Telehealth care for adults anywhere in Massachusetts · (617) 318-8557
ADHD is often pictured as a hyperactive child who cannot sit still. In adults it usually looks quieter than that. It can show up as a desk full of half-finished projects, a habit of running ten minutes late, bills paid after the due date, or a constant sense of working harder than everyone else just to keep up. Many adults who have ADHD were never evaluated as children, or managed well enough in school that nobody noticed.
This page describes common signs of ADHD in adults, other things that can cause similar problems, and when it may be worth getting an evaluation. It is not a self-diagnosis tool. Only a careful clinical evaluation can tell you whether ADHD is the right explanation.
ADHD symptoms are usually grouped into two areas: inattention, and hyperactivity or impulsivity. Adults may notice some of the following on a regular basis:
Everyone has some of these experiences sometimes. What matters for ADHD is that the pattern is persistent, shows up in more than one area of life (for example, both work and home), causes real problems, and goes back to childhood, even if it was not recognized at the time.
Adults with ADHD often describe the impact more than the symptoms themselves. Common examples include falling behind at work despite being capable, frustration in relationships over forgotten plans or unfinished chores, late fees and overdue paperwork, and feeling worn out by the effort it takes to stay on top of things. Some people build elaborate systems of lists, alarms, and reminders, and only realize how much they rely on them when life gets busier, for example after a promotion, a move, or having children.
Trouble focusing is not specific to ADHD. Similar problems can come from anxiety, depression, poor or insufficient sleep, sleep apnea, thyroid or other medical conditions, alcohol or substance use, some medications, and ordinary stress or burnout. These conditions can also occur alongside ADHD. That is why a good evaluation looks at your overall health and history, not just a checklist of attention problems. If it turns out that something other than ADHD explains your symptoms, that is valuable to know too.
Online screening questionnaires can be a reasonable starting point for reflection, but they cannot diagnose ADHD. They do not account for childhood history, other conditions, or how much the symptoms actually interfere with your life. If a quiz or a social media post made you wonder, treat it as a reason to ask a clinician, not as an answer.
An adult ADHD evaluation may be worth considering if these signs have been present for a long time, they are causing problems at work, at home, or in relationships, and the strategies you have tried have not been enough. You do not need a referral. Learn more about how the adult ADHD evaluation works, or read what to expect from the first visit through ongoing care.
Daniel Ackroyd, PMHNP-BC, is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner who provides adult ADHD evaluations and medication management by secure telehealth for adults anywhere in Massachusetts. The practice sees adults only, and you must be located in Massachusetts during each visit.
Can you develop ADHD as an adult? ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition, so symptoms begin in childhood. Many people are not diagnosed until adulthood, though, often because their symptoms were missed, masked, or put down to other causes. An adult evaluation looks for evidence that symptoms were present earlier in life.
Is it ADHD or just stress? Stress, poor sleep, anxiety, and depression can all affect focus. ADHD is more likely when the pattern is long-standing, shows up in several areas of life, and began in childhood. A careful evaluation helps tell the difference.
Can an online quiz tell me if I have ADHD? No. A screening questionnaire can help you reflect on your symptoms, but a diagnosis requires a clinical evaluation that considers your history, other possible causes, and how much the symptoms affect your life.
Do I need a referral to be evaluated? No referral is needed. New patients start with a short secure intake form or a phone call, followed by a brief conversation to confirm the practice is a good fit.
New patients begin with a short, secure intake form, or a phone call if you prefer. There is no online self-scheduling. Your concerns are reviewed first, and you will have a brief conversation with the practice to make sure care here is a good fit before an evaluation is scheduled.
Complete the Secure Intake Form →
General questions: call (617) 318-8557 or email [email protected].
This page is general information and is not medical advice. If you are having an emergency, call 911. If you are in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
A Short, Secure Intake Form Is The First Step. Your Concerns Are Reviewed, And A Brief Conversation Confirms Fit Before Any Evaluation Is Scheduled.
