Adult ADHD: Diagnosis & Treatment

Compassionate, Comprehensive Care for Adults with ADHD

At Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates, we specialize in diagnosing and treating Adult ADHD with individualized, evidence-based care. Our board-certified psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners evaluate each patient thoroughly to ensure accurate diagnosis and safe, effective treatment. In-person and virtual appointments are available across multiple locations.

What is Adult ADHD?

Adult ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by persistent inattention, impulsivity, and/or hyperactivity that interferes with daily functioning.

Although commonly diagnosed in childhood, ADHD often continues into adulthood — about 60% of children with ADHD still experience significant symptoms as adults. Others may go undiagnosed until adulthood, when school, job demands, or major life transitions make symptoms more noticeable.

Can You Develop ADHD as an Adult?

Not exactly. Symptoms must be present in childhood for a formal diagnosis. However, many adults are not diagnosed until later, when their intelligence, support systems, and compensatory behaviors are no longer able to keep up. Symptoms often emerge or worsen in high-demand periods such as college, parenthood, or new careers.

Common Adult ADHD Symptoms

• Poor concentration and frequent distraction
• Disorganization and missed deadlines
• Forgetfulness and losing personal items
• Difficulty sitting still or feeling restless
• Impulsive speech or decision-making
• Challenges with time management
• Trouble sustaining attention during conversations or reading

To meet the DSM-V criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis, symptoms must be present in multiple settings (e.g., work, home, school), interfere with function, and not be better explained by other conditions like anxiety or depression.

Why See an Adult ADHD Doctor?

Untreated adult ADHD can lead to:

• Poor work performance and missed opportunities
• Relationship difficulties
• Increased risk of anxiety, depression, and substance use
• Higher rates of car accidents and divorce

According to research, treatment improves occupational performance, relationships, and overall quality of life.

Self-diagnosing ADHD can be misleading. Symptoms like poor focus can also result from anxiety, depression, trauma, sleep disorders, substance use, health conditions or other factors. That’s why it’s essential to see a trained psychiatric provider, such as a Psychiatrist, for a thorough medical and mental health evaluation.

Our providers don’t rush to prescribe. We take the time to:

• Explore all possible causes of your symptoms
• Review medical history and labs as needed
• Consider any co-existing mental health conditions
• Discuss both medication and non-medication options

How Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates Treats Adult ADHD

At Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates, we develop personalized treatment plans using a variety of evidence-based tools:

Comprehensive Psychiatric Evaluation for ADHD and Other Conditions

Our providers assess for ADHD and co-occurring conditions such as anxiety, depression, and substance use. Proper diagnosis may include medical history, symptom review, and labs. We also provide 1-hour adult ADHD evaluations for accommodations at work and school.

Medication Management for Adult ADHD

Medication management for adult ADHD can be incredibly beneficial for the right individual. Our providers are aware of the risks of medications used to treat ADHD and stay up-to-date with ADHD medication shortages. We prescribe both controlled and non-controlled options based on individual needs, risks, and goals. We’re able to treat co-occurring mental health conditions.

• Non-stimulant medication management of Adult ADHD: Various medications can be used to treat Adult ADHD that are not controlled and have limited abuse potential. These include Strattera (Atomoxetine), Intuniv (Guanfacine ER), Clonidine, Wellbutrin (buproprion), and others.
• Non-Amphetamine and Non-Methylphenidate controlled medications: Provigil (Modafinil) and Nuvigil (Armodafinil) are two medications that can be used off-label for the treatment of Adult ADHD, and may have less abuse potential than medications such as Adderall, Ritalin, and Vyvanse. They are often prescribed to individuals with shift work sleep disorder or narcolepsy, and can be used in ADHD.
• Stimulant medications such as Adderall (amphetamine salts), Ritalin (methylphenidate), and medications derived from these parent substances (Vyvanse, Focalin, Concerta, and others).

Adult ADHD Medication Management Available in these States:

• California
• Delaware
• Florida
• Massachusetts
• Maryland
• New Jersey
• New York
• Pennsylvania
• USVI

*The prescription of controlled medications via online psychiatric appointments is dependent on state and federal regulations and provider licensing. Call our scheduling specialists for up-to-date information.

Non-Medication Adult ADHD Treatment

Adult ADHD treatment can also include:

• ADHD-focused therapy (skills training, CBT, behavior modification)
• Productivity coaching and executive function support
• Lifestyle adjustments and stress management strategies

Non-medication strategies are valuable alone or alongside medication and can help reduce or eliminate the need for long-term prescriptions. We offer non-medication ADHD treatment in-office and via telehealth in most states.

Find Adult ADHD Treatment Near You

We offer adult ADHD services in:

• Philadelphia
• Pittsburgh
• Center Valley, PA
• Manhattan (NYC)
• South Jersey (Collingswood)
• Delaware (Wilmington)
• Delray Beach, FL
• Virtual appointments are available in most states

Find Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates on YouTube!

Visit our YouTube channel to find more resources on adult ADHD and other psychiatric conditions & treatments.

Get Started

Start your Adult ADHD Treatment with Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates today

We’re not a “quick fix” or one-size-fits-all telehealth clinic. At RPA, you’ll find:

• Board-certified psychiatrists & psychiatric nurse practitioners
• Providers trained at top institutions (e.g., Johns Hopkins, University of Pennsylvania)
• Evaluation & Treatment for co-occurring conditions (depression, anxiety, substance use.)
• In-person and telehealth appointments, usually available within 2 weeks
• A focus on comprehensive, ethical, and evidence-based care