Adult ADHD: Diagnosis & Treatment

Compassionate, Comprehensive Care for Adults with ADHD

At Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates, we specialize in diagnosing and treating Adult ADHD with individualized, evidence-based care. Our board-certified psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners evaluate each patient thoroughly to ensure accurate diagnosis and safe, effective treatment. In-person and virtual appointments are available across multiple locations.

What is Adult ADHD?

Adult ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is a neurodevelopmental disorder marked by challenges with attention, focus, and impulse control that affect work, relationships, and daily life.

While ADHD is often diagnosed in childhood, many adults remain undiagnosed until later in life – when increasing job, academic, or family demands bring symptoms to light.

Can You Develop ADHD as an Adult?

ADHD begins in childhood, but many adults receive their first diagnosis later. Symptoms may surface or worsen when coping strategies fail – often during transitions like new jobs, parenthood, or major life stressors.

Common Adult ADHD Symptoms

Adults with ADHD often experience a combination of attention, organization, and impulse-control challenges, which can affect both personal and professional life.

• Poor concentration and frequent distraction
• Disorganization and difficulty meeting deadlines
• Forgetfulness and losing personal items
• Difficulty sitting still or feeling restless
• Impulsive speech or decision-making
• Difficulty managing time effectively
• Trouble sustaining attention during conversations or reading

To meet the DSM-V criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis, symptoms must be present in multiple settings (e.g., work, home, school), interfere with function, and not be better explained by other conditions like anxiety or depression.

Why See an Adult ADHD Doctor?

Untreated ADHD can cause long-term difficulties in nearly every area of life. Working with a qualified specialist helps you regain focus and stability.

• Poor work performance and missed opportunities
• Relationship difficulties
• Increased risk of anxiety, depression, and substance use
• Higher rates of car accidents and divorce

According to research, treatment improves occupational performance, relationships, and overall quality of life.

Who Is Qualified to Diagnose and Treat Adult ADHD?

Adult ADHD should be diagnosed and treated by licensed mental health professionals with specialized training in psychiatric or psychological evaluation. At Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates, our team includes board-certified psychiatrists (MDs), psychiatric nurse practitioners (CRNPs), and doctoral-level psychologists (PsyDs and PhDs). These clinicians are qualified to perform comprehensive assessments, confirm an ADHD diagnosis, and develop individualized treatment plans that may include medication, therapy, or both.

Because ADHD symptoms can overlap with anxiety, trauma, or depression, self-diagnosis often leads to confusion. A licensed ADHD doctor can provide a thorough psychiatric evaluation to identify the true cause and recommend the best treatment plan.

Our Approach to Treating Adult ADHD

Our adult ADHD doctors take time to understand your full medical and mental health picture before recommending treatment options.

Comprehensive ADHD Evaluation for Adults

Our adult ADHD doctors perform detailed psychiatric evaluations to ensure accurate diagnosis. Each assessment reviews your medical history, symptoms, and potential co-occurring conditions such as anxiety, depression, or substance use. We also offer ADHD evaluations for work or academic accommodations.

Medication Management for Adult ADHD

Medication can be an effective component of adult ADHD treatment when carefully prescribed and monitored. Our providers are aware of the risks of ADHD medications and stay up-to-date with ADHD medication shortages. In addition, our doctors offer both stimulant and non-stimulant options tailored to your needs, goals, and medical background.

• Non-stimulant medication management of Adult ADHD: Various medications can be used to treat Adult ADHD that are not controlled and have limited abuse potential. These include Strattera (Atomoxetine), Intuniv (Guanfacine ER), Clonidine, Wellbutrin (buproprion), and others.
• Alternative controlled options: Provigil (Modafinil) and Nuvigil (Armodafinil), often used when stimulant medications are not preferred in the adult ADHD treatment path.
• Stimulant medications such as Adderall (amphetamine salts), Ritalin (methylphenidate), and medications derived from these parent substances (Vyvanse, Focalin, Concerta, and others).

Adult ADHD Medication Management Available in these States:

• California
• Delaware
• Florida
• Massachusetts
• Maryland
• New Jersey
• New York
• Pennsylvania
• USVI

*The prescription of controlled medications via online psychiatric appointments is dependent on state and federal regulations and provider licensing. Call our scheduling specialists for up-to-date information.

Non-Medication Adult ADHD Treatment

Adult ADHD treatment can also include:

• ADHD-focused therapy (skills training, CBT, behavior modification)
• Executive function and productivity coaching
• Lifestyle adjustments and stress management strategies

Non-medication strategies are valuable alone or alongside medication and can help reduce or eliminate the need for long-term prescriptions. We offer non-medication ADHD treatment in-office and via telehealth in most states.

Find Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates on YouTube!

Visit our YouTube channel to find more resources on adult ADHD and other psychiatric conditions & treatments.

Get Started

Start your Adult ADHD Treatment with Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates today

We’re not a “quick fix” or one-size-fits-all telehealth clinic. At RPA, you’ll find:

• Board-certified psychiatrists & psychiatric nurse practitioners
• Providers trained at top institutions (e.g., Johns Hopkins, University of Pennsylvania)
• Evaluation & Treatment for co-occurring conditions (depression, anxiety, substance use.)
• In-person and telehealth appointments, usually available within 2 weeks
• A focus on comprehensive, ethical, and evidence-based care