ADHD

During adulthood, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can have a strong impact on your work life and how you interact with others. At Cary Behavioral Health serving Wake, Johnson, and Durham counties, North Carolina, Waheed Bajwa, MD, Maggie D’Angelo, PMHNP-BC, Laurie Dunne, PA, and the team evaluate and manage adult ADHD with up-to-date, evidence-based practices. Call Cary Behavioral Health or schedule your initial psychiatric evaluation online today.

What is adult ADHD?

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is a condition that can affect you at any age. While many people first find out they have ADHD during childhood or adolescence, the condition can last into adulthood and can strongly impact your adult life. 

Many adults with ADHD struggle with organization, focus, and impulse control. The condition varies in severity and can have a wide range of different symptoms, which aren’t the same for everyone. Your symptoms might be primarily:

Inattentive

• Inattentive ADHD symptoms don’t necessarily include hyperactivity. Instead, they involve distractibility and trouble paying attention. 

Hyperactive/Impulsive

• Hyperactive ADHD is less common than inattentive ADHD in adults. With this type, you might find it difficult to sit still and pay attention. 

Many people have equal amounts of both symptom types, which is called combined ADHD.

What are some of the most common symptoms of adult ADHD?

Your ADHD symptoms during adulthood might stand out in specific settings such as social gatherings or your workplace. Some examples of common adult ADHD symptoms are:

• Trouble multitasking
• Distractibility
• Trouble focusing
• Poor time management
• Frequent interruptions
• Irritability
• Disorganization
• Poor planning 
• Impulsive behaviors

As you might imagine, these symptoms can interfere with your life and cause challenges. Fortunately, evidence-based care can reduce your symptoms to improve productivity, motivation, and organization. 

How can I manage adult ADHD?

The team at Cary Behavioral Health starts with a psychiatric evaluation to assess your symptoms and their severity. After making or confirming your diagnosis, they advise you on the best course of action. They may prescribe medications, recommend therapy, or suggest ways of reducing your symptoms by adjusting your behaviors. 

Your treatment for adult ADHD might involve:

Medications

• ADHD can have an underlying biological basis. The team might prescribe stimulant or non-stimulant medications to manage your symptoms and behaviors. 

Therapy 

• Counseling or therapy is typically recommended for ADHD and other psychiatric conditions. In therapy, you learn coping skills that can help you manage your impulses and behaviors. 

The Cary Behavioral Health team might also recommend regulating your sleep schedule, eating generally healthy foods, and getting enough exercise. 

Call Cary Behavioral Health or schedule an appointment online for compassionate and comprehensive adult ADHD care today.