Treatment for ADHD in Alexandria, VA and the Greater Washington, D.C. Area
Many adults struggling with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) do not present with obvious hyperactivity. Instead, they may experience chronic procrastination, distractibility, disorganization, difficulty prioritizing tasks, emotional overwhelm, or inconsistent performance in work and relationships. In high-functioning professionals, these difficulties are often misattributed to stress, anxiety, burnout, or personality style.
At Shugarman Psychiatric & Counseling, we provide comprehensive psychiatric evaluations and treatment for ADHD for adults in Alexandria, Virginia and the Greater Washington, D.C. area.
Our board-certified psychiatrists are highly trained and experienced in diagnosing and treating ADHD, using psychiatric medication when appropriate and tailoring treatment to the specific needs of each patient.
Initial psychiatric evaluations with our psychiatrists are conducted in person and are 2 hours long to allow sufficient time to arrive at accurate psychiatric diagnoses and better understand not only the nature of your symptoms, but also you as a person more broadly.
Based on patient preference, location, and clinical needs, follow-up virtual appointments for ADHD treatment may be available through telepsychiatry (telehealth).
What ADHD in Adults Can Look Like:
ADHD in adults often presents differently than many people expect. There is a common misconception that intelligent and successful persons cannot have ADHD, which is not the case. Many of the most successful people in our society have achieved success despite struggling with symptoms of a condition for which they have not been diagnosed and have not had the benefit of receiving treatment. In fact, it is common for people to first consider the possibility that they might have ADHD only after a close family member or friend has been diagnosed, when people see similarities between themselves and their loved one.
Symptoms of ADHD can differ significantly from person to person and may impact work, personal life, and relationships to a greater or lesser extent. While some individuals experience obvious distractibility or hyperactivity, others struggle more subtly with executive functioning difficulties that interfere with daily life, work performance, and relationships.
Common symptoms of the condition may include:
- Chronic procrastination
- Difficulty organizing tasks and responsibilities
- Frequent forgetfulness
- Trouble sustaining attention
- Feeling mentally overwhelmed
- Difficulty prioritizing or completing projects
- Restlessness or difficulty slowing down mentally
- Emotional impulsivity or frustration intolerance
- Inconsistent performance despite strong abilities
ADHD Often Co-Occurs with Other Mental Health Conditions:
Symptoms of ADHD can overlap with other psychiatric and psychological conditions, including anxiety disorders, depression, chronic stress, trauma-related conditions, and sleep disturbances. Sometimes, symptoms of these conditions mimic those of ADHD, though it is also common for people with ADHD to have additional mental health diagnoses.
Comprehensive psychiatric evaluation is important in order to accurately distinguish ADHD from other mental health conditions that may produce similar symptoms, while also identifying times when multiple conditions may coexist.
Treatment Options:
At Shugarman Psychiatric & Counseling, we take a thoughtful and individualized approach to diagnostic assessment, rather than relying upon brief or overly simplistic evaluations. We obtain an in-depth history, target the most serious issues first, and continually reevaluate to optimize diagnostic accuracy and treatment effectiveness.
We treat mental health conditions using a combination of psychiatric medication, psychotherapy, and practical behavioral strategies tailored to the individual’s needs. If an individual is diagnosed with ADHD, medication options include stimulant and non-stimulant options. Some ADHD medications are long-acting, whereas others are short-acting. Additionally, some individuals take medication on a daily basis, whereas others take medication more flexibly depending upon their needs.
Our experienced board-certified psychiatrists prioritize collaborative treatment planning and work closely with patients to develop personalized and sustainable treatment plans focused on improving functioning and quality of life, while treating the person as a whole and addressing any mental health conditions that are present. Initial psychiatric evaluations are conducted in person and are 2 hours long. Follow-up virtual appointments with our psychiatrists may be available through telepsychiatry (telehealth) based on patient preference, location, and clinical needs.
At the end of each appointment, we provide a detailed receipt to assist patients in maximizing insurance reimbursement. Fees vary by provider type and are available upon request.
Our Providers:
Ryan Shugarman, M.D.
Board-Certified General and Forensic Psychiatrist
Dr. Shugarman is a board-certified general and forensic psychiatrist and founder of the practice. He provides medication management and psychotherapy for adults, performs forensic psychiatric evaluations, and serves as an expert witness.
James V. Rives, M.D.
Board-Certified Psychiatrist
Dr. Rives is a board-certified psychiatrist. He provides medication management and psychotherapy for persons ages 16 and older. Dr. Rives also has extensive experience evaluating and treating U.S. military veterans.
Please call us at (703) 596-1024 or complete our contact form to learn more about our psychiatric treatment services in the Alexandria, VA / Greater Washington, D.C. area!
For more information about mental health conditions, psychiatry, and treatment, the American Psychiatric Association’s and NAMI’s websites offer excellent resources.