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Have you ever found yourself zoning out during meetings, struggling to finish chores, or losing track of time? These could all be signs of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). It's not about being lazy-it's actually related to your brain's executive functioning, which affects your ability to focus, plan, and organize.
As an award-winning psychiatrist with 16 years of experience successfully treating Adult ADHD, Dr. Ambardar offers a personalized approach that goes beyond managing symptoms. With the right diagnosis & treatment, you can expect improved focus, less distractibility, and a renewed sense of happiness & vitality. Let's work together to find the calm and clarity you deserve.
Sheenie Ambardar, MD is a Los Angeles-based ADHD Psychiatrist, Psychotherapist, and Coach who sees adults throughout California and New York via telehealth. Dr. Ambardar specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of adult men and women with Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, Panic Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, OCD, Binge-Eating Disorder, and a host of other common mental health concerns.
Are you experiencing any of these conditions? Integrative psychiatry may be the solution you need. At The Happiness Psychiatrist®, we address the root causes of these issues—and many more—as well as give you the resources to build a fuller, happier life.
Join us as we delve into the world of Adult ADHD, sharing information and resources to help you take charge of your mental health.
ADHD can often go undiagnosed well into adulthood
How does an ADHD Psychiatrist Understand and Treat Adult ADHD?
Do you feel like your mind is always racing or that it's hard to concentrate on tasks? Or maybe you get easily distracted and have difficulty keeping track of time? These can all be signs of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and we know how tough it can be to deal with.
An ADHD Psychiatrist can help. Here at The Happiness Psychiatrist®, we understand that ADHD isn't just a childhood condition. It affects millions of adults worldwide, impacting work, relationships, and overall life satisfaction.
What is Adult ADHD?
Adult ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent difficulties with attention, focus, and/or impulse control. It's often a continuation of childhood ADHD, but it is frequently recognized and diagnosed for the first time in adulthood.
Here's a key point to remember: ADHD isn't a character flaw and it’s not about being lazy. It's a complex condition with underlying neurological causes. An ADHD Psychiatrist can help you understand your specific symptoms and develop a comprehensive treatment plan to help you manage them effectively.
ADHD Symptoms
While everyone experiences occasional forgetfulness or difficulty concentrating, ADHD symptoms are typically more persistent and disruptive. Here's a breakdown of the three main types of ADHD:
ADHD, Predominantly Inattentive Type:
This type is more common in adults and often goes undiagnosed. Here are some key signs:
Difficulty Focusing: You may struggle to concentrate on tasks, conversations, movies, or books. Your mind might wander frequently, making it hard to stay on track.
Disorganization and Forgetfulness: Papers pile up, deadlines slip by, and keys go missing constantly. These organizational challenges can be a hallmark of inattentive ADHD.
Easily Distracted: Background noise, internal thoughts, or even visual stimuli can easily pull your attention away from the task at hand.
Difficulty Completing Tasks: Starting and finishing projects can feel overwhelming. You might get stuck on details, procrastinate, or lose interest halfway through.
Executive Function Challenges: Planning, time management, and prioritizing tasks can be a constant struggle.
ADHD, Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type:
While less common in adults, some may still experience these symptoms:
Restlessness and Fidgeting: You may feel an inner restlessness that makes it hard to sit still for extended periods. Tapping your feet, drumming your fingers, or constantly being on the go are common signs.
Impulsivity: Acting without thinking, blurting out comments, or making impulsive decisions can often be disruptive in personal and professional settings.
Feeling on Edge: A constant sense of internal tension or feeling wired can be a frustrating aspect of hyperactive ADHD.
Excessive talking: This may include interrupting others and not thinking before speaking, which often leads to inadvertently offending others.
Being like a “bull in a china shop”: Difficulty conducting tasks quietly and coming across as arrogant and loud.
ADHD, Combined Type:
This is the most commonly diagnosed type of ADHD.
Characterized by a combination of inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.
Symptoms of combined type ADHD include difficulty paying attention, being easily distracted, fidgeting, interrupting others, and impatience.
It's important to remember that these symptoms can vary greatly from person to person. An ADHD Psychiatrist can conduct a thorough evaluation to determine the specific type and severity (mild, moderate, or severe) of your ADHD.
What is the Prevalence of ADHD?
Children: Approximately 9.4% of children aged 2-17 years in the U.S. have been diagnosed with ADHD.
Adults: An estimated 4.4% of adults worldwide have ADHD, with similar rates among men and women.
Older Adults: ADHD persists into older adulthood, with a prevalence of around 2.8-3.3% in adults aged 50+.
Despite its prevalence, ADHD remains underdiagnosed in many age groups. Symptoms can manifest differently across the lifespan, making diagnosis challenging. Increased awareness and access to appropriate diagnostic tools and treatments are essential for supporting individuals with ADHD throughout their lives.
ADHD in Women: A Different Story
ADHD often presents differently in women compared to men. This can lead to missed diagnoses, delayed treatment, and a lifetime of feeling like something just isn't quite right. Here's a deeper dive into how ADHD can manifest uniquely in women:
The Internalization of Hyperactivity: Unlike the stereotypical image of a bouncing-off-the-walls child, women with ADHD might experience hyperactivity internally. This can manifest as a constant racing mind, difficulty relaxing, or a persistent feeling of being "on edge." These internal experiences can be mistaken for anxiety, making diagnosis even more challenging. Research suggests that women with ADHD may be more likely to be diagnosed with anxiety disorders than their male counterparts.
The Emotional Rollercoaster: Women with ADHD often struggle with emotional dysregulation, experiencing intense mood swings, frustration, and low self-esteem. These emotional challenges can overshadow core ADHD symptoms, leading to misdiagnoses of only depression or bipolar disorder. A case report published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology found that girls with ADHD were nearly three times more likely than boys to be treated with antidepressants prior to receiving treatment for their ADHD, with 14% of girls being prescribed antidepressants compared to just 5% of boys.
The Mask of Competence: Women with ADHD can be highly motivated and develop effective coping mechanisms to function in daily life. They might excel at tasks requiring hyperfocus, especially when motivated by the desire to please others. This ability to "mask" their ADHD symptoms can make it difficult for themselves and others to recognize the underlying condition. Research suggests that women with ADHD are more likely to develop compensatory strategies to cope with their symptoms compared to men with ADHD.
The Societal Pressure to Be Perfect: Societal expectations for women to be organized, detail-oriented caregivers can exacerbate the challenges of ADHD. This constant pressure to conform to unrealistic expectations can lead to increased feelings of shame, guilt, and isolation for women with ADHD.
Other Possible ADHD Symptoms and Signs:
ADHD can also manifest in other ways that are often overlooked. Here are more signs and symptoms to consider:
Daytime fatigue and insomnia
Perfectionism
Defensiveness and impatience
Anger outbursts
Feeling down, depressed, or hopeless
Time blindness (including tardiness and frequently being late)
Slow reaction time
Unable to overcome persistent procrastination
Hypersensitivity to external stimuli, such as bright lights, sounds, and smells
Restlessness during vacation or during times of leisure
If you recognize yourself in some of these less-common signs, an ADHD Psychiatrist can help you explore the possibility of ADHD and help develop a personalized treatment plan that's right for you.
How Does An ADHD Psychiatrist Diagnose Adult ADHD?
Diagnosing Adult ADHD ideally involves a comprehensive clinical evaluation by a psychiatric physician (a medical doctor with an M.D.) who specializes in Adult ADHD.
At The Happiness Psychiatrist®, here's what you can expect during our diagnostic process, which may take place over the course of two appointments:
A Detailed, Friendly Interview: We’ll discuss your current symptoms, past psychiatric, social, and medical history, and any childhood and adult experiences that may be indicative of ADHD.
ADHD Testing: Dr. Ambardar uses several clinically validated scales and questionnaires to help better assess your ADHD symptoms.
Review of any other mental health concerns: Adult ADHD can frequently co-occur with Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Trauma, Borderline Personality Disorder, Insomnia, Cannabis Use Disorder, Binge-Eating, and low self-esteem. It’s important to ascertain if we should address these issues first or concomitantly.
Keeping in mind that there's no single definitive test for Adult ADHD, an experienced ADHD Psychiatrist will generally use a combination of clinical approaches to reach a diagnosis.
How Does An ADHD Psychiatrist Treat Adult ADHD?
The good news is that ADHD is highly treatable
Here are some of the main treatment options for ADHD offered at our office:
Stimulant Medications for ADHD:
Stimulant medications (e.g., Ritalin, Concerta, Adderall XR, Mydayis, Jornay PM, etc) are first-line treatments for Adult ADHD because they are highly effective. These medications work by increasing brain levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, which are neurotransmitters essential for focus, attention, and impulse control.
Non-Stimulant Medications for ADHD:
While stimulants are very effective, they may not be suitable for everyone. Here are some non-stimulant options that an ADHD Psychiatrist might also consider:
1. Atomoxetine (Strattera): This medication works by increasing norepinephrine levels in the brain and has a slower onset of action compared to stimulants.
2. Guanfacine (Intuniv): This medication primarily works by regulating blood pressure but has been shown to improve focus and attention in individuals with ADHD. It's often used in combination with stimulants.
3. Clonidine (Kapvay): Similar to guanfacine, clonidine has shown effectiveness in managing ADHD symptoms, particularly for reducing hyperactivity and impulsivity.
ADHD Treatment: Beyond Medication
Medication is indeed a very powerful tool, but it's not the only piece of the puzzle. Here are some complementary treatments that can help Adult ADHD symptoms:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This evidence-based therapy helps individuals develop coping skills to manage symptoms like disorganization, procrastination, and emotional dysregulation.
Meditation Techniques: Techniques like Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing), meditation, and yoga, can help improve focus, reduce stress, and enhance self-awareness, all of which can benefit adults with ADHD.
Lifestyle Changes: Maintaining a regular sleep schedule, exercising regularly, and eating a healthy diet can significantly improve ADHD symptoms.
ADHD Coaching + Skills Training: Coaching can help you gradually create better daily habits that can help you feel more in control of your ADHD symptoms. Learning time management strategies, organizational skills, decluttering techniques, and communication skills can help you cope better with ADHD.
Are there any supplements, nutraceuticals, or herbs that may help with ADHD?
Several nutraceuticals, botanicals, herbs, and supplements have been researched for their potential to improve ADHD symptoms. While many studies have shown promising results, more research is needed to fully understand their effectiveness and safety.
It's crucial to consult with a qualified medical doctor before starting any new supplement regimen, as supplements may interact with other ADHD medications or have side effects.
As a holistic and integrative ADHD Psychiatrist, Dr. Ambardar is open to discussing options that may help in managing ADHD symptoms, such as:
Omega-3 fatty acids:
Found in fish oil, algal oil, and plant sources like flaxseed and chia seeds
May improve attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity in individuals with ADHD
Thought to work by supporting brain cell health and reducing inflammation
Iron:
An essential mineral involved in neurotransmitter synthesis and brain function
Low iron levels have been associated with increased ADHD symptoms
Supplementation may improve attention and reduce hyperactivity in individuals with iron deficiency
Zinc:
A trace mineral involved in neurotransmitter synthesis and regulation
Low zinc levels have been linked to increased ADHD symptoms
Supplementation may improve attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity in individuals with zinc deficiency
Magnesium:
An essential mineral involved in neurotransmitter synthesis and brain function
Low magnesium levels have been associated with increased ADHD symptoms
Supplementation may improve attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity in individuals with magnesium deficiency
Bacopa Monnieri:
An Ayurvedic herb also known as Brahmi, it was first mentioned in the ancient Hindu text the Charaka Samhita (circa 600 B.C.).
Bacopa has been used for millenia in India to enhance memory, cognitive function, & concentration
May improve attention, cognition, and memory in those with ADHD symptoms
Thought to work by increasing brain levels of acetylcholine and supporting the growth of new nerve connections
Vitamins B6, B9 (Folate), and B12:
Essential vitamins involved in neurotransmitter synthesis and brain function
Low levels of these vitamins have been associated with increased ADHD symptoms
Supplementation may improve attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity in individuals with deficiencies
Dr. Ambardar can help you decide if these supplements may be useful additions to your treatment plan. While many patients find them helpful, supplements should be used in conjunction with a comprehensive ADHD treatment plan, which may include medications, therapy, and lifestyle modifications. Regular monitoring and follow-up are essential to ensure the safety and effectiveness of any supplement regimen.
What causes ADHD?
The exact cause of ADHD is not fully understood, but research suggests that a combination of genetic and environmental factors may play a role:
1. Genetics: ADHD tends to run in families, suggesting a strong genetic component. Studies have shown that if a parent has ADHD, their child has a higher likelihood of also having the disorder.
2. Brain structure and function: Research has shown that individuals with ADHD may have differences in certain brain regions, particularly those involved in attention, impulse control, and executive functioning. These differences may be related to imbalances in neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine.
3. Prenatal and perinatal factors: Exposure to certain substances during pregnancy, such as alcohol, tobacco, or lead, may increase the risk of developing ADHD. Additionally, complications during pregnancy or delivery, such as premature birth or low birth weight, have been associated with a higher incidence of ADHD.
4. Environmental influences: Certain environmental factors, such as childhood trauma, neglect, or abuse, may influence the course of ADHD or exacerbate existing ADHD symptoms.
5. Other factors: Some studies suggest that dietary factors, such as food additives or nutrient deficiencies, may play a role in ADHD symptoms. However, more research is needed to confirm these associations.
It's important to note that while these factors may increase the risk of developing ADHD, having one or more of these risk factors does not necessarily mean an individual will have ADHD. Conversely, a person can still have ADHD without any identifiable risk factors.
ADHD Resources: Your Guide to Support + Success
Adult ADHD can be a complex and confusing condition to navigate, but with the right resources and support, you can thrive. Here's a curated list of 6 valuable online resources designed to empower adults with ADHD:
1. CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder): CHADD is a leading national organization providing comprehensive information, advocacy, and support for individuals with ADHD across all life stages. CHADD’s website offers a wealth of resources, including educational materials, support groups in your area, and information on finding qualified psychiatrists specializing in Adult ADHD.
2. ADDitude Magazine: ADDitude Magazine is a digital publication dedicated to providing up-to-date information and practical strategies for adults and families living with ADHD. The ADDitude website offers a library of articles, videos, and podcasts on a wide range of topics related to ADHD management, from productivity hacks to relationship advice.
3. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH):The National Institute of Mental Health is a trusted and comprehensive resource on ADHD. This website provides clear and concise information on symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, and coping strategies, all based on the latest scientific research.
4. How to ADHD YouTube Channel: This engaging YouTube channel offers a breath of fresh air when it comes to learning about ADHD. With humor, relatable anecdotes, and practical tips for managing ADHD in everyday life, the How To ADHD channel is a fun and valuable resource.
5. The Mini ADHD Coach: This is a cute and colorful website and community that focuses on raising awareness around Adult ADHD and fostering inclusivity. The Mini ADHD Coach offer workbooks, helpful articles, resources, and a visual digital planner geared towards helping people navigate the unique challenges of ADHD.
6. Quora: Quora is a question-and-answer platform where you can find valuable insights and support from a diverse range of people. Search for topics related to Adult ADHD, post your own questions, and learn from the experiences and perspectives of others in the Adult ADHD community.
Get Help for ADHD Today 🧩
All this is to say: you are not alone. Millions of adults live successfully and productively with ADHD and experience happiness and growth in their personal and professional lives. A trusted ADHD Psychiatrist can be an invaluable resource on your journey to help you manage your symptoms and find the calm and clarity you deserve.
We welcome you to reach out today for a free 15-Minute Phone Consultation!
Begin Your Wellness Journey Today With an Award-Winning ADHD Psychiatrist
Have you been struggling with ADHD symptoms? ContactThe Happiness Psychiatrist® today, and discover how integrative ADHD psychiatrist and psychotherapist Dr. Sheenie Ambardar can help you unlock your best, most focused self through expert care, including:
