Adult ADHD
Adult ADHD is real. It is common. And it often goes unrecognized for years.
Many adults live with ADHD without knowing it. They blame themselves for missed deadlines, poor focus, emotional swings, or constant mental noise. What they are dealing with is not a lack of effort. It is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how the brain regulates attention, impulses, and motivation.
At Bright Horizons Psychiatry in Rockville, Maryland, we help adults get clarity, accurate diagnosis, and practical treatment that fits real life.
What Adult ADHD Actually Looks Like
Adult ADHD does not always look like hyperactivity. In many adults, it shows up in quieter but disruptive ways.
You may notice
- Trouble starting or finishing tasks
- Poor time management and chronic procrastination
- Difficulty focusing unless something feels urgent or interesting
- Forgetfulness that affects work and relationships
- Emotional reactivity or low frustration tolerance
- Feeling overwhelmed by routine responsibilities
Many adults with ADHD are intelligent, capable, and driven. That is often why symptoms get missed. You may have learned to compensate, but the mental cost stays high.
Why ADHD Often Goes Undiagnosed in Adults
Most adults with ADHD were never evaluated as children. Some were labeled lazy, anxious, or distracted. Others did well in school early on and struggled only when life became more complex.
Common reasons ADHD gets missed
- Symptoms overlap with anxiety or depression
- Adults assume this is just how their brain works
- Coping strategies hide impairment from others
- High stress masks the underlying condition
A proper evaluation looks at lifelong patterns, not just current stress.
ADHD, Anxiety, and Depression Are Not the Same
ADHD often coexists with anxiety or depression, but they are not interchangeable.
- Anxiety centers on fear and worry
- Depression affects mood, energy, and interest
- ADHD affects attention regulation and executive function
When ADHD goes untreated, it can lead to burnout, low self esteem, and secondary mood symptoms. Treating only anxiety or depression without addressing ADHD often leads to limited improvement.
At Bright Horizons Psychiatry, we look at the full picture before making treatment decisions.
How Adult ADHD Is Diagnosed
There is no single test that diagnoses ADHD.
A proper adult ADHD evaluation includes
- A detailed clinical interview
- Review of lifelong symptoms and functional impact
- Screening for anxiety, depression, OCD, and trauma
- Careful ruling out of other causes
Diagnosis is not about labels. It is about understanding how your brain works so treatment can actually help.
Adult ADHD Treatment Options
Treatment is not one size fits all. The goal is to reduce impairment, not change who you are.
Depending on your needs, treatment may include
- Evidence based medication when appropriate
- Behavioral strategies to improve focus and organization
- Support for emotional regulation and stress
- Treatment of coexisting anxiety or depression
At Bright Horizons Psychiatry, treatment decisions are collaborative and grounded in clinical experience, not shortcuts.
Why Choose Bright Horizons Psychiatry
We specialize in thoughtful psychiatric care for adults.
What sets our clinic apart
- Experienced clinicians who work with adult ADHD every day
- Careful evaluations, not rushed checklists
- Clear explanations so you understand your options
- Treatment plans built around your life and goals
We treat ADHD, anxiety, depression, and OCD, and we understand how often these conditions overlap.
Our clinic is located in Rockville, Maryland, and we offer both in person and telepsychiatry appointments.