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.
Common questions
Can adults be diagnosed with ADHD?
Yes. ADHD begins in childhood, but many adults were never evaluated and are diagnosed for the first time in their twenties, thirties, or later, often after a child in the family is diagnosed. An adult evaluation looks at current symptoms, childhood history, and whether anxiety, depression, sleep problems, or substance use explain things better.
How is ADHD diagnosed? Is there a test?
There is no single test. A proper evaluation includes a detailed clinical interview, standardized rating scales (for children, from parents and teachers), a review of school or work history, and screening for conditions that can look like ADHD, such as anxiety, learning disabilities, or poor sleep. Plan on a thorough first visit rather than a quick questionnaire.
Do you prescribe stimulant medication?
When it's the right choice, yes. Stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine-based medications are well studied and effective for most people with ADHD, and non-stimulant options exist for people who can't take them or prefer not to. Controlled medications require a full evaluation first and regular follow-up visits, and we review how they're working at every appointment.
My child's school suggested an evaluation. What happens next?
Bring any teacher reports, report cards, or testing the school has done. We'll interview you and your child, send rating scales to teachers, and look at the whole picture, including learning differences and anxiety. If ADHD is diagnosed, we can help with a treatment plan and provide documentation for school accommodations such as a 504 plan.
What does ADHD treatment look like long term?
ADHD is usually a long-term condition, and treatment evolves with you. Children need dose changes as they grow, teens need help with independence and driving, and adults often focus on work and organization. Follow-ups are more frequent at the start and spaced out once things are stable. Call or text (936) 270-8011 to schedule an evaluation.