This condition — the plain-language one-pager.

What is ADHD?Diagnosis

ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental conditions, affecting 1 in 10 US children and 5% of adults (often underdiagnosed). Highly treatable with stimulants and non-stimulants, behavioral and cognitive therapies, environmental accommodations.

• Three presentations — predominantly inattentive (often missed in adult women), hyperactive-impulsive, combined.
• Diagnosis (DSM-5-TR) — symptoms before age 12, in 2+ settings, impairing function.
• Stimulants (first-line) — methylphenidate, amphetamine; long-acting often preferred.
• Non-stimulants — atomoxetine, guanfacine, clonidine, viloxazine.
• Behavioral/environmental — CBT for ADHD, coaching, organization tools, exercise, sleep, school IEP/504.

Adult ADHD: real, missed in women, and treatment changes livesKnow your plan

Adult ADHD is one of the most under-diagnosed psychiatric conditions, especially in women.

• Adult evaluation requires childhood symptoms + current impairment.
• Comorbidities are the rule.
• Stimulant treatment generally safe in adults with cardiac assessment.
• Non-stimulant options for stimulant intolerance, anxiety, tics, SUD.
• CBT for ADHD + coaching.

Your daily Force FieldLive It

• Take medications on schedule.
• Track effect + side effects.
• External structure: calendar, reminders, alarms, lists.
• Sleep 7-9 hours.
• Exercise 30+ min/day.
• Mediterranean/whole-food eating; iron level optimization.
• Address comorbidities.
• School/work accommodations.
• CBT for ADHD + coaching.
• Track productivity + mood + sleep.

Red flags — call nowAction

• Call your clinic the same day for: new chest discomfort with exertion that goes away with rest (stable distress worth evaluating); a missed dose of antiplatelet or maintenance therapy; medication side effects (muscle aches, bleeding, GI symptoms).
• Bring up at next visit: any change in exercise tolerance, lipid follow-up timing, BP log review, smoking-cessation support, depression screening, sleep concerns.