ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)

ADHD is one of the most common psychiatric conditions we see in children, and one of the most rewarding to treat. The difference that proper diagnosis and medication can make in a child's life is often visible within days, not months. A child who was struggling socially, falling behind academically, and getting in trouble for behavior that was never really under their control can start having success. Success in life tends to snowball in the right direction. It is not up to the person with ADHD to simply work harder at making the symptoms go away. That is not how this condition works, and too many families spend years believing effort alone should be enough before they learn that medical treatment was an option all along.

For many children, effective ADHD treatment is the beginning of a pattern: once the core symptoms are managed, progress in school, friendships, and self-confidence tends to follow.

Many adults who seek evaluation were never diagnosed as children because their symptoms did not fit the stereotype of a hyperactive boy who cannot sit still. They come in after years of frustration, wondering why things that seem easy for everyone else have always felt so hard. The impact of untreated ADHD reaches well beyond school. It affects driving, employment, relationships, and long-term career outcomes, and untreated children carry over three times the general population's risk of developing substance abuse problems. In children and adolescents, families sometimes hear that their child is "lazy" or "not trying," when in reality the child's brain is working against them in ways that respond very well to treatment. Whether the struggle shows up in a child who cannot stay in their seat or an adult who has never finished a project on time, the underlying condition is the same. It is far more treatable than most people realize.

What many families do not realize is just how quickly quality of life can improve with the right approach. A careful evaluation, the right medication when it is warranted, and ongoing monitoring to adjust the plan as needs change are all part of what we do.

Signs and Symptoms

ADHD presents across three general patterns: primarily inattentive, primarily hyperactive and impulsive, or a combination of both. In children, inattentive symptoms include difficulty sustaining focus on tasks, trouble following multi-step instructions, losing things frequently, being easily distracted, and appearing not to listen even when spoken to directly. Hyperactive and impulsive symptoms include fidgeting, leaving their seat when expected to stay, talking excessively, interrupting conversations, and difficulty waiting their turn.

In adolescents and adults, hyperactivity often becomes less visible and shifts inward: restlessness, difficulty relaxing, a sense of being driven or on edge. The inattentive symptoms tend to persist and become more disruptive as academic and professional demands increase. Adults with ADHD frequently describe difficulty managing time, keeping track of responsibilities, finishing projects, and regulating their emotions in response to frustration or boredom.

ADHD commonly overlaps with other conditions. Dr. Teitelbaum evaluates for co-occurring OCD, tic disorders, anxiety, depression, oppositional behavior, and autistic spectrum disorder, because treating ADHD in isolation when another condition is also present often leads to incomplete improvement.

Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)

Oppositional defiant disorder is a pattern of angry, irritable mood, argumentative and defiant behavior, and vindictiveness that goes beyond typical childhood pushback and interferes with daily functioning at home, at school, or with peers. ODD frequently co-occurs with ADHD, and when both are present, it can be difficult for families to tell where one ends and the other begins.

In many cases, what looks like deliberate defiance is actually frustration driven by ADHD: a child who cannot organize their thoughts, who feels overwhelmed by demands they cannot meet, and who has been told repeatedly that they are not trying hard enough may respond with anger and resistance. Proper evaluation can sort out what is happening, and treatment that addresses the underlying ADHD often reduces the oppositional behavior as well. When ODD symptoms persist even after ADHD is managed, targeted behavioral strategies and, in some cases, medication adjustments can help.

If your child has been diagnosed with ODD, or if you are seeing a pattern of persistent defiance and anger that is affecting their relationships and functioning, a psychiatric evaluation that accounts for all the factors involved is an important step.

How We Approach ADHD Treatment

Treatment starts with a thorough psychiatric evaluation. We take the time to understand your history or your child's history, the symptoms, what has been tried before, and what is happening at home, at school, and in daily life right now. ADHD does not exist in a vacuum, and a diagnosis only matters to the extent that it helps us build the right treatment plan for the individual.

One of the things that sets ADHD apart from many psychiatric conditions is how quickly medication can make a difference when the diagnosis is correct and the medication is right. When medication is appropriate, we discuss your options, explain what to expect, and monitor the response carefully. Finding the right medication and the right dose is a collaborative process that often takes several visits, especially in children whose needs change as they grow. We coordinate with your child's school, your therapist, or your primary care doctor when doing so helps treatment.

There was a time when many families were told to use ADHD medication only on school days and take breaks on weekends and summers. Current understanding has moved past that. Most people, children through adults, do much better with routine treatment, the same way you do not take your hands off of the steering wheel when driving your car. ADHD affects more than academics, and consistent treatment helps with the social, behavioral, and organizational parts of life that do not stop when school lets out.

ADHD frequently overlaps with OCD, tic disorders, autistic spectrum disorder, anxiety, and depression. Getting proper diagnoses and then appropriate care is not always straightforward. That is why it matters to work with a clinician who has the training to evaluate the full picture rather than treating one condition in isolation.

What to Expect

Your first appointment is an in-office psychiatric evaluation. Dr. Teitelbaum will review your history, ask about your symptoms, and take the time to understand what is going on before recommending a treatment plan. For children and adolescents, a parent or guardian is part of that conversation.

Follow-up visits are scheduled based on your individual needs. When starting or adjusting medication, more frequent check-ins help us monitor your response. Once treatment is stable, visits are typically less frequent.

After your first in-office visit, telehealth appointments are available for patients located in Florida. An in-office visit is required at least every six months.

When to Seek Help

If your child is struggling in school despite seeming capable, having difficulty making or keeping friends, frequently in trouble for behavior that feels out of their control, or if you as an adult have spent years feeling like you are underperforming relative to your ability, a psychiatric evaluation can help clarify what is going on. You do not need to have a diagnosis to call. You do not need to be in crisis.

For non-emergency questions about scheduling or whether our practice is a good fit, call us at (561) 630-8530.