Photo of Alice Ruzicka, Psychologist in Palo Alto, CA
Alice Ruzicka
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Palo Alto, CA 94306
I have expertise in assessing learning disabilities, ADHD, and the impact of head injuries.
My typical client is a child or young adult who is struggling in school. My job is to determine why he or she is struggling and to prescribe solutions. To do this I must have a full picture of the individual's strengths and areas of need. I also see adults and seniors. I have many years of experience of assisting people of a wide variety of ages and assist parents through the school system and through their lives. Please call if you have questions that I might be able to answer.
I have expertise in assessing learning disabilities, ADHD, and the impact of head injuries.
My typical client is a child or young adult who is struggling in school. My job is to determine why he or she is struggling and to prescribe solutions. To do this I must have a full picture of the individual's strengths and areas of need. I also see adults and seniors. I have many years of experience of assisting people of a wide variety of ages and assist parents through the school system and through their lives. Please call if you have questions that I might be able to answer.
(408) 706-7124 View (408) 706-7124
Photo of Betti S. Magoolaghan, Marriage & Family Therapist in Palo Alto, CA
Betti S. Magoolaghan
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MBA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Palo Alto, CA 94301
I have experiences with clients ranging from ages 5-92, covering issues from parenting challenges, anxiety, depression, ADHD, suicidal ideation, self-harm, life transitions, trauma, and grief/bereavement.
Sometimes you can sail through your life issues just fine without any professional therapy help. Other times, therapy can help you navigate difficult times, which are inevitable given that life is sometimes unpredictable, odd, and even painful. Therapy can help smooth the bumps in the relationships that you have: both within your own self and with others.
I have experiences with clients ranging from ages 5-92, covering issues from parenting challenges, anxiety, depression, ADHD, suicidal ideation, self-harm, life transitions, trauma, and grief/bereavement.
Sometimes you can sail through your life issues just fine without any professional therapy help. Other times, therapy can help you navigate difficult times, which are inevitable given that life is sometimes unpredictable, odd, and even painful. Therapy can help smooth the bumps in the relationships that you have: both within your own self and with others.
(650) 719-5945 View (650) 719-5945
Photo of Edia Tzadikario, Psychologist in Palo Alto, CA
Edia Tzadikario
Psychologist, PhD, MA, CGP
Verified Verified
Palo Alto, CA 94306  (Online Only)
My special interests include: marriage & premarital counseling, relationship issues, parenting dilemmas, cultural/ immigration concerns as well as ADHD, depression, anxiety, trauma and addiction.
As a seasoned licensed psychologist focusing on relationship issues, I work online with couples, individuals and families of adult children who want to improve their intimate relationships at home as well as their relational skills at work. I believe therapy is most effective when it provides both a safe space for reflection as well as a challenge. Additionally, I think good therapy calls for collaboration, sensitivity, honesty, and most of all having your best interests at heart.
My special interests include: marriage & premarital counseling, relationship issues, parenting dilemmas, cultural/ immigration concerns as well as ADHD, depression, anxiety, trauma and addiction.
As a seasoned licensed psychologist focusing on relationship issues, I work online with couples, individuals and families of adult children who want to improve their intimate relationships at home as well as their relational skills at work. I believe therapy is most effective when it provides both a safe space for reflection as well as a challenge. Additionally, I think good therapy calls for collaboration, sensitivity, honesty, and most of all having your best interests at heart.
(650) 441-9173 View (650) 441-9173
Photo of Patricia Pop in Palo Alto, CA
Patricia Pop
Verified Verified
Palo Alto, CA 94301
Dr. Patricia Pop is a licensed psychiatrist with a whole-person approach to mental health. She combines psychotherapy, lifestyle medicine (stress, sleep, eating, and mind-body practices), and medications when appropriate. Dr. Pop treats a wide range of issues including depression, anxiety, OCD, ADHD, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and other common and complex conditions. Her approach emphasizes warmth, openness, empathy, and nonjudgement. She has particular interest in working with experimental therapies, psychodynamic psychotherapy, exploring root causes and how past experiences might affect our current lives, and CBT.
Dr. Patricia Pop is a licensed psychiatrist with a whole-person approach to mental health. She combines psychotherapy, lifestyle medicine (stress, sleep, eating, and mind-body practices), and medications when appropriate. Dr. Pop treats a wide range of issues including depression, anxiety, OCD, ADHD, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and other common and complex conditions. Her approach emphasizes warmth, openness, empathy, and nonjudgement. She has particular interest in working with experimental therapies, psychodynamic psychotherapy, exploring root causes and how past experiences might affect our current lives, and CBT.
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Photo of Veronica Ghabour, Counselor in Palo Alto, CA
Veronica Ghabour
Counselor, APCC
Verified Verified
Palo Alto, CA 94301
Mental health challenges are due to the aftereffects of traumatic experiences. Trauma can place a strain on your family, work, relationships, and even cause issues with self-worth. I specialize in trauma therapy along with treating personality disorders, depression, anxiety, ADHD, and addiction. All these disorders can look different from person to person, and that is where our therapeutic journey of empowerment and self-exploration begins. I concentrate on creating a safe space of growth and self-discovery through unconditional positive regard, emotional regulation, and guided activities.
Mental health challenges are due to the aftereffects of traumatic experiences. Trauma can place a strain on your family, work, relationships, and even cause issues with self-worth. I specialize in trauma therapy along with treating personality disorders, depression, anxiety, ADHD, and addiction. All these disorders can look different from person to person, and that is where our therapeutic journey of empowerment and self-exploration begins. I concentrate on creating a safe space of growth and self-discovery through unconditional positive regard, emotional regulation, and guided activities.
(650) 910-4414 View (650) 910-4414
Photo of Kelly Albrecht, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Palo Alto, CA
Kelly Albrecht
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, ASW
Verified Verified
Palo Alto, CA 94301
With expertise in substance use disorder, ADHD, bipolar and personality disorders, my holistic approach to therapy prioritizes safety and healing, with trauma-informed care.
Are you struggling to process depression, anxiety, relationship/family issues, and trauma? These emotional ruptures can cause major disruptions in our lives. The work to process these types of life events is multifaceted, and I can help you identify your feelings and potential relational patterns, build tolerance and acceptance around challenging ones, and set meaningful goals. In order to do so, I utilize various therapeutic approaches consisting of ACT, CBT, and Problem-Solving Therapy, and somatic interventions.
With expertise in substance use disorder, ADHD, bipolar and personality disorders, my holistic approach to therapy prioritizes safety and healing, with trauma-informed care.
Are you struggling to process depression, anxiety, relationship/family issues, and trauma? These emotional ruptures can cause major disruptions in our lives. The work to process these types of life events is multifaceted, and I can help you identify your feelings and potential relational patterns, build tolerance and acceptance around challenging ones, and set meaningful goals. In order to do so, I utilize various therapeutic approaches consisting of ACT, CBT, and Problem-Solving Therapy, and somatic interventions.
(650) 436-4565 View (650) 436-4565
Photo of Lorretta J. Abbott, Psychologist in Palo Alto, CA
Lorretta J. Abbott
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Palo Alto, CA 94301  (Online Only)
I specialize in working with adults, teens, and children facing anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma and grief, and learning differences and ADHD that negatively impact their lives.
Welcome to my practice! Are you feeling anxious, depressed, overwhelmed, or frustrated? Unhappy with your relationships? Challenges at work or school? Feeling like something needs to change? You've come to the right place. Find your inner strength and discover your true potential through therapy. It takes courage to reach out when you need help. Call me for a 15-minute complimentary consultation to determine your options.
I specialize in working with adults, teens, and children facing anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma and grief, and learning differences and ADHD that negatively impact their lives.
Welcome to my practice! Are you feeling anxious, depressed, overwhelmed, or frustrated? Unhappy with your relationships? Challenges at work or school? Feeling like something needs to change? You've come to the right place. Find your inner strength and discover your true potential through therapy. It takes courage to reach out when you need help. Call me for a 15-minute complimentary consultation to determine your options.
(650) 399-7388 View (650) 399-7388
Photo of Laura Hollands-Steck, Marriage & Family Therapist in Palo Alto, CA
Laura Hollands-Steck
Marriage & Family Therapist, L, M, F, T
Verified Verified
Palo Alto, CA 94306
I believe everyone deserves some time to sit down with a strong listener and/or problem solver about their life. The feedback that I receive is, that I empathize & mirror the key issues quickly and help you brainstorm. I then help you get at "reframing" the negative situations and help you motivate and prioritize what is needed to do to actually change. I can work well with all mood issues, chaos, panic, addictions affairs and all relationship issues. Every session you should walk away with substantial suggestions to help in different areas. I also work with work ADHD, parenting, and women with breast cancer.
I believe everyone deserves some time to sit down with a strong listener and/or problem solver about their life. The feedback that I receive is, that I empathize & mirror the key issues quickly and help you brainstorm. I then help you get at "reframing" the negative situations and help you motivate and prioritize what is needed to do to actually change. I can work well with all mood issues, chaos, panic, addictions affairs and all relationship issues. Every session you should walk away with substantial suggestions to help in different areas. I also work with work ADHD, parenting, and women with breast cancer.
(650) 476-2013 View (650) 476-2013
Bay Area Community Counseling
Psychologist, PsyD, LCSW, MFT, MFTI, PCCi
Verified Verified
Palo Alto, CA 94301
At Bay Area Community Counseling, we provide therapy for children, teenagers, adults, and couples and are able to be flexible with clients' financial needs. Everyone can use some help now and then and at BACC we can provide you that help to get your life back on track. We work with various issues such as anxiety, depression, ADHD/ADD, relationship problems, learning problems, and a number of other issues that get in the way of living a fulfilling life.
At Bay Area Community Counseling, we provide therapy for children, teenagers, adults, and couples and are able to be flexible with clients' financial needs. Everyone can use some help now and then and at BACC we can provide you that help to get your life back on track. We work with various issues such as anxiety, depression, ADHD/ADD, relationship problems, learning problems, and a number of other issues that get in the way of living a fulfilling life.
(415) 767-1637 View (415) 767-1637
Photo of Carol Jaron, Marriage & Family Therapist in Palo Alto, CA
Carol Jaron
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, MFT, CHT
Verified Verified
Palo Alto, CA 94305
You can clear patterns at a deeper level that create problems in your relationships, or learn to lessen pain and worry from loss,body image issues, addiction, trauma, ADD and more.
Your mind and body make a powerful, interwoven pair. Is your body expressing what the thoughts are repressing? Easing and gently lifting your sense of heaviness from anxiety, depression, grief, isolation and emptiness of spirit can be closer than you ever believed! Let me guide you to the other side of "stuck" in your personal and professional relationships, emotions, body issues, and success. When we are in a session all the focus is on being fully present for,and deeply listening to you, offering a clear, kind and soothing direction, towards releasing unhealthy thought patterns by integrating with body feelings.
You can clear patterns at a deeper level that create problems in your relationships, or learn to lessen pain and worry from loss,body image issues, addiction, trauma, ADD and more.
Your mind and body make a powerful, interwoven pair. Is your body expressing what the thoughts are repressing? Easing and gently lifting your sense of heaviness from anxiety, depression, grief, isolation and emptiness of spirit can be closer than you ever believed! Let me guide you to the other side of "stuck" in your personal and professional relationships, emotions, body issues, and success. When we are in a session all the focus is on being fully present for,and deeply listening to you, offering a clear, kind and soothing direction, towards releasing unhealthy thought patterns by integrating with body feelings.
(650) 684-1374 View (650) 684-1374
Photo of Sarangan 'Saru' Sivanesan, Marriage & Family Therapist in Palo Alto, CA
Sarangan 'Saru' Sivanesan
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
14 Endorsed
Palo Alto, CA 94303
I have experience helping people with anxiety, depression, stress, anger issues, addiction, relationship issues, low self-esteem, PTSD, grief/loss, life-transitions, career problems and ADHD/ADD.
*** NOW ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS *** Do you wish you had tools to deal with stress and anxiety? Are stress and anxiety affecting you work and relationships? Do you long for stress free joyful life? I would like to support you on this journey. In our work you can learn to: manage stress and anxiety, gain insight into its root cause, heal past wounds, improve communication, develop empathic understanding, deepen intimacy and tap into your inherent inner wisdom. I believe by reducing stress and anxiety we have more time and energy to experience and enjoy life in a much more profound way.
I have experience helping people with anxiety, depression, stress, anger issues, addiction, relationship issues, low self-esteem, PTSD, grief/loss, life-transitions, career problems and ADHD/ADD.
*** NOW ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS *** Do you wish you had tools to deal with stress and anxiety? Are stress and anxiety affecting you work and relationships? Do you long for stress free joyful life? I would like to support you on this journey. In our work you can learn to: manage stress and anxiety, gain insight into its root cause, heal past wounds, improve communication, develop empathic understanding, deepen intimacy and tap into your inherent inner wisdom. I believe by reducing stress and anxiety we have more time and energy to experience and enjoy life in a much more profound way.
(650) 557-4483 View (650) 557-4483
Photo of Alex J Basche, Marriage & Family Therapist in Palo Alto, CA
Alex J Basche
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, IGDC
Verified Verified
Palo Alto, CA 94306
Much of my work has focused on treating adolescents, young adults & families struggling with Technology Addictions, Substance Abuse + co-occuring, Anxiety Disorders, Depression, ADHD & Relationship Conflicts .
I use a strength-based approach to foster genuine self-acceptance & to support clients in finding meaning. My philosophy centers around building & harnessing connections between the body, emotions, thoughts & behaviors to create healing & growth. This is an active, evidence-based approach that addresses the whole person. Treatment is uniquely individualized & with over a decade of clinical experience, I am competent in helping clients to not only heal but to make real gains. This can involve setting/tracking measurable goals for therapy to help guide our work and offer insight into obstacles along the way.
Much of my work has focused on treating adolescents, young adults & families struggling with Technology Addictions, Substance Abuse + co-occuring, Anxiety Disorders, Depression, ADHD & Relationship Conflicts .
I use a strength-based approach to foster genuine self-acceptance & to support clients in finding meaning. My philosophy centers around building & harnessing connections between the body, emotions, thoughts & behaviors to create healing & growth. This is an active, evidence-based approach that addresses the whole person. Treatment is uniquely individualized & with over a decade of clinical experience, I am competent in helping clients to not only heal but to make real gains. This can involve setting/tracking measurable goals for therapy to help guide our work and offer insight into obstacles along the way.
(669) 222-7872 View (669) 222-7872
Photo of Richard D Abbey, Psychologist in Palo Alto, CA
Richard D Abbey
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Palo Alto, CA 94306
What do I do if my child can focus on interesting things but takes 3 hours to do 30 minutes of homework? What if my child doesn't seem to be doing as well as I thought they would in school, can something be done? How do I stop feeling so down and blue, or anxious? What if I had a concussion and I am not getting better, but the doctor told me to just rest and do nothing, are there ways for me to improve my condition? Do I have the early signs of dementia? what can be done if I do? My child went to college and failed, is there hope for them to get better? I provide solutions to these questions and more!
What do I do if my child can focus on interesting things but takes 3 hours to do 30 minutes of homework? What if my child doesn't seem to be doing as well as I thought they would in school, can something be done? How do I stop feeling so down and blue, or anxious? What if I had a concussion and I am not getting better, but the doctor told me to just rest and do nothing, are there ways for me to improve my condition? Do I have the early signs of dementia? what can be done if I do? My child went to college and failed, is there hope for them to get better? I provide solutions to these questions and more!
(650) 353-9221 View (650) 353-9221
Photo of Lacey Jimenez, Marriage & Family Therapist in Palo Alto, CA
Lacey Jimenez
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Palo Alto, CA 94303  (Online Only)
Feeling anxious or depressed is a reasonable reaction to the unreasonable levels of stress that young people deal with. My work is aimed at helping you make sense of your thoughts, feelings and behaviors. I'm not here to tell you that you need to change. You might have behaviors you want to change, and I will support and assist for sure, but it's important that you know that your core self is whole and loveable, just the way you are. The work in therapy is about going from knowing that to believing it in your bones.
Feeling anxious or depressed is a reasonable reaction to the unreasonable levels of stress that young people deal with. My work is aimed at helping you make sense of your thoughts, feelings and behaviors. I'm not here to tell you that you need to change. You might have behaviors you want to change, and I will support and assist for sure, but it's important that you know that your core self is whole and loveable, just the way you are. The work in therapy is about going from knowing that to believing it in your bones.
(415) 494-8937 View (415) 494-8937
Photo of Gloria M Kardong in Palo Alto, CA
Gloria M Kardong
MD, DFAPA, DABPN
Verified Verified
Palo Alto, CA 94301  (Online Only)
I am a psychiatrist providing psychotherapy and/or psychopharmacology, depending on the client's needs. I believe it is important to offer individualized care based on the client's problems, concerns and preferences. My style is warm, collaborative and interactive. I can help with a practical, solution-focused approach for current problems. I also do exploratory therapy to address unresolved issues from the past that may be interfering with living your life as fully as possible. My clients also seek depth therapy to promote personal growth, insight and self awareness. LICENSED IN 20 STATES--Virtual therapy and med management.
I am a psychiatrist providing psychotherapy and/or psychopharmacology, depending on the client's needs. I believe it is important to offer individualized care based on the client's problems, concerns and preferences. My style is warm, collaborative and interactive. I can help with a practical, solution-focused approach for current problems. I also do exploratory therapy to address unresolved issues from the past that may be interfering with living your life as fully as possible. My clients also seek depth therapy to promote personal growth, insight and self awareness. LICENSED IN 20 STATES--Virtual therapy and med management.
(650) 800-5502 View (650) 800-5502
Photo of Katherine Warner, Marriage & Family Therapist in Palo Alto, CA
Katherine Warner
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Palo Alto, CA 94306  (Online Only)
Sometimes it takes the gentle mirroring of another person to help see what is no longer working in our lives. Habits formed to survive difficult childhoods may be wrecking havoc. Communication styles may be sabotaging love. We may feel overwhelmed in parenting, or facing a big life transition. I work closely with my clients to increase communication skills and develop greater personal awareness. I teach nervous system regulation in order to stay calm and effective during conflict, difficult conversations, and life transitions. From therapy you’ll learn to operate from wholeness and authenticity, and gain acceptance for self/others.
Sometimes it takes the gentle mirroring of another person to help see what is no longer working in our lives. Habits formed to survive difficult childhoods may be wrecking havoc. Communication styles may be sabotaging love. We may feel overwhelmed in parenting, or facing a big life transition. I work closely with my clients to increase communication skills and develop greater personal awareness. I teach nervous system regulation in order to stay calm and effective during conflict, difficult conversations, and life transitions. From therapy you’ll learn to operate from wholeness and authenticity, and gain acceptance for self/others.
(650) 667-6724 View (650) 667-6724
Photo of Efrain Zepeda, Psychologist in Palo Alto, CA
Efrain Zepeda
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Palo Alto, CA 94303  (Online Only)
Hello! I am Dr. Efrain Zepeda. I am a bilingual (English/Spanish) Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Social Worker. In the past 23 years working as a mental health professional, one of the most important lessons I have learned is that the most powerful therapeutic intervention is the interpersonal experience that occurs in the client-therapist relationship. Together we can analyze the past to co-create a new meaning with the goal of achieving healing. I strongly believe that therapy is not about labeling or judging, but rather about personal discovery.
Hello! I am Dr. Efrain Zepeda. I am a bilingual (English/Spanish) Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Social Worker. In the past 23 years working as a mental health professional, one of the most important lessons I have learned is that the most powerful therapeutic intervention is the interpersonal experience that occurs in the client-therapist relationship. Together we can analyze the past to co-create a new meaning with the goal of achieving healing. I strongly believe that therapy is not about labeling or judging, but rather about personal discovery.
(650) 675-4517 View (650) 675-4517
Photo of Richard M Stolee, Marriage & Family Therapist in Palo Alto, CA
Richard M Stolee
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Palo Alto, CA 94303
Richard is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 45 years of experience specializing in individual and marriage and family counseling, adolescent psychotherapy, job and management counseling. He has been trained in multiple approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Collaborative Problem Solving, and significant Family Therapy strategies for resolving couple as well as parent child conflict. He has taught many parenting workshops throughout the Bay area. He is a Member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT).
Richard is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 45 years of experience specializing in individual and marriage and family counseling, adolescent psychotherapy, job and management counseling. He has been trained in multiple approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Collaborative Problem Solving, and significant Family Therapy strategies for resolving couple as well as parent child conflict. He has taught many parenting workshops throughout the Bay area. He is a Member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT).
(650) 273-9795 View (650) 273-9795
Photo of April R Holman PHD A Professional Psychology Corp, Psychologist in Palo Alto, CA
April R Holman PHD A Professional Psychology Corp
Psychologist, MA, PhD, MFT
Verified Verified
Palo Alto, CA 94301
I view psychotherapy as a collaborative process helping clients enhance their coping and adaptation. I have extensive experience using a diverse array of evidence-based treatment interventions, and often integrate strategies. Treatment goals are established with the client, using those tools that best fit client's goals, whether more limited or far reaching in scope. I work with adults, kids 12 years and older,adults, the elderly,and couples. For kids peer pressure, bullying, academic problems, self harm, developmental transitions, parenting issues among other problems are addressed . Please view my website for an in-depth view of how I work with clients.
I view psychotherapy as a collaborative process helping clients enhance their coping and adaptation. I have extensive experience using a diverse array of evidence-based treatment interventions, and often integrate strategies. Treatment goals are established with the client, using those tools that best fit client's goals, whether more limited or far reaching in scope. I work with adults, kids 12 years and older,adults, the elderly,and couples. For kids peer pressure, bullying, academic problems, self harm, developmental transitions, parenting issues among other problems are addressed . Please view my website for an in-depth view of how I work with clients.
(650) 585-8890 View (650) 585-8890
Photo of Ben Seider, Psychologist in Palo Alto, CA
Ben Seider
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Palo Alto, CA 94306
I provide psychotherapy for individuals (adolescents, and adults), couples and families. I help individuals who are experiencing difficulties with anxiety, mood, problems with relationships, and various addictions. I work from a client-centered perspective that is both integrative, collaborative, and recovery-based (i.e., incorporates client's strengths as opposed to solely focusing on negatives or pathology). As such, I am able to draw upon my expertise in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical-Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Couples and Family Therapy to flexibly design treatment to meet the specific needs of my clients.
I provide psychotherapy for individuals (adolescents, and adults), couples and families. I help individuals who are experiencing difficulties with anxiety, mood, problems with relationships, and various addictions. I work from a client-centered perspective that is both integrative, collaborative, and recovery-based (i.e., incorporates client's strengths as opposed to solely focusing on negatives or pathology). As such, I am able to draw upon my expertise in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical-Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Couples and Family Therapy to flexibly design treatment to meet the specific needs of my clients.
(415) 779-7332 View (415) 779-7332
ADHD Therapists

When should I seek treatment for ADHD?

You should seek treatment for ADHD if you consistently have difficulty with attention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity that interferes with your daily life. Symptoms of ADHD include the inability to sustain attention during tasks, difficulty organizing tasks and activities, being easily distracted, frequent fidgeting or squirming, and talking or interrupting excessively. If these symptoms interfere with your career, academics, or relationships—for example, consistently failing to complete professional projects on time—you should seek an evaluation for ADHD.

How does treatment for ADHD work?

Effective treatment for ADHD often consists of medication, behavioral therapy, and lifestyle changes. Stimulant medications such as Adderall and Ritalin work by altering levels of neurotransmitters in the brain; higher levels of dopamine and norepinephrine are known to improve attention and focus. Therapy works by helping people with ADHD understand the condition, discuss their areas of difficulty, and develop behavioral strategies to manage their symptoms. In some cases, modifying one’s diet and exercise can also help improve symptoms.

Are there specific medications for ADHD?

Medications to treat ADHD are generally stimulants, the most common are Adderall and Ritalin. There are two categories of stimulants: Amphetamines include Adderall, Dyanavel, Vyvanse, and Dexedrine, and methylphenidates include Ritalin, Concerta, Daytrana, Focalin, Quillichew, Quillivant, and Metadate. Non-stimulants and antidepressants may be used as an alternative if stimulants aren’t effective or viable for a particular patient.

How long does treatment for ADHD take?

It’s tough to give an exact time frame because everyone varies. In terms of medications, stimulants begin to work very soon after you take them, generally within the hour. It may take time to identify the right medication and dosage, but the medication itself is fast-acting. In terms of therapy, it takes time to develop skills and put them into practice, but you will likely see improvements within a few weeks or months.