ADHD

Difficulty staying focused, managing responsibilities, or controlling impulsive behaviors can affect every aspect of daily life. For children, teens, and adults alike, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can create challenges at school, work, and home. At Royal River Psychiatric Care in Yarmouth, Maine, Julie Smith, PMHNP, and the team provide comprehensive evaluations and evidence-based treatment plans to help patients better understand their symptoms and improve their quality of life. To schedule an appointment, call Royal River Psychiatric Care or request an appointment online today. 

What is ADHD?

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects attention, impulse control, and executive functioning. Although ADHD often begins during childhood, many individuals continue to experience symptoms into adolescence and adulthood. Some adults are not diagnosed until later in life, after years of struggling with organization, focus, or time management.

ADHD is not caused by poor parenting, lack of motivation, or laziness. Instead, it is a medical condition involving differences in brain function that can impact academic performance, workplace productivity, relationships, and emotional well-being. With an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment, many individuals with ADHD learn effective strategies to thrive.

What are the symptoms of ADHD?

ADHD symptoms vary from person to person and may present differently depending on your age. Common symptoms of ADHD include:

• Difficulty maintaining attention or concentration
• Frequently losing items or forgetting daily tasks
• Trouble following instructions or completing projects
• Disorganization and poor time management
• Restlessness or excessive fidgeting
• Talking excessively or interrupting conversations
• Acting impulsively without considering consequences
• Difficulty sitting still or remaining focused during meetings or classes

Some individuals primarily experience inattentive symptoms, while others display predominantly hyperactive-impulsive symptoms or a combination of both. Because these symptoms can overlap with other mental health conditions, a professional evaluation is essential for an accurate diagnosis.

How is ADHD diagnosed?

Diagnosing ADHD requires more than a simple checklist. Royal River Psychiatric Care conducts comprehensive psychiatric evaluations that explore your medical history, mental health history, current symptoms, and daily functioning. Diagnostic assessments help determine whether ADHD is present while also evaluating for conditions that may produce similar symptoms or occur alongside ADHD.

The team offers cognitive and behavioral assessments that provide valuable insights into attention, executive functioning, and behavioral patterns. When appropriate, your provider may perform risk assessments, including suicide and self-harm screenings, that are incorporated as part of a complete mental health evaluation to ensure patient safety and comprehensive care.

The goal is to develop a clear understanding of each individual's unique strengths, challenges, and treatment needs before making a diagnosis.

How is ADHD treated?

Effective ADHD treatment is personalized based on each patient's age, symptoms, lifestyle, and overall mental health. Following a comprehensive evaluation, an individualized treatment plan may include medication management, behavioral strategies, psychoeducation, and ongoing psychiatric follow-up.

Treatment also focuses on addressing any co-occurring conditions, such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, or OCD, that may influence ADHD symptoms. By treating the whole person rather than a single diagnosis, patients often experience improvements in concentration, emotional regulation, organization, and overall functioning.

Regular follow-up appointments allow treatment plans to evolve as symptoms and life circumstances change, helping patients achieve lasting progress.

Living with ADHD can feel overwhelming, but effective treatment begins with an accurate diagnosis and compassionate psychiatric care. If you need help managing your ADHD, call Royal River Psychiatric Care or request an appointment online today.