ADHD in Adulthood:
What You Need to Know About This Diagnosis & Medication Management
What You Need to Know About This Diagnosis & Medication Management
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) isn’t just a childhood condition — many adults experience symptoms that affect their lives.
If you feel like you’re constantly playing catch-up, missing details or struggling to stay focused, you’re not the only one. Of the 15.5 million adults in the U.S. who’ve been diagnosed with ADHD, about half were diagnosed in adulthood.
At ReKlame Health, we believe that effective adult ADHD treatment begins with collaboration. Through careful assessments, open conversation and shared decision-making, we can help you make sense of your symptoms and identify possible treatments that align with your goals. Learn how targeted ADHD care can help you change the way you work, live and connect with others.
What is ADHD?
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder.
Despite its name, people with ADHD don’t lack an attention span — it simply means that it’s harder for you to steer it where you want it to go. But as difficult as it may be to focus at times, this disorder can also allow you to deeply dial into the things you love. This is called hyperfocusing.
This condition often begins during childhood and can persist into adulthood. It affects the part of your brain in charge of executive functioning (your ability to remember things, organize, manage your time and focus). However, many adults discover it later in life. Also, some people find that their symptoms have evolved as they’ve gotten older. For example, hyperactivity as a child may feel more like restlessness as an adult.
Untreated ADHD can impact many areas of your life, including your work performance, relationships and overall well-being. But it’s important to remember that these symptoms don’t reflect a lack of effort or ability. It simply means that your brain functions differently, and with the right support, you can find approaches that suit your unique needs.
The symptoms for adult ADHD typically fall under three categories:
Diagnosis and evaluation
ADHD is diagnosed using the criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5-TR), published by the American Psychiatric Association. You may be diagnosed with this disorder if you have five or more symptoms that have lasted for at least six months. Also, there must be evidence that these symptoms persist in more than one setting and interfere with your life. Based on this information and your medical history, your ReKlame psychiatric provider may diagnose you with one of the three types of ADHD:
ADHD, predominantly inattentive type
This describes someone with little to no hyperactivity symptoms who has trouble focusing, staying organized and/or finishing tasks.
ADHD, predominantly hyperactive type
This describes someone who exhibits predominantly hyperactivity and impulsivity symptoms.
ADHD, combined type
This describes someone with a mix of both inattentive and hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms.
There isn’t a singular test that can diagnose ADHD. But because many symptoms overlap with other conditions — such as anxiety, depression and some learning disabilities — your provider will perform a thorough evaluation. This process helps rule out other possibilities and can identify any coexisting mental health conditions. Several evidence-based screening tools are used to diagnose adults with ADHD, such as:
- Adult ADHD Clinical Diagnostic Scale (ACDS)
- Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS)
- Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) Screener
- ADHD Rating Scale IV (ADHD-RS-IV) With Adult Prompts
- Cognifit Neuropsychological Testing
- Barkley Deficits in Executive Functioning Scale (BDEFS) for Adults
Overall, this vital information can give you a clearer picture of how your mind works and help you make sense of your symptoms. It also creates a foundation for how to move forward. After getting screened, you and your provider can connect the dots that lead to a correct diagnosis and avoid treatment plans that only address part of the problem.
Treating ADHD: Why medication management matters
Medication management is a collaborative, ongoing process between you and your ReKlame psychiatric provider. Together, we’ll explore your goals, experiences and feedback to find the ideal ADHD medication options and dosage. We’ll also monitor how you’re feeling, watch for potential side effects and recommend adjustments as needed.
While medication doesn’t cure ADHD, it can help balance vital neurochemicals in your brain. The right medication can make it easier to focus, reduce restlessness, control impulsivity and strengthen executive functioning, allowing you to engage more fully at home, at work and in other areas of your life.
Types of ADHD medications
Your ADHD symptoms may be treated with either stimulant or nonstimulant medication. Here’s a breakdown of some of the common types available and how they work:
Stimulants
Amphetamines and methylphenidates are two common classes of stimulants for treating adult ADHD. Examples include brands like Adderall, Vyvanse and Ritalin. They work by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain to promote better cognitive functioning, and they come in two forms:
Short-acting
Usually taken twice a day, short-acting ADHD medications can last up to eight hours.
Extended release
Usually taken once per day, long-acting medications can last up to 16 hours
Nonstimulants
Most nonstimulant medications are second-line treatments for ADHD. They’re usually prescribed if stimulants aren’t working well for you, you have contraindications or stimulants have produced adverse side effects. Common medications include brands like Strattera, Qelbree and Intuniv. Also, the antidepressant Wellbutrin is sometimes prescribed off-label for ADHD.
The way ADHD medication affects you — and how long it lasts — can vary from person to person. Also, its timing is a key factor in whether it fits into your lifestyle. For instance, some people feel a sharp dip in energy or mood when their medication wears off, so they might benefit from a longer-lasting option that offers more consistency throughout the day. Other people respond better to short-acting stimulants.
Medication management is often a practice in systematic trial and error, and your feedback is essential at every stage. At ReKlame, we typically use a “start low and go slow” approach. This means beginning with a low dose and gradually increasing it until the medication is at the ideal level. This careful process helps us choose an option that suits each individual.
More Information
What to expect from ReKlame
At ReKlame, we’re here to partner with you on your mental health journey.
As a psychiatric and medication management provider, we offer accessible, affordable virtual care designed to fit your life. We collaborate closely with your other healthcare providers and approach every interaction through a respectful, culturally sensitive lens.
Your initial consultation takes about 45 to 60 minutes. During this time, you can share your story, goals and experiences. From there, we’ll begin to develop a personalized treatment plan just for you. Your follow-up visits will be shorter (typically around 15 to 20 minutes).
As a ReKlame member, you’ll be assigned a care team that consists of:
A psychiatric nurse practitioner who makes clinical diagnoses and guides your treatment plan
A care navigator who helps you stay organized and connected every step of the way
Our clinical care team prioritizes person-first, evidence-based approaches. By combining medication management, virtual services and strong insurance partnerships, it’s our hope that we can help make high-quality mental health care easier for you to access and sustain.