If you have a child struggling with ADHD, seeking the services of an ADHD psychiatrist can be beneficial. We can provide a clear, documented diagnosis and help find options to reduce symptoms and make life easier for your child. As a parent, however, you also have the opportunity to advocate for your child through the school system, and the following information may be of help.

What Is ADHD?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurological disorder that can affect children and adults in many ways. People with ADHD can experience a wide range of symptoms including difficulty with attention, focus and organization. Hyperactivity and impulsivity and moodiness also are among the symptoms.

ADHD often presents more obviously in boys than in girls, but that doesn’t mean that girls don’t need just as much support. If your child is struggling in school with focus or completing homework or perhaps they seem forgetful, anxious or constantly daydreaming, ADHD could be the cause.

The best step that parents can take is to have their child evaluated by a psychiatrist or psychologist. Be sure to find a psychiatrist or psychologist that focuses on providing a thorough diagnosis that gives you a clear picture of all of the issues your child might be facing. It is very common for a person with ADHD also to have a co-occurring disorder such as anxiety, depression, OCD or Autism Spectrum Disorder and we must uncover all of these issues to provide the best possible support.

Is ADHD a Disability?
We often think about disabilities as something physical or perhaps we think of a student with an intellectual disability such as Down’s Syndrome. However, neurological disorders also are disabilities.

The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) defines an individual with a disability as a “person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.” These activities would include attending school, and, as anyone with ADHD can attest, school can be tough when you have ADHD.  

Children with disabilities are entitled, by law, to have an education equal to that of their peers. To ensure that level of equality, accommodations may be needed and the school site will need to create a plan to facilitate a learning environment that supports a child with ADHD or with any type of disability.

As a parent, you are well within your rights to contact the school and ask to meet with the teacher and administrators to talk about what types of plans can be put into place for your child. This can be easier to do once you have a diagnosis in writing either from a psychiatrist or psychologist, but you definitely don't have to wait in order to seek support from your school.

IEP Vs. 504 Plans Vs. SSTs
The educational system throws plenty of acronyms and abbreviations at parents, and you may hear a teacher or special education provider talk about terms such as an IEP, an SST or a 504 plan. Let’s take a look at each of these plans and how they can benefit a student with ADHD.

Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) – These are binding legal documents that create a plan for a child struggling with one or more disabilities. The IEP might include special education instruction, outside support services and classroom accommodations that are deemed necessary to ensure student success.

With an IEP, parents also can request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE). If the school approves the request, the district will pay to have an outside expert evaluate the student. Keep in mind, the district might not agree to your request for an IEE. If you still want an IEE, this will mean you must pay for it out of pocket.

Additionally, the IEP can only be used to help students that fit within one of the 13 disability categories listed in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which is an act that requires all public schools to provide special education services to any student that is eligible. The 13 categories include:

• Specific Learning Disability (i.e., Dyslexia, Dysgraphia)
• Other Health Impairments (i.e., ADHD and other conditions that affect energy and alertness)
• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Emotional Disturbance (i.e., anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, OCD)
• Speech or Language Impairment
• Visual Impairment
• Deafness
• Hearing Impairment (including auditory and language process disorders)
• Deaf-Blindness
• Orthopedic Impairment
• Intellectual Disability (i.e., Down’s Syndrome)
• Traumatic Brain Injury
• Multiple Disabilities

It’s not uncommon for children with IEPs to fall into the last category of Multiple Disabilities. For instance, you might encounter a student with ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder. This latter section simply means that the IEP must address all of the disabilities that are present, rather than simply using a plan to fit one of the diagnoses.

504 Plans – These are known as 504 Plans because they are derived from section 504 of the U.S. Rehabilitation Act of 1973. This act prohibits any organization that receives federal money from discriminating against people with disabilities. Because ADHD is considered a learning disability, this means that students diagnosed with ADHD are protected under section 504. As with an IEP, a 504 Plan is a binding legal document.

504 plans provide specific accommodations for students with ADHD, such as allowing a student to have extra time to complete an exam or assignment. For older students, this also might entail being allowed to record a classroom lecture. For younger students, this might include allowing them to take a break and walk around or perhaps placing them in a seat that helps to limit distractions. Every student's needs and accommodations are unique, so teachers and administrators need to be flexible to create plans that meet the needs of a specific student.

The main differences between the 504 Plan and an IEP are that the 504 includes a broader range of disabilities, but you cannot request the IEE. A 504 Plan also doesn’t typically include special education services and instead focuses on creating goals and classroom accommodations to help a student.

Student Study Team (SST) – This is often the first step you will take as a parent toward acquiring support for your child. Sometimes a teacher will suggest the formation of an SST, but parents also can request it. This team typically consists of the child’s parents and teacher and at least one other school staff member. This could be a special education teacher, a student’s former teacher, the school principal or the school counselor. 

During a Student Study Team meeting, the team will address issues and create some goals and perhaps identify some accommodations or support that could be helpful to a student. SSTs aren’t as binding as a 504 plan or IEP, but they can be an excellent first step to take while you are setting up therapy and meeting with an ADHD psychiatrist. In some cases, a child with mild ADHD might only need a few minor accommodations and an SST might be all that is warranted.

ADHD Medication: Is This A Good Option?
Parents are often hesitant about having their children use medication for ADHD, and as a pediatric psychiatrist, I understand the hesitation, but as a medical professional, I also feel that medication can be very beneficial for some patients.

The most common medications used to treat ADHD include methylphenidate (brand names Ritalin and Concerta) and dextroamphetamine with amphetamine (Adderall). Another stimulant medication is lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse),

These are in a class of drugs known as stimulants, and they help to boost the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in your brain. These are brain chemicals that help us focus and pay attention to tasks.

Because these drugs are stimulants and because some people (without ADHD) abuse them recreationally, they have a dubious reputation. However, both of these medications have a long history of use to treat ADHD and other disorders and the majority of children taking these drugs, or about 80%, report a significant reduction of ADHD symptoms when using these medications.

Ritalin was developed in the 1940s and has been used for more than 50 years to treat symptoms of ADHD. Concerta, which is essentially an extended-release type of Ritalin, was approved for use more than 20 years ago. Adderall has been used for nearly 30 years, and Vyvanse, is essentially the extended-release version of Adderall. Unlike some medications, a few of these ADHD medications can be taken as needed, such as just on school days.

While these medications can be effective, there are a few side effects that some children experience. One of the most significant side effects is a reduced appetite, so parents must pay close attention to their child’s eating habits to ensure they are continuing to get proper nutrition. In some cases, these drugs can upset sleep schedules and cycles, and we can adjust the dosage or adjust the type of drug to help with this issue. It is also important to note that if your child has another condition, such as bipolar disorder, some ADHD drugs aren’t going to be an appropriate treatment option.  

Non-stimulant drugs for ADHD include atomoxetine, which is in a class of drugs known as selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). Guanfacine is yet another option, in a class of drugs known as centrally-acting alpha2A-adrenergic receptor agonists. This drug is meant to affect the portions of the brain responsible for attention and impulsivity. 

Therapy Is Crucial
Your ADHD psychiatrist can prescribe medication and will provide you with information about all of these drugs and recommend options that seem to be the best fit for your child. However, we usually also recommend some behavioral therapy. Medications prescribed by a child psychiatrist can help with focus, but patients experience the highest level of success with a combination of therapy and medication. These therapies teach essential coping mechanisms and strategies to help a patient deal with their ADHD long-term.

Adult With ADHD? Contact Me Today
While I don't offer services as a pediatric psychiatrist or child psychiatrist, I can help young adults and older adults struggling with ADHD, including providing a diagnosis that covers all of the issues you may be facing. I can meet with patients in person and offer telepsychiatry services if you prefer to meet with an online psychiatrist or live too far from my offices in Thousand Oaks.

As a psychiatrist in Thousand Oaks, I meet, in person, with patients throughout Los Angeles and Ventura County. However, if you need to find a psychiatrist, you don’t necessarily have to opt for that “psychiatrist near me.” Telepsychiatry can be another option to consider.

What Is Telepsychiatry?
With telepsychiatry, you simply meet using your phone, tablet or computer using a secure connection. A virtual psychiatrist will have the same training as an in-person psychiatrist. Both types of psychiatrists are medical doctors as well as mental health professionals, which means they can prescribe medications as well as diagnose many mental health conditions and create a treatment plan.

Advantages Of Telepsychiatry
These days, more and more medical visits are being handled either by phone or video visits. This, of course, became more common during the pandemic, but it’s likely to continue for several reasons, including:

1. Convenience & Flexibility
With telepsychiatry, you can meet with your doctor in the comfort of your own home or anywhere you have an internet connection. Even if you are on vacation or away for business or another reason, you can still receive quality care from your psychiatrist.

2. Easier Access To Care
For patients with disabilities or mobility issues, telepsychiatry can be a much easier option than in-person visits. There’s no need to arrange transportation or deal with the typical hassles of finding parking spaces, navigating through medical buildings, etc.

Additionally, for patients with anxiety, being able to receive care at home can reduce the stress related to driving in traffic. For patients with depression that might have a tough time getting out of the house to receive care, meeting with an online psychiatrist can be a great option to consider.

4. Reduced Costs
Let’s face it, these days, gasoline prices are exorbitant and if you can avoid driving back and forth from the psychiatrist’s office, you can save a decent amount of money. Likewise, telepsychiatry may eliminate the need to pay for childcare expenses. However, it can be wise to have someone watch your children during a session so that you can focus entirely on the doctor's visit. Still, without having to drive, you can reduce child-care expenses, which is always a positive.

5. Save Time
Our time is precious, and spending it driving to and from appointments can be difficult. You could save an hour or more of your time by simply meeting with your psychiatrist virtually. Additionally, wait times are reduced, as well, because no one is ever late to an appointment due to traffic or other issues. Telepsychiatry can streamline the entire doctor visit process, saving both you and your psychiatrist some much-needed time.

6. Reduce The Stigma
Too often people avoid getting mental health care because they are ashamed of asking for help or ashamed of their condition. Let’s be clear – mental illness is not a weakness, it’s simply a medical condition that usually can be treated. Still, I know that many people are reluctant to seek help or feel as though asking for psychiatric services makes them “weak.”

While this isn’t true at all, that’s the stigma and while we are beginning to break through that stigma, it is still there for some patients. Being able to meet in the privacy of your home can feel like an easier, safer option. You won’t risk being seen by friends or co-workers leaving the doctor’s office, etc. If this level of privacy pushes you toward seeking help, then by all means, opt for telepsychiatry and telepsychology services. We can help you reduce your symptoms and live a happier, healthier life.

Advantages of Using A Psychiatrist “Near Me”
Of course, not everyone prefers to meet online with their psychiatrist or therapist, and that’s perfectly fine. I am always happy to meet in person with my patients, and some people truly need that one-on-one, face-to-face connection rather than a video visit.

In some cases, such as with severe disorders such as schizophrenia, it can be better to meet in person as these individuals can be at higher risk of self-harm and suicide. Of course, there are certain types of therapy, such as EMDR and ketamine treatments that must be handled in person.

We also can opt for a hybrid approach, where we meet in person initially and eventually move toward virtual visits once a treatment plan is in place. With my practice, I try to be as flexible as possible to meet the needs of a diverse group of patients. Every person is unique, so it’s important to curate a situation that is best for the individual.
How To Find A Psychiatrist
With virtual psychiatry, you can move beyond your immediate locality and search for professionals that seem to be a good match for your personality and your mental health needs. In some cases, you might need to find doctors that fit within your insurance plan, but, if possible, it can be good to extend your search to private practices as well, to find a good fit for your unique needs.

I recommend looking at everything from the doctor’s philosophy to searching for reviews and asking for recommendations from other physicians that you trust. Additionally, you will want to select a psychiatrist who specializes in helping patients with your specific mental health issues.

In my practice, I offer services as a bipolar disorder psychiatrist, an ADHD psychiatrist, and a psychiatrist for anxiety and depression. Additionally, I can help treat patients with substance use disorders as well as treat people with co-occurring disorders, which is extremely common.

My goal is to spend time truly getting to know a patient and understanding their issues and symptoms. This helps me create a thorough diagnosis that addresses all of the issues a patient is facing. As both a medical doctor and mental health professional, I can assess whether or not any physical conditions are impacting your mental health and I can help with medication management.

Of course, it is also important to seek the services of a psychologist or therapist. These professionals cannot prescribe medications, but they do provide talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and other types of therapy that can improve your life significantly. Medication can be extremely helpful, but we achieve the best, long-term results with an approach that also includes therapy. ​

Call Dr. Jesalva Today
Whether you want to find a psychiatrist “near me” or you would like to try telepsychiatry, I am always here to help. Don’t suffer another day with mental health conditions. Treatment can be effective, and you deserve to live a happier, healthier life. It might take us some time to achieve these goals, but we will get there together.  

​Millions of Americans suffer from some level of seasonal depression, and for some, this can be quite serious. As an online psychiatrist, I have some tips to help you fight the seasonal blues and I can help you better understand this condition.
 
Seasonal Affective Disorder Vs. The “Winter Blues”
Many people suffer from what we call the wintertime blues, but some people actually suffer from a mental health disorder known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD). The American Psychiatric Association refers to this disorder officially as Major Depressive Disorder with Seasonal Pattern.
 
The main difference between the winter blues and SAD is that the latter causes a level of depression that interferes with daily life activities. People with SAD also often experience weight gain as well as a general loss of interest in activities that they previously enjoyed.
 
Because the majority of people diagnosed with SAD live relatively far from the equator, it is believed that for those with SAD, the shorter hours of daylight may cause chemical imbalances in the brain.
 
Often, the symptoms begin around the time we adjust our clocks for daylight saving time, as this can disrupt one’s circadian rhythm. This “rhythm” is basically our body’s internal clock and it’s what helps our bodies manage our sleep/wake cycles as well as when to eat and even adjusts our body’s temperature to some extent.
 
Treatments For SAD
If seasonal depression is interfering with your daily activities or you experience extreme feelings of loneliness or despair and perhaps even suicidal thoughts, you should speak with a mental health professional as soon as possible.
 
If you are having suicidal thoughts, please call 988 to reach the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. There is always someone available to help at any hour of the day or night.
 
In general, for people with SAD, we try to use a combination of therapies including Bright Light Therapy (BLT), talk therapy and, often, antidepressant medication. Light therapy entails using a special box to provide you with extra light for a set period of time during the day and it has been shown to be very effective for people suffering from SAD.
 
It is important to note that while there are many light boxes available for purchase, you should consult with your online psychiatrist to ensure that you buy the best possible box and that you use it correctly.
 
Additionally, light box therapy may not be suitable for people with bipolar disorder. If you have glaucoma, cataracts or retinopathy, you should contact your ophthalmologist to discuss whether or not light therapy is the best option.
 
Talk therapy also has been shown to be helpful for people with SAD as well as all types of depression. This provides a good outlet for you to express your emotions and perhaps provides you with strategies to help you boost your mood.
 
Medication also can be an effective treatment option. As a virtual psychiatrist, I can prescribe antidepressants and while these can help, it is best to also include light therapy and talk therapy as this three-part approach tends to provide us with the best results.
 
Tips For Fighting The Winter Blues
SAD may be more severe than the wintertime blues, but these “blues” also can make a big (and negative) impact on our daily lives during the winter months. Sometimes, we experience the blues because of the lack of daylight hours and sometimes people tend to experience sadness around the holidays and at the start of the new year.  Here are a few tips that can help you improve your mood.
 
1. Head Outside
In some parts of the world, winter daylight hours are scarce, but getting outside for any portion of the day can be beneficial. When it’s time for your lunch break, try to get outside and walk around for a while as the combination of sunlight and exercise can be beneficial.
 
2. Move Your Desk
If you work from home or have any flexibility in your workspace, try to move your desk to a sunny spot. Natural light as well as a view of the outdoors can help improve your mood.
 
3. Improve Your Diet
The holiday season typically brings with it a plethora of unhealthy treats and while munching on a cookie or two is probably fine, try to stick with a healthy diet and add some foods rich in Vitamin D.
 
Low levels of vitamin D have been linked to SAD as well as the winter blues, so consider taking a vitamin D supplement (such as cod liver oil) or adding foods such as salmon, sardines, tuna, egg yolks and mushrooms to your diet. Some milk products and orange juice are fortified with this vitamin and that also can be a good option.
 
4. Stay Social
By social, I definitely do not mean heading onto social media and scrolling through pictures of people laughing and cavorting their way through the holidays. In fact, I find it’s always best to keep in mind that people typically only showcase positive images on their social media, and this is not always the true reality that your social media “friends” are living.
 
However, if you are invited to holiday events, it can be a good idea to accept the invitations. Being around people can boost your mood, and if you have a small social circle, consider volunteering at a local food bank or a homeless shelter during this time of the year. You will meet other volunteers and have the opportunity to help others which definitely can improve your mood and your outlook in general.
 
5. Improve Your Home’s Ambiance
If you are feeling low, cheer yourself up with a bouquet of flowers or perhaps buy a new plant. Adding a bit of color or greenery to your home can improve your mood. Then set your table, light some candles and enjoy a nice meal.
 
Adding string lights or perhaps some cheerful posters or artwork or even family photos to your space also can create a more welcoming, happier environment. Often when we feel depressed, we put off cleaning tasks, however, straightening up your home, making your bed and keeping things clean can help improve your mood so do your best to keep your home tidy and welcoming. That can be easier said than done, but even just clearing off one area of your home or bedroom, can help you feel a sense of accomplishment.
 
6. Try Something New
There’s nothing like a new hobby to take our minds off our troubles. If you’ve always wanted to learn how to play guitar or paint, take some lessons. Learn how to knit, practice a new language, set a reading goal or take a cooking class at your local community center.
 
7. Talk To A Therapist
Whether you have SAD or the winter blues, talking to a professional is always a good idea. Therapists and psychologists can provide you with a helpful, listening ear and with coping strategies to get you through the winter season.
 
In-Person Visits Vs. Telepsychiatry
If you do need to work with a psychiatrist, these days we have the option of meeting in person or meeting virtually. Meeting with an online psychiatrist can be a good option for many reasons.
 
Telepsychiatry allows you to find the best board-certified psychiatrists rather than simply relying on a psychiatrist “near me.” While in-person visits are the best option for some patients, many of my patients love not having to wrangle through L.A. traffic to head into their doctor’s office. Using a virtual psychiatrist can save you time, and reduces stress and you can meet with me from just about anywhere where there is an internet connection.  
 
As a virtual psychiatrist, I can provide the same level of care as I can with face-to-face visits, and we use a secure online platform for all of our psychiatry sessions. I can diagnose and develop a treatment plan for many mental illness, including anxiety and depression, bipolar disorder, SAD and many other issues.
 
Many of my patients have co-occurring disorders, such as bipolar disorder and depression or perhaps ADHD and anxiety or an eating disorder. As a medical doctor and mental health professional, my goal is to provide you with a complete diagnosis that addresses all of your mental health needs, including providing you with prescriptions for any necessary medications.
 
Additionally, you may need the services of a psychologist or a licensed therapist. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor, and a psychiatrist prescribes medications and can provide a solid diagnosis and treatment plan, but psychiatry sessions don’t typically include talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy or other types of therapy which is why you also need to find other mental health professionals to provide you with complete care.
 
Book An Appointment Today
If you need a psychiatrist in Thousand Oaks or a psychiatrist in Westlake Village, my offices are convenient for in-person visits. However, if you prefer telepsychiatry, I do offer virtual psychiatrist services for patients throughout California and I can provide treatment for depression, anxiety, ADHD, addiction and more.

For people with mental health conditions, telepsychiatry can be an excellent option to consider. These days many healthcare services, including psychiatric care, are handled virtually and there are many advantages to opting for a virtual psychiatrist rather than receiving care in person. 

​There are several advantages to telepsychiatry, and for patients, the main advantages include the convenience factor and the ability to choose the best possible psychiatrist for their needs and not simply rely on finding “psychiatry near me.”
 
Many studies have shown that telepsychiatry does not reduce the accuracy of diagnosis nor the quality of care of psychiatric services. We also use a secure platform for each session, so patient privacy and confidentiality are protected.
 
Telepsychiatry also has been approved by the American Psychiatric Association and many of my patients prefer it to traditional face-to-face meetings. After all, as a psychiatrist in Thousand Oaks, I know only too well how stressful it can be navigating L.A. traffic.
 
Telepsychiatry allows us to meet without forcing patients to drive to a mental health center or medical center or take extra time out of their day for travel. With telepsychiatry, we typically see reduced wait times for health services, which is another advantage. 

Some patients do respond better in a face-to-face setting, so while telepsychiatry services were the norm during the pandemic, this was probably not the best option for these patients. Many patients love the convenience, but for those that prefer meeting in person, it might be wise to find a local psychiatrist instead.
 
Some treatments also cannot be accessed virtually, such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) or ketamine treatments. EMDR can be an excellent option for patients with PTSD, and ketamine can be an option for patients with treatment-resistant depression, but they do need to be provided in a medical office setting.

Many mental health issues can be treated with telepsychiatry services. For instance, I offer services as an ADHD psychiatrist, depression psychiatrist, anxiety psychiatrist and bipolar disorder psychiatrist. I also treat patients for alcoholism and drug addiction.
 
Behavioral health care is truly just as important as taking care of your physical health. Mental illness can take a huge toll on your happiness and enjoyment of life, and, too often, people resist getting mental health services.
 
Psychiatric disorders are not a weakness. They are biological diseases that often are treatable. Seeking psychiatric treatment is no different than heading to your primary care doctor to deal with issues such as strep throat or asthma or heart disease. Whether you are suffering from one or more mental health disorders, I strongly urge you to seek psychiatric care and move toward a happier, healthier life.
 
Whether you opt for virtual psychiatry or in-person services, the best advice I can give is to find a doctor that provides you with a thorough diagnosis that addresses all of a patient’s mental and physical issues.
 
For instance, if you are suffering from addiction and chronic pain, both of these issues need to be addressed in order for treatment to be as successful as possible. Likewise, if you suffer from anxiety and an eating disorder, a doctor shouldn’t just focus on anxiety and ignore the eating disorder. Co-occurring disorders are extremely common, and it’s crucial to find ways to treat every issue you are facing. 

​A psychiatrist is a medical doctor and, as such, these doctors are the only mental health professionals able to write prescriptions for psychiatric medications. Additionally, as a medical doctor, a psychiatrist will approach each patient from both a physical and mental health perspective.
 
Often, a psychiatrist will want a patient to undergo certain tests beyond diagnostic testing. For instance, we might want to check your blood for any indicators of health issues or perhaps even consider scheduling an MRI or EEG to study a patient’s neurological health. In some cases, physical ailments can be causing mental health issues or contribute to these issues. If we can alleviate physical health issues, this can decrease or eliminate symptoms of mental health issues.
 
Additionally, it is important that you provide your psychiatrist (or any doctor) with a complete list of the drugs and supplements you take, including recreational drugs such as marijuana, MDMA, etc. Sometimes drug interactions also cause or exacerbate mental health issues.
 
Keep in mind, we are not here to judge you, we are here to help, so you must be completely honest about all substances that you take, even vitamins and other health supplements so that we can provide the best possible mental health care.
 
While a psychologist cannot provide you with prescriptions for medication or evaluate your physical health, these professionals serve as a crucial part of any successful treatment plan, and they also can diagnose mental health disorders. Psychiatrists typically focus only on diagnosis and treatment but don’t actually provide talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy or other types of non-medication-related therapies.
 
In many cases, medication can help patients, but the most successful treatment plans also incorporate different types of therapy. Talking to a psychologist or therapist can be hugely beneficial, and, often more beneficial than simply relying on medication management.
 
Therapy can provide you with an outlet for your emotions as well as providing you with helpful strategies to manage your day-to-day life. Even those without mental health disorders can benefit from therapy and there are many therapists and psychologists out there offering virtual services these days. 

​If you are suffering from mental health issues, I can provide you with quality telepsychiatry services. If you prefer to find “psychiatry near me,” my offices are located in Thousand Oaks, and I can serve patients face-to-face throughout the Los Angeles metro area. 

​Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is often considered a disorder of childhood, but the symptoms of this disorder can stay with you into your adult years. Additionally, some people aren’t even diagnosed with ADHD until adulthood. If you are struggling with symptoms of ADHD, seeking help from an adult ADHD psychiatrist can be a good step to take. 

As the name of this disorder suggests, the common issues with ADHD include both inattention and hyperactivity, as well as impulsivity.  Of course, most children to some extent or another do have short attention spans and tend to display elements of hyperactivity and impulsivity at times.
 
When a person has ADHD, however, these issues are chronic and interfere with daily life. For children, it can interfere with learning and disrupt relationships with peers and family members. For adults, we usually see a lessening of hyperactivity, but problems with inattention and impulsive behavior often persist. 

With adults, typical symptoms of ADHD include:

• Difficulty focusing on tasks and completing tasks
• Time management issues
• Poor planning skills
• Restlessness
• Inability to cope with stress
• Mood swings (easily frustrated, temperamental, etc.)
• Impulsive behavior

​Not all people with ADHD, adult or otherwise, will experience all of these symptoms. For instance, with females, ADHD symptoms often tend to present more as inattention rather than hyperactivity and impulsiveness. In some cases, the examples of hyperactivity might include interrupting others and talking excessively, rather than acting out physically.
 
The perceived “mildness” of symptoms in females often results in these individuals being undiagnosed and receiving little support even though they need help as much as their male counterparts. At any rate, whether you are an adult or a child, ADHD can make life difficult to navigate, and it’s wise to seek help from a professional.

An adult ADHD psychiatrist can help with the disorder, both with diagnosis and medication management, if needed. Psychiatrists, unlike psychologists and therapists, are medical doctors. Their main focus is on diagnosis and the creation of the treatment plan.
 
Too often, an ADHD psychiatrist won’t provide patients with a thorough enough diagnosis. Many people with ADHD have co-occurring disorders such as anxiety or depression or even bipolar disorder. This is why it is important to find a psychiatrist that truly focuses on the diagnostic process.
 
A psychiatrist must spend enough time evaluating a patient to ensure that all mental health and physical health issues are addressed. In some cases, there could be underlying physical conditions or certain medications or substances that are causing ADHD symptoms or the symptoms could be caused by another mental health disorder.
 
Treatment plans vary on the severity of symptoms and sometimes include the use of medication. Medication can be a very beneficial tool for treating ADHD, but it only serves as one component of a treatment plan. Behavioral therapy and counseling also can be very beneficial, and I typically recommend that my patients seek out the services of a psychologist or therapist rather than simply using medication alone with no other mechanism of support.

While psychologists and therapists cannot prescribe medication, they can provide other types of treatment options. Through cognitive behavioral therapy, you can learn how to improve your time management skills and become more organized and how to create a daily schedule that can make life easier and less stressful. This type of therapy also teaches you how to respond to stressful or difficult situations.
 
Many people with ADHD also benefit from talk therapy. ADHD can take a toll on your self-esteem and can inhibit your ability to build strong relationships with others. Talk therapy can help you work through these issues and provide you with strategies to improve your communication and listening skills.
 
Sometimes with adults, couples therapy can be helpful, providing each partner with a safe space to discuss their concerns and emotions as well as gain a deeper understanding of each other. 

​While behavioral therapy and medication have long been helpful tools for those diagnosed with ADHD, studies have shown that daily meditation can help alleviate symptoms and improve focus and concentration. Meditation also can improve your mood and reduce your stress levels.
 
When it comes to ADHD, meditation is part of a treatment known as mindfulness-based intervention or MBI. In addition to meditation, a person with ADHD could consider taking yoga or tai chi classes and learning breathing exercises. Often meditation and breathing will be taught during a yoga or tai chi class.

Often, adults with symptoms of ADHD are reluctant to seek treatment. But whether you were diagnosed as a child or you are an adult that has not yet been diagnosed, seeking help can be the best way to improve your quality of life.
 
If symptoms of ADHD are interfering with your ability to lead a fulfilling, successful life, it’s time to seek treatment. Finding the best psychiatrist for your needs can be tricky, but these days with telepsychiatry it’s easier than ever before to find a doctor with whom you feel comfortable.
 
Many people simply search for a “psychiatrist near me,” and while I serve as a psychiatrist in Thousand Oaks and a psychiatrist in Westlake Village, I also provide services as a virtual psychiatrist.
 
Telepsychiatry can be an excellent option for many patients. Not only does it allow you to select a psychiatrist that truly meets your needs, but it’s also much more convenient. You can meet in the comfort of your home and avoid issues such as traffic or taking off extra time from work or other commitments to drive to and from appointments. 

​Whether you want to meet in person and need an adult ADHD psychiatrist in Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks or prefer to meet virtually, I am here to help. In addition to treating patients with ADHD, I also offer services as an anxiety psychiatrist, bipolar psychiatrist as well as offering treatment for depression and even substance abuse. Give me a call and let’s set up an appointment and get you on the path to a happier, healthier life.