ADHD

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.

What is attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)?

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.

What are the symptoms of ADHD?

The symptoms of ADHD include:

• Difficulty paying attention or staying focused, especially on tasks that are not interesting or engaging.
• Forgetfulness and disorganization in daily activities.
• Impulsivity, such as interrupting others, acting without thinking, or engaging in risky behavior.
• Restlessness or fidgeting, often with an inability to sit still for long periods.
• Difficulty regulating emotions, such as anger or frustration.
• Difficulty completing tasks, even simple ones.
• Difficulty with time management and procrastination.
• Difficulty with multitasking.
• Difficulty with planning and prioritizing.
• Difficulty with working memory and understanding instructions.

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.

Who is at risk of ADHD?

Anyone can experience ADHD, but several factors may increase your risk, including:

• Having family members with ADHD
• Being born prematurely
• Having a mother who smoke or drank during pregnancy
• Exposure to environmental toxins
• Head trauma, such as from a motor vehicle accident

Left untreated, ADHD can affect other parts of your life, including your finances, employment status, and relationships.

How is ADHD diagnosed?

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:

1. Medical evaluation: I require that patients have an evaluation by their primary care physician, who may order lab tests to rule out other potential causes of the symptoms.
2. Assessment of symptoms:  I will ask about the symptoms, including how long they have been present, how severe they are, and how they affect you or your child’s daily life.
3. Interviews with family members or loved ones: If appropriate, I will interview family members or loved ones to gather more information about the symptoms.
4. Use of standardized rating scales and checklists: I may use standardized scales and checklists, such as the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) or the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scales (CAARS), to assess the symptoms.

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.

How is ADHD treated?

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

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.

Other medicines

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.