What is ADHD?
ADHD is not a focus problem. It is a brain wiring difference that affects how you plan, prioritize, and regulate your emotions. About 10% of children and 4-5% of adults in the US have it. Many adults were never diagnosed as kids -- they just got labeled as lazy, scattered, or 'not living up to their potential.'
ADHD looks different in everyone. Some people cannot sit still. Others can sit still just fine but their mind is everywhere. Some people hyperfocus on things they enjoy and cannot start anything they do not. Women and girls are especially underdiagnosed because their symptoms often look like anxiety or depression instead of the 'hyperactive boy' stereotype.
How We Treat ADHD
We start with a real evaluation -- not a five-minute checklist. Your provider will talk with you about your symptoms, your history, and how ADHD is affecting your daily life. For children, we work closely with parents and can coordinate with schools.
If medication is the right call, we prescribe from the full range of options. Stimulant medications like Adderall, Vyvanse, Ritalin, and Concerta are the most effective for most people. For patients who cannot tolerate stimulants or prefer a non-stimulant approach, we also prescribe Strattera, Wellbutrin, Qelbree, and guanfacine.
If you have tried medications before and they did not work -- or the side effects were too much -- we offer GeneSight genetic testing to help identify which medications are most likely to work for your body.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
Your first appointment takes about 60 minutes. We will ask about your symptoms, when they started, and how they affect your work, school, or relationships. We may use screening tools, but the conversation is the most important part. If ADHD is the right diagnosis, we can often start treatment the same day.
Insurance and Payment
We accept most major insurance plans including Blue Cross NC, Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, and NC Medicaid plans (Healthy Blue, WellCare, AmeriHealth Caritas). Cash pay options are available for uninsured patients.
When to Get Evaluated
If you cannot finish tasks you start, if you lose things constantly, if you zone out in conversations, if you procrastinate until the last second on everything, if your brain feels like it has 30 tabs open at once -- those are signs worth checking out. ADHD does not go away on its own. But with the right treatment, most people notice a real difference within weeks.