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Adult ADHD Specialist

Washington Center for Women's and Children's Wellness (WCWCW) -  - Child, Adolescent, Women’s & Reproductive Psychiatry

Washington Center for Women's and Children's Wellness (WCWCW)

Child, Adolescent, Women’s & Reproductive Psychiatry located in Bethesda, MD and offering Telehealth appointments in Maryland, Virginia, DC, Florida and Michigan

 

 

Adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a mental health disorder that includes a combination of persistent problems, such as difficulty paying attention, hyperactivity, and impulsive behavior. Adult ADHD can lead to unstable relationships, poor work or school performance, low self-esteem, and other problems. At WCWCW, our team of board-certified psychiatrists diagnoses and treats ADHD in children, teens, and adults. To make an appointment at our Bethesda, Maryland, office, call today or use the online booking feature. We provide the same high-quality service via telehealth for patients living in Maryland, DC, Virginia, Michigan, and Florida.

Adult ADHD Q & A

All Services > Our Specialties > Women's Psychiatry > Adult ADHD

adult adhd

What is Adult ADHD?

Though it's called adult ADHD, symptoms start in early childhood and continue into adulthood. In some cases, ADHD is not recognized or diagnosed until the person is an adult. Adult ADHD symptoms may not be as clear as ADHD symptoms in children. In adults, hyperactivity may decrease, but struggles with impulsiveness, restlessness, and difficulty paying attention may continue.

What is ADHD?

ADHD is a disorder characterized by hyperactivity, an inability to focus, and fidgeting. It’s most common in children and teenagers but can also affect adults. 

If you have ADHD, you might find it difficult to sit still or pay attention for extended periods of time. Without intervention and treatment, ADHD can affect your performance at school or work as well as your personal relationships. 

Other symptoms of ADHD can include:

  • Having trouble focusing or concentrating
  • Being easily distracted
  • Being forgetful
  • Talking excessively
  • Finding it hard to wait your turn
  • Interrupting others when they’re speaking
  • Have trouble organizing things or sticking to a schedule. 

What are the symptoms of Adult ADHD? 

Some people with ADHD have fewer symptoms as they age, but some adults continue to have major symptoms that interfere with daily functioning. In adults, the main features of ADHD may include difficulty paying attention, impulsiveness, and restlessness. Symptoms can range from mild to severe.

Adult ADHD symptoms may include:

  • Impulsiveness
  • Disorganization and problems prioritizing
  • Poor time management skills
  • Problems focusing on a task
  • Trouble multitasking
  • Excessive activity or restlessness
  • Poor planning
  • Low frustration tolerance
  • Frequent mood swings
  • Problems following through and completing tasks
  • Hot temper
  • Trouble coping with stress

ADHD can make life difficult for you. ADHD has been linked to:

  • Poor school or work performance
  • Unemployment
  • Financial problems
  • Trouble with the law
  • Alcohol or other substance misuse
  • Frequent car accidents or other accidents
  • Unstable relationships
  • Poor physical and mental health
  • Poor self-image
  • Suicide attempts

WCWCW can help.

What are effective treatments for ADHD?

Treatment for adult ADHD is similar to treatment for childhood ADHD. Adult ADHD treatment includes medications, psychological counseling (psychotherapy) and treatment for any mental health conditions that occur along with ADHD.

When should I see a doctor for Adult ADHD?

If any of the symptoms listed above continually disrupt your life, you should talk to a psychiatrist about whether you might have ADHD.

Our specialists at WCWCW in Bethesda, Maryland, offer the supportive care you need to overcome the challenges of adult ADHD. We provide the same high-quality service via telehealth for patients living in Maryland, DC, Virginia, Michigan, and Florida. Call our office or request an appointment online today.