Focus Starts with the Right Diagnosis
ADHD affects millions of adults, and more than half are diagnosed for the first time in adulthood. CARMAhealth's psychiatrists and family physicians provide accurate evaluations and personalized medication management to help you regain clarity and control.
Not a Lack of Effort
ADHD is not about laziness, willpower, or intelligence. It is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how your brain regulates attention, impulses, and activity levels. For adults, ADHD often shows up as chronic difficulty with organization, missed deadlines, restlessness, and trouble following through on tasks you fully intend to complete. If you have spent years feeling like you are underperforming despite your best efforts, you are not alone. ADHD is one of the most common and treatable mental health conditions, and an accurate diagnosis is the first step toward meaningful change.
A Widely Underdiagnosed Condition in Adults
According to a December 2025 CDC report, approximately 15.5 million adults in the United States have been diagnosed with ADHD, representing about 6 percent of the adult population. More than half received their diagnosis for the first time as adults. Despite growing awareness, the American Psychiatric Association estimates that roughly 14 percent of adults with ADHD remain undiagnosed, with women disproportionately affected.
ADHD frequently occurs alongside other mental health conditions. CDC data shows that nearly 70 percent of adult ADHD visits involve at least one co-occurring disorder, including anxiety (51 percent), mood disorders like depression (49 percent), and substance use disorders (24 percent). This overlap makes accurate diagnosis essential. A comprehensive psychiatric evaluation helps distinguish ADHD from conditions with similar symptoms and identifies any co-existing issues that need attention.
Treatment for adult ADHD typically centers on medication management. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, stimulant medications remain the most effective pharmacological option for adults, though non-stimulant alternatives are available for patients who prefer them or have specific medical considerations. At CARMAhealth, your board-certified psychiatrist works with you to find the right medication, dosage, and monitoring schedule so you can stay focused and in control.
How We Treat ADHD
Psychiatric Evaluation
The first step to an accurate ADHD diagnosis. Your psychiatrist conducts a thorough assessment of your symptoms, history, and any co-occurring conditions to build a personalized treatment plan.
Learn moreMedication Management
The primary treatment for adult ADHD. Your psychiatrist prescribes and monitors stimulant or non-stimulant medications, adjusting your plan over time for the best results.
Learn moreTelehealth Services
Convenient virtual appointments for follow-up visits and ongoing medication management. About half of adults with ADHD already use telehealth for their care.
Learn moreCognitive Assessment
The diagnosis of ADHD can be assisted by administering a battery of cognitive tests and self-reports to identify deficits consistent with ADHD.
Most Major Plans Accepted
We accept 15+ insurance plans and offer self-pay options for services not covered by insurance.
Aetna · BCBS · Cigna · United Healthcare · Humana · and 6 more
Frequently Asked Questions About ADHD
Adult ADHD often looks different from childhood ADHD. Common symptoms include difficulty focusing on tasks, chronic disorganization, forgetfulness, trouble meeting deadlines, restlessness, impulsive decision-making, and difficulty managing time. Many adults also experience emotional dysregulation, such as frustration, mood swings, or a short temper. These symptoms must be persistent, present in multiple areas of life, and cause meaningful impairment to warrant a diagnosis.
An ADHD diagnosis in adults requires a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation. Your psychiatrist reviews your current symptoms, personal and family history, and any prior diagnoses. The DSM-5 requires at least five symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity that have persisted for six months or more, with evidence that some symptoms were present before age 12. Your psychiatrist also screens for conditions that can mimic ADHD, such as anxiety, depression, thyroid disorders, and sleep problems.
First-line medications for adult ADHD include stimulants such as amphetamine-based medications (like Adderall and Vyvanse) and methylphenidate-based medications (like Concerta and Ritalin). Non-stimulant options include atomoxetine (Strattera), viloxazine (Qelbree), guanfacine ER, and clonidine ER. Your psychiatrist selects the best option based on your symptom profile, medical history, and any co-occurring conditions. Visit our medication management page to learn more.
Yes. According to recent CDC data, more than half of adults with ADHD received their diagnosis for the first time as adults. Many people, especially women, go undiagnosed in childhood because their symptoms present as inattention rather than hyperactivity. A psychiatric evaluation can identify ADHD at any age, even if it was never flagged during childhood.
Most insurance plans cover psychiatric evaluations and medication management for ADHD. CARMAhealth accepts 15+ insurance plans, including Aetna, BCBS, Cigna, United Healthcare, and others. Our team handles insurance verification on your behalf. Visit our insurance page or call (512) 212-4670 for details.
Psychiatrists Who Specialize in ADHD
ADHD frequently co-occurs with anxiety, depression, and other conditions. At CARMAhealth, your care is led by a board-certified psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner who can evaluate the full picture and build a treatment plan that accounts for everything, not just the ADHD.
Start Feeling Like Yourself Again
Whether you're exploring treatment for the first time or looking for a new practitioner, our psychiatrists are here to listen.
Accepting new patients · 15+ insurance plans accepted · Telehealth available