ADD/ADHD
What is ADD?
Attention Deficit Disorder or ADD, may be present with or without hyperactivity. When hyperactivity is associated, the condition is known as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD. The diagnosis and treatment are similar and the terms may be interchanged.
ADD has been an increasingly common problem in adults as well as children. Frequently over diagnosed, this disorder has become nearly epidemic in our society and requires careful and thoughtful evaluation.
Recognizing ADD/ADHD
The hallmark symptoms of ADD and ADHD are inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Symptoms usually present in childhood before the age of 7 but may be subtle as all children can at times display some of these behaviors. There are subtypes of the disorder which have the predominant symptom type…e.g. inattentive, hyperactive or most commonly combined.
The diagnosis is not made unless it can be demonstrated that there are actual impairments in functioning in a variety of different settings, e.g., home, school, and work.
Signs and Symptoms of ADD/ADHD
There are several signs and symptoms of ADD/ ADHD many of which are not apparent until the individual is in a setting that calls upon skill sets that bring into sharper focus his or her deficits. Some of these may include the following:
- Difficulty paying attention to details, carelessness with school work or work product in general
- Distractibility, poor concentration, focus
- Inability to sustain attention or focus on tasks
- Difficulty completing tasks, lack of follow through
- Inability to prioritize
- Procrastination, forgetfulness
- Generally disorganized work habits
Often, individuals recall a history of hyperactivity as a child which may include behaviors such as fidgeting and squirming, always being on the go, getting into trouble in class etc. In adolescents, teens and young adults this may present more as impulsivity e.g. difficulty-delaying gratification, which lead to all sorts of behaviors associated with poor judgment.
Diagnosis and Treatment of ADD/ADHD
Careful evaluation and history is vital to making a proper diagnosis. Particular attention must be paid to medical and neurologic issues in these individuals. Often Psychological testing is helpful and frequently other studies are useful tools in assisting in making an accurate diagnosis.
ADHD Treatments vary but often involve the use of stimulants, which are medications that require careful regulation. When correctly diagnosed and treated, individuals often report excellent response to available medications as well as the multiple therapies available to augment the pharmacologic treatments, all of which help to restore the individual to good mental health. Call today for an evaluation and personalized ADD or ADHD treatment in NYC
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where can I find the best ADHD and ADD treatment in New York?
Barry J. Richman, MD offers comprehensive evaluation and treatment for both ADD and ADHD at his Manhattan practice. As a board-certified psychiatrist experienced in adult and adolescent attention disorders, he’s recognized for providing the best ADHD and ADD treatment in New York through careful diagnosis and personalized medication management.
2. What's the difference between ADD and ADHD?
ADD refers to attention deficit without hyperactivity, while ADHD includes hyperactivity as a core feature. In practice, diagnosis and treatment are similar, and the terms are often used interchangeably. A thorough evaluation determines which subtype — inattentive, hyperactive, or combined — best describes a patient’s presentation.
3. Who is the best ADHD doctor in New York for an accurate diagnosis?
ADHD is frequently over-diagnosed, making careful, thoughtful evaluation essential. Dr. Richman pays close attention to medical and neurologic factors, often incorporating psychological testing, which is why patients searching for the best ADHD doctor in New York look to his practice for a precise, well-supported diagnosis rather than a quick label.
4. What are the signs and symptoms of ADD/ADHD?
Core symptoms include difficulty paying attention to details, distractibility, trouble completing tasks, poor organization, and impulsivity. In adults, this often shows up as procrastination and difficulty prioritizing, while a childhood history of hyperactivity or impulsive behavior is common in the background.
5. Can adults be diagnosed with ADHD, or is it only a childhood condition?
ADHD symptoms typically begin before age 7, but many adults are diagnosed later in life once workplace or life demands expose deficits that weren’t obvious earlier. ADHD treatment in New York for adults is a significant part of Dr. Richman’s practice, alongside care for children and adolescents.
6. How is ADHD treatment in New York typically approached?
Treatment often involves stimulant medications, which require careful monitoring and regulation, combined with additional therapies to support the medication’s effects. Dr. Richman tailors this combination to each patient after a full diagnostic evaluation.
7. Does a diagnosis require testing beyond a conversation with the doctor?
Often, yes. A proper ADD/ADHD diagnosis relies on a detailed history plus, frequently, psychological testing and other diagnostic tools to confirm that symptoms are causing real impairment across multiple settings — home, school, or work — not just occasional distraction.
8. How do I schedule an ADHD or ADD evaluation with Dr. Richman?
Call Barry J. Richman MD Psychiatry at 212-889-5463 or book online. A comprehensive consultation at the Manhattan office is the first step toward an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.
