Living with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can be an overwhelming experience, affecting various aspects of daily life. Whether you’re a parent concerned about your child’s inattentiveness and hyperactivity, or an adult struggling with focus and impulsivity, the challenges of ADHD are real and pervasive. At Well Coast Medical, we understand the complexities of ADHD and are here to provide compassionate, effective support tailored to your unique needs.

What is ADHD?

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) – now more commonly known as Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) – is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that can interfere with daily functioning, behavior, and development.

While ADHD is usually first diagnosed in childhood, it typically lasts into adulthood. Symptoms can also manifest differently across individuals, making each person’s experience with ADHD unique, which is one of the reasons many people with ADHD aren’t diagnosed until later in life.

People with ADHD may seem restless, have trouble paying attention, control impulsive behaviors, or be overly active, though it’s not uncommon for people with ADHD to appear outwardly calm in order to hide a mind that is always racing and looking for new stimuli.

If any of this sounds familiar, you’re far from alone.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) 6.0% of U.S. adults and well over 10% of U.S. children have ADHD.

Causes of ADHD

The exact cause of ADHD remains unknown, but research indicates a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Genetics seem to play a significant role, with studies showing that ADHD often runs in families.

Environmental influences, such as prenatal exposure to tobacco or alcohol, premature birth, low birth weight, and exposure to environmental toxins, may also contribute to the development of ADHD.

Types of ADHD

ADHD presents in three primary types, each with distinct symptom patterns:

• Predominantly Inattentive Presentation: Challenges include sustaining attention, following through on tasks, and organizing activities.
• Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation: Symptoms involve excessive fidgeting, restlessness, interrupting others, and difficulty waiting one’s turn.
• Combined Presentation: A combination of inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.

ADHD Signs and Symptoms in Children

Children with ADHD may exhibit behaviors that are often mistaken for typical childhood exuberance (i.e., higher than usual activity levels, difficulty remaining still for long durations, and limited attention spans), but when these behaviors are excessive and impact daily functioning, they may indicate ADHD. Common signs include:

• Inattention: Difficulty sustaining focus, careless mistakes in schoolwork, and being easily distracted.
• Hyperactivity: Inability to sit still, excessive running or climbing, and talking excessively.
• Impulsivity: Interrupting conversations, difficulty waiting for their turn, and acting without considering consequences.

Children with ADHD experience inattention and hyperactivity at significantly higher degrees than they should for their age, which can lead them to struggle with relationships, poor performance in school, and low self-esteem.

ADHD Signs and Symptoms in Adults

For some people with ADHD their symptoms may decrease with age. However, ADHD often persists well into adulthood, with symptoms sometimes becoming more subtle but still impactful. Adults with ADHD may experience:

• Inattention: Chronic lateness, difficulty prioritizing tasks, and forgetfulness in daily activities.
• Hyperactivity: Restlessness, trouble relaxing, and feeling overwhelmed by racing thoughts.
• Impulsivity: Impulsive spending, interrupting others frequently, and making hasty decisions without thorough consideration.

Again, symptoms often vary widely by type. Inattentive types may show some or all of the following symptoms:

• Difficulty paying close attention to details
• Problems staying focused on activities or tasks
• Don’t seem to listen when spoken to
• Issues following instructions and/or completing schoolwork, chores, or job duties
• Difficulties organizing work and tasks
• Avoidance of tasks that require prolonged mental effort, such as preparing reports or completing forms
• Often forgets or loses things needed for daily tasks
• Easily distracted

On the other hand, hyperactive/impulsive types may experience some or all of the following symptoms:

• Inability to sit still, routine fidgetiness
• Unable to play quietly or engage in quiet leisure activities
• Always seeming “on the go,” as if driven by a perpetual motor
• Tendency to talk quickly and incessantly
• Often interrupts others, completing their sentences or answering questions before the other person is finished
• General impatience, whether it’s in a line, at a restaurant, etc.
• Addictive behaviors that can range from substance use and abuse to impulsive activities, such as gambling, shopping, and internet use or gaming

While many people think Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a learning disorder, ADHD is not a learning disability or disorder.

ADHD may impact specific learning skills, but it can affect people of any intellectual ability, and there are countless, extremely successful individuals who’ve been diagnosed with ADHD, from Richard Branson to Simone Biles, Emma Watson to Bill Gates, and even Albert Einstein and Walt Disney.

Testing and Diagnosing ADHD

Diagnosing ADHD involves a comprehensive evaluation by a qualified healthcare professional. At Well Coast Medical, our team conducts thorough assessments that include:

• Clinical Interviews: Gathering detailed personal and family history to understand symptom patterns.
• Behavioral Assessments: Utilizing standardized questionnaires and rating scales to evaluate the frequency and severity of symptoms.
• Collateral Information: Collecting input from family members, teachers, or colleagues to provide a well-rounded perspective on behaviors across different settings.

ADHD Treatment

Effective management of ADHD and ADHD treatment often requires a multifaceted approach, tailored to each individual’s specific needs. At Well Coast Medical, we offer:

• Psychiatric Evaluation & Medication Management: Our board-certified psychiatrists and nurse practitioners are here to not only diagnose ADHD but also prescribe and monitor medications that can help regulate neurotransmitter activity, reduce core symptoms of ADHD, and lead to significant improvements in your attention and impulse control.
• Counseling and Therapy: Using evidence-based approaches, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), our licensed ADHD therapists can help you address the behavioral and emotional aspects of ADHD. ADHD counseling and therapy sessions can assist you in developing coping strategies, organizational skills, and problem-solving abilities that empower you to manage whatever symptoms you’re experiencing and navigate daily challenges effectively.

Successful ADHD treatment usually involves both medications and behavioral interventions. While these treatments don’t necessarily “cure” ADHD, they can greatly reduce symptoms and have a significant impact on your ability to reclaim a sense of control and joy in your relationships and life.

Does Well Coast Medical Have the Best ADHD Doctor or Therapist for You?

Given the personalized nature of mental health treatment, no one ADHD doctor, psychiatrist, or therapist can be the best fit for every person with ADHD.

At Well Coast Medical, we recognize that managing ADHD is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor.

Fortunately, Well Coast Medical isn’t just one ADHD psychiatrist or therapist!

Unlike standalone psychiatric clinics and practices, Well Coast Medical employs numerous psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, counselors and therapists, many of whom specialize in treating ADHD.

By working with Well Coast Medical, you get access to:

• A Network of Specialists – With multiple psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners on staff, we can match you or your child with the best ADHD doctor or therapist for you.
• Comprehensive, Integrated Care – Whichever professional you choose to work with can seamlessly coordinate your care with other specialists on our team to provide well-rounded treatment.
• Parent Support & Guidance – We’re here for you, too. Parenting a child with ADHD can be challenging, which is why we provide family counseling and therapy, as well as education and strategies to help you feel empowered in supporting your child.
• Convenient & Accessible Appointments – With offices in Corte Madera, Costa Mesa, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, and Beaverton, we’re accessible to families across California and Oregon. We also accept most insurance plans and offer convenient scheduling, including telehealth options, to make getting help as easy as possible.

Our goal is to provide you with a team-based approach that helps you develop and implement a treatment plan that aligns with your specific needs and goals, gain the knowledge and tools necessary to manage ADHD effectively and empowers you to create and live a life you truly love.

Living with ADHD isn’t easy, but you don’t have to navigate it alone!

At Well Coast Medical, we’re dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care to help you or your loved one thrive.

Why wait to start feeling better? Contact us today, schedule a free call with our intake coordinator, get matched with a provider, and discover how the ADHD treatment services we provide can help you or your child take the first step toward a more focused, confident, and fulfilling life.

Get Matched with a Provider