Adult ADHD

About 3.5% of American adults currently have attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). At Oasis Healing Arts, Linda Hilliker, MS, CNS, RXN, has many years of experience treating ADHD, having worked in college health the past 6 years. She offers comprehensive evaluations, medication management, and ongoing monitoring to ensure the best response with the lowest risk of side effects. Call the Broomfield, Colorado, office or book your appointment using the online scheduling link now.

What is adult ADHD?

Adult ADHD is attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) — a condition most prevalent in children — that starts in adulthood or starts in childhood and continues into adulthood. While less common than in children, 10 million American adults have ADHD today. 

Adult ADHD can cause significant issues in your life, particularly in the areas of attention, focus, memory, and impulse control. Untreated ADHD can impact all areas of life. It often occurs at the same time as depression, mood disorders, and substance use disorder and these conditions may impact each other. Fortunately, adult ADHD and mood disorders are diagnosable and treatable conditions.

What are the signs of adult ADHD?

Adult ADHD commonly causes symptoms such as: 

• Inattention
• Disorganization
• Challenges with time management
• Difficulty concentrating
• Fidgeting or difficulty sitting still
• Difficulty starting or completing projects
• Frustration at not meeting your full potential 
• Relationship tensions due to not being present
• Mood symptoms due to the losses involved in untreated ADHD

While children with ADHD often have disruptive behavior in the classroom or among friends, adults with ADHD are less likely to act disruptively around others and more likely to engage in restless behaviors like fidgeting and are more likely to get into accidents. Some individuals with ADHD have only the inattention symptoms.

How is adult ADHD diagnosed?

Linda performs a comprehensive evaluation, including administration of the ASRS – Adult ADHD Self Report Scale, gathering detailed information about your lifestyle, health issues, developmental history, and behavior. 

Because adult ADHD symptoms can sometimes mimic those of anxiety disorders, depression, PTSD and other conditions, Linda carefully considers other conditions before making a diagnosis. Many adults experience co-occurring disorders with ADHD. For example, half of adults with ADHD also have an anxiety disorder. 

How is adult ADHD treated?

Adult ADHD treatment focuses on reducing symptoms, which results in improved functioning personally, academically and in work settings. Relationships often improve once ADHD symptoms are treated. Linda often recommends lifestyle changes, organizational strategies, as well as medication management for a well rounded treatment plan.

She creates a personalized treatment plan that optimizes treatment response while avoiding or minimizing side effects. You’ll meet with Linda in person at the Oasis Healing Arts office or through telehealth visits online.* 

Keeping track of your symptoms and response to your medication, and sharing that information with Linda during your regular appointments, is the best way to get the very best results from your adult ADHD treatment. 

Linda can also prescribe appropriate medications to manage other conditions like depression and anxiety. If you need multiple medications, she evaluates how the medications combine before prescribing, to prevent negative interactions. Sometimes a combination of medications provides the best relief of symptoms. 

Oasis Healing Arts offers a comprehensive approach to reduce or eliminate your troublesome adult ADHD symptoms. Book your appointment online or call the office today. 

*Please note: Colorado Law now requires that the initial Psychiatric visit must be in person so a medical evaluation can take place prior to the prescribing of DEA controlled stimulants.