Adult ADHD

More than 15 million adults in the United States have been diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). If you are experiencing difficulty with focus, organization, or restlessness potentially related to ADHD, schedule an evaluation with experienced psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner Dr. Alyssa Nadolny, DNP, PMHNP-BC, at Spring Azure Psychiatry & Wellness in Greenwood Village. She diagnoses and treats adult ADHD to help you zone in. Schedule an in-person or telehealth evaluation by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today.

What is adult ADHD?

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is not limited to childhood. Many adults live with ADHD, sometimes undiagnosed for years, who experience difficulty with focus, organization, time management, emotional regulation, and follow-through. 

These challenges can impact their work performance, relationships, and overall quality of life. ADHD symptoms are frequently misunderstood or misattributed to stress or personal shortcomings. 

Which symptoms can adult ADHD cause?

Symptoms of ADHD in adults may include:

• Difficulty paying attention
• Restlessness
• Impulsiveness
• Losing focus during conversations, reading, or meetings
• Interrupting others when speaking
• Not following through on tasks or plans
• Disorganization
• Problems managing time or meeting deadlines 
• Forgetting errands or appointments
• Misplacing things
• Oversharing or talking too much
• Making quick decisions
• Difficulty waiting your turn
• Trouble sitting still
• Fidgeting often
• Difficulty doing quiet or relaxing activities
• Feeling mentally restless

Left untreated, adult ADHD may affect your daily routine, relationships, and work performance. 

What are the risk factors for adult ADHD?

The cause of ADHD isn’t known, but its risk factors may include:

• Brain chemistry
• Family history of ADHD
• Brain changes
• Early exposure to toxins or other harmful chemicals
• History of abuse, neglect, or trauma
• Low birthweight
• Preterm birth

The good news is that treatment can help you focus more easily and thrive in your environment. 

How is adult ADHD diagnosed?

Diagnosing adult ADHD at Spring Azure Psychiatry & Wellness begins with a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation. Alyssa considers your current symptoms, developmental history, functioning across settings, and co-occurring conditions like anxiety, depression, and trauma-related concerns. 

Alyssa uses DSM-5 criteria to determine if you have ADHD or other mental health conditions. She discusses your lifestyle habits, thoughts, emotions, and behavior patterns. Understanding the full picture is essential for an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning. 

How is adult ADHD treated?

Your individualized, collaborative ADHD treatment plan is thoughtfully designed to address your unique symptoms, strengths, and goals. Treatment may include:

• Comprehensive psychiatric evaluation
• Medication management, when appropriate
• Ongoing medication monitoring and adjustments
• Psychoeducation about ADHD and executive functioning
• Behavioral interventions and skills training
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)–informed strategies
• Interpersonal skills development
• Workplace or academic accommodation guidance
• Family collaboration and support
• Lifestyle modifications, including sleep, nutrition, exercise, and stress management
• Care coordination with therapists, primary care providers, or other specialists

Alyssa offers practical strategies that support attention, executive functioning, and emotional regulation. Education and empowerment are central to care, helping you better understand how ADHD affects your brain and daily life, while recognizing your strengths alongside challenges. 

The goal of adult ADHD treatment is to reduce symptoms, improve functioning, and fully support building systems that work for you instead of against you. This can lead to greater confidence, balance, and quality of life. 

Spring Azure Psychiatry & Wellness offers child and adolescent psychiatry for ADHD in addition to adult psychiatry.

Schedule an in-person or telehealth ADHD evaluation at Spring Azure Psychiatry & Wellness by calling the office or booking one online today.