Adult & Adolescent ADHD
Diagnosis & Treatment in California

What Is ADHD?

ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects attention, impulse control, working memory, and (in many people) emotional regulation. It's not just "trouble focusing" — for many adults, it shows up as chronic procrastination, time blindness, impulsive decisions, restlessness, and a lifetime sense of underachievement.

ADHD is dramatically underdiagnosed in adults — especially in women and people who didn't fit the hyperactive-boy stereotype as kids. Many of our patients come to us in their 30s, 40s, or 50s, often after a child got diagnosed and they recognized themselves in the description.

A proper ADHD diagnosis isn't a 15-minute checklist. We use structured rating scales, developmental history, comorbidity screening, and ruling out look-alike conditions (anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, thyroid issues) before we diagnose.

Common Symptoms

• Difficulty sustaining attention on routine tasks
• Easily distracted; mind wandering during conversations
• Chronic procrastination, especially on boring tasks
• Forgetfulness — appointments, deadlines, where you put things
• Time blindness — chronically late, underestimating how long things take
• Restlessness, fidgeting, or feeling driven by a motor
• Impulsivity — financial decisions, interrupting, blurting things out
• Emotional dysregulation — quick to frustrate, intense responses

If symptoms are interfering with daily life — or if you've felt this way for more than two weeks — it's worth a conversation with a psychiatrist.

Care That Takes Time

UMG's Davis clinic is our dedicated ADHD Testing Center, but full ADHD evaluation and treatment are available at all four locations and via TelePsychiatry across California. Many patients prefer telehealth for ADHD because traveling to appointments is itself an ADHD obstacle.

We don't gatekeep stimulants, and we don't pressure patients into stimulants either. The treatment plan depends on your symptoms, history, comorbidities, and preferences. For some patients, the best treatment is a non-stimulant; for others, a low-dose stimulant; for many, medication plus skills coaching.

If you've been on the same dose of the same stimulant for years and it's stopped working, that's worth a fresh look — there are often better-fit options.

Can I get an ADHD diagnosis at my first visit?

Sometimes. If your history is clear and we have collateral information (school records, partner observations), yes. Many patients need a follow-up visit to complete validated rating scales and rule out look-alike conditions.

Do you prescribe controlled substances via telehealth?

Yes — California allows telehealth prescribing of stimulants under current rules. We follow DEA and state guidelines, and we're transparent about what's required (e.g., periodic in-person visits where applicable).

I've tried Adderall and it didn't work. Are there other options?

Yes. There are 10+ FDA-approved ADHD medications spanning different chemical classes (methylphenidate, amphetamine, non-stimulant). About 70% of patients who don't respond to one stimulant respond to another. Pharmacogenomic testing can help guide the choice.

Can I switch to your practice if I'm already on ADHD medication?

Yes. Bring your current prescription bottle and any prior evaluations. We'll review your history, confirm the diagnosis, and continue or adjust treatment as appropriate.

Is ADHD treatment covered by Medi-Cal?

Yes. We accept Medi-Cal, Medicare, and most major commercial insurance for ADHD evaluation and ongoing medication management.