​For adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADH), daily life can be challenging. The good news is that many strategies and treatment options can help you manage the symptoms of this disorder, and working with an adult ADHD psychiatrist can be a helpful place to start.
 
Before we dive into some treatment options, let’s talk a bit about symptoms. Many adults with ADHD were not diagnosed as children and they struggle without really knowing why. This is especially true for women with ADHD, and this disorder is often less recognized in women because the symptoms can be more internalized leading to challenges such as anxiety and feeling overwhelmed. 

Women tend to exhibit internalized symptoms, such as inattentiveness and emotional sensitivity, which are often overlooked or misdiagnosed as anxiety disorders or depression.

Inattentiveness

• Difficulty staying focused on tasks or conversations.
• Often losing items like keys, wallets, or phones.

Emotional Sensitivity

• Feeling overwhelmed by emotions or situations, often leading to tears or withdrawal.
• Heightened sensitivity to criticism or perceived rejection.

Forgetfulness

• Frequently forgetting appointments, deadlines, or daily tasks like paying bills or responding to messages.

 Overwhelm & Difficulty Prioritizing

• Feeling paralyzed when faced with multiple responsibilities.
• Difficulty deciding what to tackle first, leading to inefficiency.

 Chronic Disorganization

• Struggling to keep spaces tidy or manage schedules effectively.
• Relying on lists but often losing or forgetting them.

 Hyperfocus

• Getting intensely absorbed in tasks of interest while neglecting other responsibilities.
• Losing track of time when engaged in a favorite activity.

 Fatigue or Daydreaming

• Seeming "spacey" or zoning out during conversations or tasks.
• Experiencing exhaustion from constantly managing ADHD symptoms.

 Social Challenges

• Difficulty maintaining friendships or relationships due to forgetfulness or distractibility.
• Feeling misunderstood or isolated because symptoms are perceived as laziness or carelessness.

Men are more likely to exhibit externalized symptoms, such as hyperactivity and impulsivity, which are more noticeable and often diagnosed earlier. Adult ADHD often presents differently in men, typically due to social expectations and biological factors. Symptoms include:

Hyperactivity & Restlessness

• Feeling the need to move constantly, even in inappropriate settings.
• Frequently tapping fingers, shaking legs, or pacing.

 Impulsivity

• Interrupting conversations or speaking without thinking.
• Acting without considering consequences (e.g., making rash decisions or risky financial moves).

 Difficulty Focusing

• Struggling to stay engaged in tasks, conversations, or meetings.
• Frequently losing track of thoughts or being easily distracted.

 Low Frustration Tolerance

• Becoming irritable or angry quickly.
• Difficulty handling stress or setbacks.

 Trouble with Organization & Time Management

• Forgetting deadlines or appointments.
• Starting projects but not finishing them.

 Risk-Taking Behaviors

• Seeking stimulation through risky activities, such as reckless driving or extreme sports.
• Struggling with impulse control related to alcohol, drugs, or gambling.

 Chronic Procrastination

• Putting off tasks until the last minute, leading to rushed or incomplete work.

​Again, while these symptoms of adult ADHD are typical of women or men, any individual might exhibit any of these common symptoms. However, recognizing how ADHD may present differently depending on gender helps ensure that ADHD in both men and women is properly identified and treated. Treatment plans can then be tailored to address the unique ways ADHD manifests in individuals.
 
One question I often am asked is how often does ADHD co-occur with bipolar disorder or perhaps obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or autism spectrum disorder (ASD)? It is extremely common for a person to have multiple diagnoses, and while this can make management more complicated, it’s important for an adult psychiatrist to properly diagnose all of these issues.
 
I also find that for many patients with ADHD or perhaps bipolar disorder an accompanying substance use disorder is extremely common. As an addiction psychiatrist who also specializes in the treatment of adult ADHD, bipolar disorder, anxiety and depression, I can help you navigate the complexities of addiction as well as any other mental health condition, but we must address all of the issues you face.

Living with ADHD can be difficult, but there are many ways to manage this disorder. Treatment for ADHD often involves a combination of therapies, medications, and lifestyle changes tailored to the individual's needs. Here’s an overview of the most effective approaches:

Medications can significantly reduce ADHD symptoms, especially when combined with other treatments. Keep in mind, that stimulant ADHD medications often can be taken as needed while non-stimulant medications should be taken every day. Common types include:

Stimulants:

• Examples: Adderall (amphetamine), Ritalin, Concerta (methylphenidate).
• How They Work: Increase levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, improving focus and impulse control.
• Pros: Effective for many; fast-acting.
• Cons: Potential side effects include insomnia, reduced appetite, and increased heart rate.

Non-Stimulants:

• Examples: Strattera (atomoxetine), Intuniv (guanfacine), Kapvay (clonidine).
• How They Work: Affect norepinephrine levels or regulate executive functioning.
• Pros: Suitable for individuals who cannot tolerate stimulants; less risk of abuse.
• Cons: May take longer to show effects.

Therapy helps address emotional, behavioral, and social challenges related to ADHD: While medications can be highly beneficial, as an adult ADHD psychiatrist, I strongly recommend therapy as well because a combined approach provides the best results.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT):

• Focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors.
• Teaches skills for organization, time management, and emotional regulation.

Behavior Therapy:
Helps individuals develop positive habits and reduce problematic behaviors through reinforcement techniques.

Mindfulness-Based Therapy:
Teaches mindfulness techniques to improve focus, reduce impulsivity, and manage stress.
​
Family or Couples Therapy:
Addresses relationship dynamics affected by ADHD, fostering understanding and communication.

While not replacements for traditional treatments, these can complement other strategies:
 
Exercise:
Regular physical activity boosts dopamine and norepinephrine levels, improving focus and mood. Aerobic activities like running, swimming, or cycling are particularly effective.

Dietary Changes:
A healthy, balanced diet with adequate protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and complex carbohydrates can support brain health. Some individuals benefit from avoiding artificial additives or allergens (consult with a professional).

Supplements:
Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) may help improve attention and reduce hyperactivity.
Always consult with your primary care doctor before starting supplements.

Mindfulness & Meditation:
Regular mindfulness practice improves attention span, reduces stress, and enhances self-awareness. There are many studies to support the use of meditation and mindfulness training for individuals with ADHD. As a psychiatrist for anxiety and psychiatrist for depression, I find that this also can be of great benefit for those with anxiety and depression.

Yoga & Tai Chi:
These practices promote relaxation, improve self-control, and increase body awareness.

​As an adult ADHD psychiatrist, I always recommend incorporating therapy as well as these alternative treatment approaches. Additionally, many strategies can help those with ADHD stay organized and manage tasks of daily life.

Using a daily to-do list or organizing tasks using a calendar can help. There are even some task management apps that can help. I also recommend breaking large tasks into small steps, which can be much less overwhelming. For instance, if you need to clean your house, break this down into small manageable tasks (dust the living room, unload the dishwasher, etc.) and cross off each task as you complete it. 

There are many types of ADHD specialists – psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, etc. All of these individuals can be crucial in your journey toward ADHD management. However, contacting an adult psychiatrist can be a good first step.

Psychiatrists are medical doctors, and they can provide you with the most comprehensive diagnosis, taking into account your mental health as well as your physical health and developing a treatment plan that meets all of your needs. ADHD psychiatrists also are able to prescribe medication, while psychologists and therapists cannot.

Psychologists and therapists are valuable for those with ADHD, as psychiatrists typically do not provide talk therapy, behavioral therapy or other types of therapy. Our focus is more on diagnoses and creating a treatment plan and monitoring the success of that plan.

While it can take some time to discover the treatments and strategies that work best for you, seeking treatment from an adult ADHD psychiatrist can make managing daily life so much easier. I encourage you to contact me at any time to set up a consultation. In addition to treating ADHD, I also offer services as a bipolar disorder psychiatrist, borderline personality disorder doctor, eating disorder psychiatrist and I treat anxiety, depression, PTSD and more.

​As an experienced bipolar disorder psychiatrist, I am often asked how often does ADHD co-occur with bipolar disorder? While this is quite common, many disorders can co-occur with each other, and all of these issues need to be addressed in order for any treatment plan to be successful.
 
According to the National Institutes of Health, nearly 3% of all adults in the United States have some type of bipolar disorder so this mood disorder is much more prevalent than you might think. ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is even more common, and it is estimated that about 5% of adults have this disorder and perhaps as many as 9% to 10% of children may have ADHD.
 
But, how often does ADHD co-occur with bipolar disorder? This question is difficult to answer definitively, but one thing I’ve found is that many of the symptoms of each disorder are quite similar. As a psychiatrist, my goal is to discover if a patient has bipolar disorder or ADHD or a combination of the two, which certainly could be the case.
 
Both ADHD and bipolar disorder often include symptoms such as irritability, restlessness, hyperactivity, increased energy and impulsivity, but there are some key differences. For instance, with bipolar disorder, a person will experience severe mood swings, ranging from elation to extreme depression and these mood swings can last for days or weeks.
 
People with ADHD may be quick to anger, but these mood changes tend to be more appropriate to the situation and they have less difficulty calming themselves than a person with bipolar disorder. People with bipolar disorder also might actively seek out problems and dangerous situations that might cause them to act out in anger or express rage. With ADHD, these are isolated moments of strong emotion usually reacting to a specific situation rather than episodes of mania or depression that last for a long time and have no identifiable trigger.
 
Additionally, with both ADHD and bipolar disorder, you might see symptoms such as distractibility or inattention. With ADHD, these are symptoms that tend to always be present, while a person with bipolar disorder might only experience these issues during a manic phase.
 
Likewise, both disorders can cause sleep-related issues. With ADHD, a person might be experience discomfort and fatigue due to sleep deprivation. With bipolar disorder, there also might be a lack of sleep during a manic phase, but without fatigue or a lack of energy accompanying this sleep deprivation.
 
While these conditions have many similarities and differences, it is not uncommon for a person to experience both disorders concurrently. Some studies have shown that more than 60% of people with bipolar disorder also have ADHD. Because of this comorbidity, it’s not uncommon for a doctor to miss one of these diagnoses.
 
A proper complete diagnosis is crucial for treatment to be effective. With bipolar disorder, medication is a common treatment option and while many people with ADHD often take medication, as well, we tend to use different medications to treat ADHD than we would for bipolar disorder. Additionally, both patients benefit from other types of therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and other strategies.
 
Additional Co-Occurring Disorders
When we talk about how often ADHD co-occurs with bipolar disorder, we often forget that many other disorders also can be present. For instance, many people with ADHD or bipolar disorder also have an anxiety disorder or depression. A substance use disorder also can be a common co-occurring disorder with either ADHD or bipolar disorder.
 
Additional co-occurring disorders might include obsessive-compulsive disorder, borderline personality disorder or even an eating disorder or body dysmorphia. It also is important to take into consideration other possible physical diseases that may have an impact on treatment for mental health disorders. For instance, if a person has diabetes, stabilizing insulin levels could have a positive effect on lessening some of the symptoms of a mood disorder.
 
Psychiatrists should, and must, in my opinion, take the time to truly assess each patient’s physical and mental issues. As an example, if a patient came to you with bipolar disorder, a substance use disorder and suffered from chronic pain, you need to address all three, including the chronic pain, as this can be a reason why people turn to alcohol and drugs and chronic pain has a distinct impact on our mental health.
 
Finding A Diagnosis
The first step to finding a diagnosis is a thorough evaluation and for this, you will need to start with a bipolar disorder psychiatrist or ADHD psychiatrist, although most will treat both conditions. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor that specializes in mental health disorders. Not only is a psychiatrist the only mental health professional able to prescribe medication, but they also have the medical expertise necessary to look at all physical and mental issues and arrive at a complete diagnosis.
 
Once we’ve arrived at the diagnosis, the next step is to create a treatment plan, and this often includes medication, but it also typically includes different types of therapy. Psychiatrists don’t typically provide this therapy and you will need to find a therapist or psychologist to help you with this portion of your treatment.  
 
Achieving Long-Term Success
In addition to working with a psychiatrist and therapist/psychologist, I do have some additional advice for those seeking treatment for bipolar disorder, ADHD and other co-occurring disorders. These include:
 
1. Have Patience
It takes time to identify the treatment options and the best medications as well as the ideal dosage. It takes time for medications to work in general, but we often start with a low dose and alter the dose after a few weeks or months. There’s no magic cure that will delete all of your symptoms overnight, so you need to be committed to taking your medication and attending therapy sessions and understand that it takes time to find the best fit for your needs.
 
In some cases, such as with substance-use disorders, we might need to address that issue first and then work toward a solution for the co-occurring mental health disorders. While it takes time, in the end, you can live a much happier, healthier and more fulfilling life, which is always our goal.
 
2. Avoid Online “Experts”
While it can be very helpful to learn all you can about bipolar disorder and ADHD, the internet is full of misinformation. There are hundreds of so-called psychiatric “experts” on social media sites such as YouTube, Reddit, Tik Tok and other sites that will tell you all about bipolar disorder or ADHD and how to “diagnose yourself” or promise all-natural cures. While there is helpful information out there, too often, these postings are filled with half-truths and not with the information that you need.
 
It’s also important to keep in mind that what works for one person might not work for another. Head to any message board about a specific drug and you’ll find 100 people who it helped and another 100 who it did not help. Every human is unique and needs an individualized treatment plan to ensure the best results.
 
When you look for information on the internet, search for sources that include people with degrees in psychiatry and psychology and scientists that have studied ADHD and bipolar disorder in-depth as well as pharmacology. Look for long-standing publications with solid reputations for accuracy.
 
3. Take Care Of Yourself
Medication and therapy are helpful, but they aren’t the only steps that you can take to alleviate the symptoms of bipolar disorder or ADHD. With both of these issues, some studies show that sticking with a healthy diet and a daily exercise routine can be very helpful. Some people often find that activities such as meditation can be beneficial.
 
It can be smart to create a manageable daily schedule for yourself that includes planning healthy meals, time for exercise and maybe some time spent outdoors in the fresh air and sunshine. Create a nightly routine to help yourself relax and more easily transition into sleep. A structured daily plan can make it easier to achieve stability and lower stress levels.
 
For those who need psychiatric help, I specialize in the treatment of bipolar disorder, ADHD and other co-occurring disorders. While I have offices in Thousand Oaks, I also offer telepsychiatry services throughout Southern California, so we can meet securely and virtually from just about anywhere. In fact, many people prefer using the services of an online psychiatrist because you can relax in the privacy of your own home.
 
If you have been wondering how often does ADHD co-occur with bipolar disorder or another psychiatric disorder, I hope this blog has helped you understand a bit about co-occurring disorders and treatment options. If you are suffering from any psychiatric disorder, please give me a call and let’s find a treatment plan that works for you.