Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can affect your relationships, work performance, and self-esteem. At my practice, Steven L. Gotlib, MD, PC, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, I am a board-certified psychiatrist with more than 40 years of experience treating ADHD in teenagers and adults. A combination of prescription medication, counseling, and healthy lifestyle changes can help manage ADHD symptoms and help you feel more in control. Call the office or reach out online to request an ADHD consultation today.
ADHD is a behavioral disorder that makes it difficult to focus or stay on task. It’s often diagnosed in childhood or adolescence but persists throughout life.
ADHD affects everyone differently. For some people, it’s a minor annoyance that responds to prescription medications necessary. For others, ADHD triggers more troublesome symptoms, requiring more specialized care.
The symptoms of ADHD include:
Teens with ADHD often exhibit mood swings and have problems following through on or completing schoolwork and other tasks.
It's important to note that these symptoms can overlap with other conditions.
Anyone can experience ADHD, but several factors may increase your risk, including:
Left untreated, ADHD can affect other parts of your life, including your finances, employment status, and relationships.
I will ask you about your lifestyle, family history, and symptoms. I may ask you to complete a psychiatric questionnaire to discuss psychological testing.
When indicated, I will ask you to have a physical exam and lab tests, including bloodwork and urinalysis. These screens help me rule out underlying health problems that might cause similar symptoms.
The diagnostic process usually includes the following steps:
It's important to note that ADHD is a complex disorder, and a thorough and accurate diagnosis often requires a comprehensive evaluation of multiple sources of information and various diagnostic tools.
Treatment of ADHD typically involves a combination of prescription medication, skills training, healthy lifestyle changes, and counseling. A mix of counseling and medication can improve your time management skills, boost your self-esteem, and help you get more done.
Depending on your needs, I might prescribe:
Stimulants are a class of drugs designed to boost the production of certain brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. The more neurotransmitters you have, the easier it is to stay on task and focus.
If you don’t respond to prescription stimulants (or you have a medical condition that increases your risk of potential complications), I may prescribe antidepressants like bupropion.
Call my practice, Steven L. Gotlib, MD, PC, to request an ADHD consultation with me today. You can also schedule an appointment through the online form.