ADHD (Adult Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder)

At Via Clinic, we take a comprehensive approach to the diagnosis of ADHD. We evaluate symptoms that may have been present in childhood and adolescence in addition to adulthood. This will help us understand whether the diagnosis was accurately identified in the past and whether it still exists today.

We will also identify any psychiatric conditions that may co-occur with, or be mistaken for, ADHD. This includes anxiety, mood, and substance use disorders. Lastly, we offer treatment in the form of education, medical management, and psychotherapy. Other components of the treatment plan may include collaboration with an executive function coach and/or the identification of professional or academic accommodations.

We are familiar and comfortable with stimulant and non-stimulant medications indicated for ADHD, such as Adderall XR, Vyvanse, Focalin XR, Concerta, and Strattera. In some cases we may also refer for specialized neuropsychological testing and academic or vocational support services.

About ADHD

ADHD is a developmental disorder affecting our brain’s executive functioning. This refers to our ability to coordinate various brain functions, including thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. The core symptoms of ADHD include:

  1. Inattention: This refers to distractibility, disorganization, and difficulty with working memory (our ability to hold information in our mind while manipulating information).
  2. Hyperactivity: This refers to an inability to wait or be still and is often accompanied by feeling considerable agitation when having to sit in lectures, long meetings, traffic, etc.
  3. Impulsivity: This refers to a difficulty with regulating emotions and thinking before reacting. This may be seen in careless or wreckless activity, social interruption, or emotional outbursts.

Symptoms of ADHD

The symptoms of ADHD often improve over time, as the brain continues to develop into the young-adult years. However, it is estimated that half of those who suffer from the condition continue to be impaired in adulthood, during which time it often manifests more subtly. Many of the disruptive behaviors in children attenuate or disappear over time, which inadvertently leads people to believe the condition has been “cured.” The result is that many adults inadvertently go untreated.
*Note to students: Each academic institution has its own criteria for establishing academic accommodations. We recommend consulting your school’s Student Disabilities Services first.