A careful diagnosis first. Then a plan that fits real life.
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder affects a person's ability to focus, control impulses, and manage activity level. It's usually noticed in childhood, but many adults are diagnosed for the first time after years of wondering why things felt harder than they should.
What it can look like
- Inattention: easily sidetracked, trouble sustaining focus, careless mistakes, losing things, avoiding tasks that take sustained effort, struggling to follow through or stay organized.
- Hyperactivity and impulsivity: fidgeting, trouble staying seated, talking excessively, blurting out answers, interrupting, difficulty waiting a turn.
- Combined: a mix of both.
How we diagnose it
There is no single test for ADHD. A proper evaluation includes a clinical interview, standardized rating scales (often from parents and teachers for children), a look at school or work history, and ruling out other conditions like anxiety, sleep problems, or learning disabilities that can look similar. Dr. Shaikh's fellowship training in child and adolescent psychiatry means this evaluation is done thoroughly, not rushed.
How we treat it
Treatment is usually multimodal: medication (stimulant or non-stimulant, chosen carefully for age and history), behavioral strategies, school or workplace accommodations where helpful, and family involvement for kids. Treatment is ongoing and evolves as you do.