation and individualized treatment, many individuals develop effective strategies to manage symptoms and improve functioning.
Common Symptoms of ADHD
Symptoms vary between individuals but commonly include:
- Difficulty sustaining attention
- Frequently losing or misplacing important items
- Forgetfulness in daily activities
- Difficulty organizing tasks and responsibilities
- Procrastination or difficulty initiating tasks
- Becoming easily distracted
- Difficulty completing projects
- Restlessness or feeling internally "on the go"
- Impulsive decision-making or interrupting others
- Difficulty managing time or meeting deadlines
- Emotional impulsivity or frustration
ADHD affects the brain's executive functions—the mental processes involved in planning, prioritizing, organizing, sustaining attention, regulating emotions, and completing tasks. Symptoms vary from person to person and often change throughout life.
Many adults with ADHD describe lifelong challenges with procrastination, time management, forgetfulness, or maintaining focus, even when they are highly motivated. Others experience restlessness, impulsivity, or difficulty managing emotions. These challenges are often misunderstood as laziness, lack of discipline, or poor motivation, when they are better explained by differences in how the brain regulates attention and executive functioning.
Presentations of ADHD
Current diagnostic criteria recognize three clinical presentations of ADHD based on the pattern of symptoms.
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Individuals primarily experience difficulties with attention, organization, concentration, and completing tasks. Hyperactivity may be minimal or absent. This presentation was historically referred to as Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), although ADD is no longer a formal medical diagnosis.
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This presentation is characterized by excessive movement, restlessness, impulsive behavior, interrupting others, or difficulty remaining still. It is more commonly recognized during childhood but may persist into adulthood.
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Combined presentation includes both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms. This is the most commonly diagnosed presentation in both children and adults.
Our Approach to ADHD Treatment
At New York Integrative Psychiatry, we recognize that ADHD affects much more than attention. Executive functioning influences organization, emotional regulation, productivity, relationships, and overall well-being. Effective treatment begins with understanding how symptoms affect each individual's daily life rather than focusing solely on a diagnostic label.
Our approach begins with a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation that reviews developmental history, current symptoms, medical conditions, previous treatments, and potential contributing factors. Because several conditions—including anxiety disorders, depression, trauma-related disorders, sleep disorders, and certain medical conditions—can resemble ADHD, careful assessment is essential before making a diagnosis.
Depending on the individual's needs, treatment may include medication management, psychotherapy, behavioral strategies, executive functioning support, and integrative interventions that address sleep, nutrition, exercise, stress management, and overall wellness.
Our goal is to help patients improve attention, strengthen executive functioning, reduce daily impairment, and build practical skills that support long-term success at work, school, and in their personal lives.
Learn more about our approach to Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy, and Integrative Mental Health & Wellness.