ADHD Treatment & Support

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of ADHD?

ADHD presents differently in different people. Symptoms can include:

• Difficulty sustaining attention, especially on non-preferred tasks.
• Forgetfulness in daily activities.
• Difficulty organizing tasks or managing time.
• Avoiding tasks requiring sustained mental effort.
• Losing things needed for tasks, such as keys, phone, or assignments.
• Being easily distracted by external stimuli or internal thoughts.
• Hyperactivity (fidgeting, restlessness, or the inability to sit still).
• Impulsivity (interrupting, blurting out, acting without thinking).
• Difficulty waiting turns.
• Starting projects but having difficulty following through.
• Emotional dysregulation, including sudden and intense feelings of anxiety, shame, or frustration.
• Sensitivity to perceived or actual rejections.

In children, ADHD often shows as challenges in school, conflicts with teachers, and trouble with organization. In adults, it appears as chronic procrastination, missed deadlines, relationship strain, and difficulty with executive functioning, the skills you use to manage everyday tasks.

How Is ADHD Diagnosed?

ADHD diagnosis requires careful evaluation. Your mental health clinician will:

• Discuss your developmental history and current symptoms.
• Explore when symptoms started (before age 12 for valid ADHD diagnosis).
• Ask about school and work performance, relationships, and functioning.
• Rule out other conditions that mimic ADHD (such as anxiety, depression, or sleep problems).
• Ask about family history of ADHD.
• For children, gather information from parents and teachers.
• Potentially recommend psychological testing to assess attention and executive function.

What Are ADHD Treatment Options in Kansas?

Medication Management

Stimulant medications (like methylphenidate and amphetamine-based medications) are first-line and highly effective for many people with ADHD. These medications work by increasing the dopamine levels in the brain, which is shown to improve focus, impulse control, and executive functioning.

Non-stimulant medications, like atomoxetine or guanfacine, are ideal for people who don’t tolerate or respond to stimulants.

Monitoring responses to medication is a key part of seeking help with ADHD. Dose adjustments are often necessary, especially early on. It’s important to remember that medication is not a cure. It’s a tool that makes it easier to use behavioral strategies.

Behavioral Strategies

During appointments with a medical provider or therapist, people with ADHD can learn behavioral strategies that help them function at their best. Some strategies to consider are:

• Breaking large tasks into smaller, easy-to-accomplish steps.
• Using timers and external organization systems.
• Creating routines and structure.
• Minimizing environmental distractions.
• Getting exercise and quality sleep.
• Mindfulness and attention-building exercises.

School or Workplace Accommodations

An ADHD diagnosis can help unlock accommodations that can help manage certain situations. For example, at school, a student with ADHD may receive extended testing times, quiet spaces, and reminder systems.