ADHD Evaluation & Treatment

 

Difficulty focusing, staying organized, completing tasks, or managing time can have many causes. While these symptoms may reflect Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), they can also occur in anxiety disorders, depression, sleep disorders, learning differences, trauma, substance use, or other medical and psychiatric conditions.

At Ficus Psych, Gregory Sayer, MD provides comprehensive ADHD evaluations and individualized treatment for children, adolescents, and adults. The goal is not simply to determine whether someone meets diagnostic criteria for ADHD, but to understand the full clinical picture so that treatment recommendations are tailored to each person's needs.

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What Is ADHD?

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity, or a combination of these symptoms. ADHD typically begins in childhood, although many individuals are not diagnosed until adolescence or adulthood.

Symptoms may affect academic performance, work, relationships, daily responsibilities, and overall quality of life.

ADHD exists on a spectrum. Some individuals primarily struggle with inattentiveness, while others experience more hyperactive or impulsive symptoms. Many have features of both.

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Common Symptoms of ADHD

Symptoms vary depending on age, environment, and the individual's presentation.

Inattention

Common symptoms include:

• Difficulty sustaining attention

• Frequently losing important items

• Forgetfulness

• Becoming easily distracted

• Trouble completing projects

• Difficulty following multi-step instructions

• Poor organization

• Frequently missing deadlines

• Avoiding tasks requiring sustained mental effort

Hyperactivity

Hyperactivity may include:

• Feeling restless

• Fidgeting

• Difficulty remaining seated

• Talking excessively

• Feeling driven to stay busy

• Difficulty relaxing

Impulsivity

Impulsive symptoms may include:

• Interrupting others

• Difficulty waiting one's turn

• Acting before thinking

• Making decisions impulsively

• Emotional impulsivity

• Risky behaviors

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ADHD Across the Lifespan

ADHD in Children

Children with ADHD may have difficulty:

• Paying attention in school

• Completing homework

• Following directions

• Remaining seated

• Managing emotions

• Waiting their turn

• Maintaining organization

Symptoms often become more noticeable as academic and social demands increase.

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ADHD in Adolescents

Teenagers may experience:

• Declining grades

• Increased procrastination

• Poor time management

• Difficulty balancing school and extracurricular activities

• Driving-related impulsivity

• Emotional dysregulation

• Low self-esteem related to academic and / or social struggles

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ADHD in Adults

Many adults first recognize ADHD after years of feeling disorganized or chronically overwhelmed.

Common concerns include:

• Difficulty managing work responsibilities

• Missing deadlines

• Career instability

• Chronic procrastination

• Difficulty maintaining routines

• Forgetting appointments

• Relationship challenges

Some adults have developed coping strategies that can partially compensate for symptoms for years before increasing life demands or changes can make ADHD more apparent.

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Conditions That Can Look Like ADHD

One of the most important aspects of an ADHD evaluation is determining whether symptoms are actually caused by ADHD or another condition.

Symptoms similar to ADHD may occur in:

• Anxiety disorders

• Depression

• Bipolar disorder

• Sleep disorders

• Trauma-related disorders

• Learning disorders

• Autism spectrum disorder

• Substance use

• Thyroid disorders and other medical conditions

Because treatment differs depending on the underlying cause, careful evaluation is essential before making a diagnosis.

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How ADHD Is Diagnosed

There is no single blood test, brain scan, or questionnaire that can diagnose ADHD.

A comprehensive psychiatric evaluation generally includes:

• Review of current symptoms

• Developmental history

• Educational history

• Medical history

• Family psychiatric history

• Previous treatments

• Assessment of co-occurring psychiatric conditions

• Review of school or workplace functioning when appropriate

Rating scales or collateral information from parents, partners, or teachers may be incorporated when clinically indicated, but they are only one part of the diagnostic process.

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ADHD Treatment

Treatment is individualized based on symptoms, functional impairment, age, and personal goals.

Recommendations may include one or more of the following approaches.

Medication

For many individuals, medication can improve attention, executive functioning, and impulse control.

Medication decisions are individualized after discussing:

• Potential benefits

• Possible side effects

• Medical history

• Previous medication experiences

• Lifestyle factors

• Patient preferences

Medication is not recommended automatically for every person diagnosed with ADHD, and treatment plans are developed collaboratively.

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Psychotherapy

Medication alone may not address all of the challenges associated with ADHD.

Psychotherapy may help individuals:

• Develop organizational strategies

• Improve emotional regulation

• Address perfectionism or low self-esteem

• Strengthen relationships

• Understand longstanding behavioral patterns

• Improve coping skills

Psychotherapy may also help explore how ADHD symptoms interact with identity, relationships, and life experiences, particularly for adults who have spent years struggling without a diagnosis or with a difficult treatment journey.

Behavioral and Environmental Strategies

Treatment may also include:

• Time-management techniques

• Organizational systems

• Sleep optimization

• Exercise

• School accommodations when appropriate

• Workplace strategies

• Parent guidance for children

ADHD Often Occurs Alongside Other Conditions

Many individuals with ADHD also experience:

• Anxiety disorders

• Depression

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

• Learning disorders

• Autism spectrum disorder

• Substance use disorders

• Sleep disorders

Identifying co-occurring conditions helps ensure that treatment addresses the full range of symptoms rather than focusing on ADHD alone.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Can adults be diagnosed with ADHD?

Yes. Although ADHD begins during childhood, many people are not recognized until adulthood, particularly if they developed effective coping strategies or primarily have inattentive symptoms.

Does having difficulty concentrating mean I have ADHD?

Not necessarily. Concentration difficulties can result from anxiety, depression, inadequate sleep, medical illnesses, medications, stress, or other psychiatric conditions. A comprehensive evaluation helps determine the underlying cause.

Is medication required for ADHD?

No. Some individuals may benefit from medication, while others, especially with more mild symptoms, may prefer or benefit sufficiently from psychotherapy, behavioral strategies, educational accommodations, or a combination of approaches. Treatment recommendations are individualized.

Can anxiety and ADHD occur together?

Yes. Anxiety disorders and ADHD commonly co-occur. Because symptoms can overlap, careful assessment is important to clarify the diagnosis and guide treatment.

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ADHD Evaluation & Treatment at Ficus Psych

Ficus Psych provides comprehensive ADHD evaluations and individualized treatment for children, adolescents, and adults.

Gregory Sayer, MD is board certified in both adult psychiatry and child & adolescent psychiatry. His approach emphasizes careful diagnosis, evidence-based treatment, and understanding each person's unique strengths, challenges, and goals.

Care is available through in-person appointments in Beverly Hills and telepsychiatry for patients throughout California and New York.

If you are concerned that ADHD may be affecting your work, school performance, relationships, or daily life, a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation can help clarify the diagnosis and determine the most appropriate treatment options.

👉 Contact Ficus Psych today to schedule an introductory phone call.

Ficus Psych | 8500 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills CA 90211