Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is also referred to as Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). The condition reduces people's quality of life and interferes with success in their careers, education, social relationships, and everyday life. Evidence-based ADHD treatment can be effective in managing the symptoms of ADHD and empowering people to thrive in all aspects of their lives. Contact Dr. Brendel to discuss the diagnostic approach and best care options for you or your loved one.
Overview of Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
In the last couple of decades, there has been growing recognition of the impact of ADHD in both children and adults. The “mental health pandemic,” which was intensified by Covid-19 and continues unabated to this day, heightened people’s awareness of the condition even more.
So many people in the U.S. and around the world are struggling with unprecedented levels of stress and anxiety related to concerns about work, school, and social relationships. These challenges often outstrip people’s ability to cope effectively and can either cause or exacerbate ADHD.
Changes in work patterns over recent years, especially with work from home and hybrid work models, exacerbated many people’s difficulties with ADHD. People are still struggling to adapt to the changes. Recognition of ADHD can help people improve their quality of life and achieve optimal work performance.
The symptoms of ADHD can include problems with mental focus, concentration, and initiation and completion of tasks. People with ADHD suffer with diminished work performance and productivity, whether they are in challenging jobs or in school. They are easily distracted, sidetracked, and frustrated in their ability to complete projects efficiently. They end up working longer hours and experiencing major stress in the course of trying to complete basic tasks. These symptoms can result in anxiety, insomnia, burnout, physical illness, and loss of time for socializing and pursuing other interests.
Types of ADHD
ADHD affects both adults and children. ADHD is a common disorder in childhood that persists into adulthood for one-third to one-half of people diagnosed with it. Many adults have ADHD that wasn’t diagnosed during their childhood. Many others develop the condition for the first time as adults. There are three types of ADHD: predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive-impulse, and a combined type. Psychiatrists diagnose the type of ADHD based on the number and severity of symptoms in each category.
Symptoms of ADHD
Symptoms vary by type of ADHD. For predominantly inattentive ADHD, typical symptoms include inattention and being easily distracted, missing details, and frequently switching between activities. People with ADHD may have difficulty focusing attention on just one thing and become bored with a task after only a few minutes – and this can happen repeatedly. People with ADHD often flit from one activity to another and may try to multitask unsuccessfully. They may be forgetful and misplace items that are needed to complete tasks. The stress can become overwhelming and destructive. The negative consequences may be evident in the workplace, in school, and in important relationships.
The symptoms of hyperactive ADHD include a near-constant desire to be moving. People can hardly sit still long enough to complete discrete tasks. Fidgeting, leg shaking, and squirming are common. People with hyperactive ADHD persist in their movements and fidgeting even when it is inappropriate and not in their interests to do so, such as during a meeting or class. Impulsivity symptoms may include impatience, irritability, and emotional reactivity. People with impulsive ADHD often don’t listen well — they may interrupt conversations and thereby damage relationships that should be respectful and collaborative.
Treatment for ADHD
Drawing on my experience as a psychiatrist who has specialized in ADHD for more than two decades, I perform diagnostic evaluations for ADHD and support patients to navigate through difficulties with a combination of treatments which can include medication, executive function coaching, and various wellness strategies. These evidence-based therapeutic approaches to ADHD can be remarkably effective. I have worked with hundreds of patients whose treatment has completely transformed their emotional, social, and work lives for the better.
In the context of ADHD, I emphasize a holistic treatment approach which may include one or more of the following:
1. Pharmacotherapy: Using medications such as psychostimulants and non-stimulants to manage symptoms. I have deep expertise in prescribing these powerful medications safely and effectively.
2. Psychotherapy and Executive Coaching: Implementing cognitive-behavioral strategies to enhance organizational skills, priority setting, time management, coping mechanisms, and achievement of peak performance.
3. Lifestyle Changes: Encouraging improvements in sleep patterns, nutrition, exercise, mindfulness strategies, and mental downtime to support overall well-being and productivity.
4. Philosophical Counseling: Enhancing self-awareness to help individuals understand their condition and develop strategies for managing it effectively.
Treatment for ADHD has multiple benefits beyond empowering people to focus on work and perform tasks efficiently. Overall quality of life also improves substantially. When people get their work done more quickly and effectively, they have more downtime for socializing, exercising, and pursuing interests other than work. Less stress means better sleep and better physical and mental health. People sleep better knowing that they’ve gotten their work done on time and that they’ll be able to succeed with upcoming tasks as well. This greatly enhances a sense of well-being and self-confidence.
My approach is highly personalized and customized. I carefully consider each patient’s unique needs and circumstances while integrating medical, psychological, and behavioral perspectives to address the mind-body aspects of ADHD.
Taking action
There are many treatments that can be effective for patients in managing the symptoms of ADHD. A combination of medication, therapy, and psychoeducation is often most effective. As an experienced ADHD Psychiatrist in the Boston-area, I hope that I can help you or your loved one. Book an appointment online with ZocDoc, contact me today via telephone at (617) 932-1548, or email me: ForPatients@